1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet (964)

Highlights

• In current ownership for 10 years

• Previous engine rebuild

• Desirable manual transmission

• Clean MOT until September 2026

• Classic colour combination of Guards Red over Black leather

Overview

Striking the balance between usability and driver involvement, for many enthusiasts the 964-era 911 is the sweet spot for those wanting the raw driving experience of the 3.2, with some extra grunt and safety aids, but not wishing to go for the more digitised experience of the later 993. Just like Goldilocks with her porridge, enthusiasts want their 911s just right, and the 964 may just be the chosen bowl…

This particular example is all the better for those late summer cruises or roof-down winter drives, thanks to its power-folding soft top. Once again, striking the balance between cruiser (being a cabriolet) and a being one for the drivers (thanks to its five-speed manual transmission) we can see a lot of appeal for this 964, not to mention its year-round usability thanks to the all-wheel-drive system, although we’re not quite sure we’d be subjecting this Stuttgart classic to winterised salty roads… at least not without a thorough wash afterwards!

Purchased by the current owner around 10 years ago following an engine rebuild, this 964 cabriolet has been used sparingly in recent years, though is reported to still be in good mechanical health in spite of its mileage being on the higher side - a claim further backed up by the recent advisory free MOT certificate - and as such makes the case for being an excellent weekend classic that can be driven without fear of ruining a concours-condition car. In other words, it’s just how some of us like them here at PH…

History and documentation

• Registered 07 Feb 1990

• The seller states that she has records of all services carried out, but the service book is only completed up to 2011

• Full document pack

• Extensive folder full of invoices and old MOT certificates

• One ignition key, one lock key, one immobiliser fob

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 04 Sep 2026

• The seller tells us that the car was serviced in September 2025 at the same time as the MoT exam

• V5 present in owner’s name

• Copies of ‘Porsche Enthusiasts companion’ and ‘911 technical data without the guesswork’ to be included with the sale  

• Photographic record of engine rebuild carried out prior to current ownership

• HPI clear

Interior

• Black leather interior with red contrast piping

• Sports seats

• Power folding roof

• The interior is in generally good condition, but it would benefit from a thorough valeting

• We note some typical patination to the high-traffic areas such as the door cards, steering wheel, shifter and centre console

• The OE stereo has been given a period upgrade

• From what we can see, the outer bolster of the driver’s seat is typically worn, but not beyond what would be considered commensurate for a vehicle of this age and mileage

• In the rear, the bucket seats are lightly patinated and exhibit the usual indentations from years of being folded or used for storage

• The frunk is clean and tidy, with the typical Porsche issue of sagging carpets making itself known

• No reported faults or issues, nor any reported damages to the optional sports seats

Exterior

• Iconic Guards Red paintwork, which is believed by the seller to be original

• Overall, the paint and bodywork looks to be in good condition, with some signs of age beginning to creep in - an excellent opportunity for the next owner to bring this 964 back to its best, but also making this example ideal for actual use

• At the front, the usual smattering of stone chips is present

• The folding soft top shows some larger scuffs and small tears above the driver’s window

• The rear window is faded/hazed with age

• Some light abrasions visible on the wheels, as well as a few patches of peeling/cracking paint

• Elsewhere, the usual chips/abrasions to the outer edges of the doors are visible, there is a larger touched-in chip on the nearside rear wing, and the seller notes that one of the poppers for the included tonneau cover is missing

• At the rear, the central reflector bar shows some cracking/crazing to both outer edges, as well as some similar damage to the nearside rear light cluster

Mechanical

• 3.6-litre naturally aspirated flat-six air-cooled engine

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Electronically controlled all-wheel drive system, splitting power 31:69 between the front/rear axles

• No modifications from factory specification

• The seller notes that the car starts with ease and sounds fantastic

• There is an unusual tendency for the ‘2/4’ warning light to illuminate after long periods of sitting, but this then clears if driven regularly

• The seller had the aforementioned issue investigated, but no fault could be found with the mechanism

• No other reported faults or mechanical issues, and a clean recent MOT exam should give the next owner peace-of-mind

Summary

Long-term ownership, a classic colour combination and the all-important manual transmission; this 964-era cabriolet has a lot going for it, but still harbours plenty of potential for the next owner to proceed down a concours restoration route, or simply drive the doors off it - whichever takes your fancy. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Carlisle, Cumbria.