
What to look out for when buying a Porsche 964
Michael GerischerShare
The absolute top class in terms of technology and quality
For many years, the original 911 series from Porsche was the epitome of performance, speed, perfection and quality. Nevertheless, at the end of 1980, it was time to introduce a new 911 to the market with the 964 model. The potential for a competitor from Untertürkheim to catch up was too great, so that the former Porsche icon slowly began to fall behind technologically. The successor 964 was introduced in 1988 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Porsche 911, and was initially only available as a Carrera 4 with all-wheel drive. Visually, the two models differ only slightly from one another. The main changes are under the bonnet. Compared to its predecessor, the G-model, more than 80% of the parts have been completely redeveloped. Highlights include the new 3.6-litre engine with dual ignition, McPherson struts and coil spring/damper units. In addition to the all-wheel-drive coupé, the car is also available as a targa and cabriolet.
Today's successors, such as the Porsche 996, differ significantly from the legendary design of the 911. In many cases, the new models are referred to as soft-washed Lenor Porsches, as the magazine Autobild dubbed the 996 in 1998. But as early as 1988, Porsche developers had shown with the 964 that they could more than hold their own against the Mercedes SL. The 250-hp, 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine alone has plenty of power under the bonnet and achieves a top speed of around 260 km/h, despite all-wheel drive and a higher kerb weight. The 964 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. The 911's predecessor was last equipped with a 3.2-litre engine with 217 hp, with the regulated catalytic converter swallowing up a lot of power. This means that this sports car only reached 240 km/h and took around 6.3 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h.
Small technical gimmicks provide additional power and more attention
To ensure a much more stable driving behaviour at high speeds and to optimally compensate for the lift and downforce acting on the car, the Porsche 964 has an integrated rear spoiler that automatically extends at speeds above 80 km/h.
To achieve an even better drag coefficient and lower fuel consumption, the underbody is completely covered. In contrast to the previous model, which was known as a loud and hard 911, great importance was attached to greater driving comfort with the 964. The most important innovations were the standard power steering, a revised chassis with a negative scrub radius at the front and an anti-lock braking system. This meant that even inexperienced drivers could drive the sports car even more safely. Air conditioning was also available as an option.
Airbag and automatic transmission for the Porsche 964
At the beginning of February 1990, the Porsche 964 was now also available as a left-hand drive with a driver and passenger airbag as standard. All those who did not want this DM 120,000 car with a manual transmission received the Porsche 964 with the proven Tiptronic automatic transmission. It is interesting to note that, in addition to the fully automatic gear changes, manual gear selection was also retained. This allows the driver to decide whether they want to drive their Porsche purely automatically or occasionally using the manual transmission. However, this is not a compromise for a die-hard Porsche driver. These drivers generally rely on powerful torque, fast acceleration and an absolutely top speed, which is best achieved with the manual five-speed transmission. The automatic transmission takes a full 6.6 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h, which is even longer than the 911 predecessor with a 217 hp engine.
The turbo from the 964 Porsche as a convertible
The Porsche 964 was only offered in very small numbers as a convertible with a turbo version. Nevertheless, the design was so popular that a few hundred convertibles were also delivered without this high-performance engine, but in the same factory turbo look. Despite the lack of power and the striking huge rear spoiler, the bulbous fender shape was very popular with many fans. Even today, these models are still sought-after collector's items.
Important tips for buying a used Porsche 964
If you are interested in a used Porsche 964, you should be aware that there is always a certain risk involved. Any repair to a 911 model is usually very expensive. Very rare are the cars with a full service history and in top condition, with a verifiable history and as few previous owners as possible. With these cars, you can still safely sweep through the countryside in the next few years. But there are also many unkempt specimens or models with many previous owners. Mileage is not always crucial to the quality of a Porsche. Sometimes a 964 with more than 200,000 km on the clock from a single owner is a better choice than a car with only 100,000 km on the clock that has hardly been serviced. There are a few points that should be considered when buying.
Manufaktur 964 specialises in the professional restoration and marketing of the popular Porsche 964.
In doing so, they primarily focus on category 2 models in need of repair, which are restored to a high level of perfection. Of course, category 3 vehicles are also purchased in an emergency, but the restoration effort is many times higher here. Not only restorations are part of the field of activity, but also modifications and vehicle upgrades. Great importance is attached to the use of original Porsche parts.
If you are interested in a used Porsche 964, you don't need to worry about the mileage. The engines in this series last forever and should not be a reason to rule out a purchase. At Manufaktur 964, we of course reliably and preventively repair all age-related and mileage-related damage.
Success comes in stages
When a 964 racing car is delivered, the first step is to check the condition of the incoming goods. After a thorough internal and external clean, a careful visual inspection is carried out. All functional parts are also put through their paces. The first test drive quickly reveals the first weak points. In the second step, all panels are removed, cleaned and stored. All operating fluids are drained. The body is then cleaned using a dry ice blasting process. This is a compressed air process that uses carbon dioxide as dry ice at a temperature of minus 78.5 degrees Celsius.
The extent of the restoration work is determined on the basis of a second inspection after the dry ice cleaning. In any case, the important chassis and brake components are overhauled and renewed. If necessary, the sports car must also be repainted. In this case, the complete interior, roof hoods and windows are removed and stored. Then it's off to the paint shop. At the same time, the upholstery and side panels, as well as the soft top of the convertible, are sent to a saddlery. The engine and transmission also undergo an overhaul. This is always a comprehensive and very detailed revision. After the components have been overhauled and replaced in the individual plants, the assembly takes place. During this process, the vehicle is also completely re-measured and a detailed quality and function check is carried out. After a test drive, it is ready for the main inspection. Shortly before delivery, another handover inspection is carried out so that the customer can now look forward to their beautiful Porsche 964.
There is always work to be done on used 964s
Particularly with category 2 sports cars, restoration work is always required. You can't just assume that you can buy a used car and then drive off without a care. The faster possible damage is discovered, the more stable the value of the vehicle will remain. Incidentally, Manufaktur 964 also offers rolling restoration. This means that in the first step, the technical defects are remedied and then at a later point in time, the remaining damage, which is usually visual. This includes, for example, interior work or the repair of paint damage.
Manufaktur 964 is committed to high quality standards
We at Manufaktur 964 take on the complete overhaul of the technology ourselves and ensure with our high quality standards that a 964 Porsche can be driven without restriction. In this regard, only high-quality and original components that are precisely matched to the vehicle are used. In addition, we provide a 24-month warranty.