1990 Porsche

Time to rewind to 1989, where the 911 was already was 28 years old, and the arrival of the new Type 964 series. This was the first major 911 update – impact bumpers aside – since the icon’s 1963 debut. Porsche claimed 85% of the components either being updated or redesigned from the outgoing 3.2 Carrera and certainly visually, the new front and rear aprons, plus body-smoothing side skirts, added a strikingly modern take. The Fuchs wheels had flown. Active aero in the form of the retractable rear wing was a talking point, and something of a first.

Mechanically, Porsche had joined the four wheel drive brigade, with the launch of the Carrera 4 to accompany the rear wheel drive variant now named Carrera 2. The 4wd technology was simpler than the mighty 959, but still gave new levels of grip alien to 911 drivers, whilst the traditional torsion bars finally gave way to more conventional coil springs, which would transform the handling.

The flat-six grew to 3.6-litres and 250bhp, a useful 20bhp up on the outgoing Carrera 3.2. Twin-plug cylinder heads were a nod to the environment and a cleaner, more powerful fuel burn. The G50 transmission was retained in revised form, itself having arrived late in the Carrera 3.2's tenure.

The interior was familiar 911 territory, but now with an elevated transmission tunnel - 959-style - to accommodate the prop shaft for the four wheel drive models. This in turn allowed for a shorter shifter, rather than the previous wand-like lever. Ventilation was improved and more refinement introduced.

Whilst overall this could be considered evolution rather than revolution of the 911 concept, just ten minutes behind the wheel of any variant was enough to demonstrate how much more accomplished the 964 was than any previous road going 911.

And as sure as night follows day, despite the new four wheel drive option, driving enthusiasts still favoured the purity of the 964 Carrera 2, whether in Coupe, Cabriolet or Targa form.

Replaced in 1993 by the 993, the 964’s star shone bright for a relatively brief time. It then spent some time in the doldrums, sandwiched between the Carrera 3.2 and the 993 in terms of desirability, before enthusiasts and the market woke up to the 964s strengths, perhaps also helped along by its adoption as a very effective donor car for restomod creations. Indeed here at Paul Stephens, we were the first company to build a retro 911 based on the 964 in the early millennium years, but that’s another story…

Targa Tales

Whilst the Coupe has always arguably held the position of "top dog" in 911 circles, we have always been a fan of the Targa concept, which was Porsche's initial answer to the convertible when launched in the 60s, and to our eyes at least, we still feel a better and prettier solution than the full cabriolet version that arrived in the 80s to meet customer demand. Practical with the roof fitted and stylish when removed, the Targa not only looked great, but its fixed roll bar and rear window design ensured minimal wind buffeting with the roof removed too, making it an easy companion for longer journeys.

We are delighted to have this 964 Targa back for sale and a car which we’ve sold before. Indeed, several times, the first being back in 2002, when it was just 12 years old.

First registered in June 1990 and delivered to Swinford Motors, Porsche Centre, this is an early 964 Targa. Finished in Guards Red, with contrasting black leather interior, it is absolutely of its time and with the exception of the popular upgrade of 17 " cup wheels from the later 1992 model, incredibly original too.

Typical of the era, the spec is relatively simple, with electric, deep bolstered Sports seats the standout box tick. Mileage currently stands at 59,000 miles, which is reflected in the overall condition. The paintwork is largely original without accident damage and the interior shrugs off its 35 years, displaying appropriate light patina, whilst amazingly, the original Blaupunkt Paris radio/cassette is still present and correct. The underside is very good with no signs of corrosion. An engine rebuild at 48,000 miles to cure oil leaks is the only major non service invoice, but a nice one to have!

Crucially, the cars history includes not one, but two comprehensively stamped service books from both Porsche OPCs and Porsche specialists, supported by a thick file of paperwork too. As well as a service and MOT, we will be fitting new brakes and tyres all round, sorting out a few usual oil leaks and fitting a new clutch while the engine is out at the same time.

Lastly, the potential Achilles heal of any older Targa - the roof! which we are happy to report on this car is still in excellent condition.

On The Road

Whilst the Coupe might be the ultimate drivers choice, we say give the Targa a chance, because it could well be the classic 911 experience that you’re looking for. Targa top folded and stashed, prepare for an open-air driving experience that is really quite civilised, and one that you will welcome in the summer, when all the classic 911 Coupe drivers are melting. And remember, whilst the driving dynamics are slightly softer than the coupe, this is still a manual rear wheel drive 911, so offers the best of both worlds. Whilst this particular example drives extremely well. The 3.6-litre, flat-six is a supremely tractable device, with the sort of torque that was lacking from the previous generations of 911 engines. It still likes to rev, but equally it will cruise, which is what you sometimes want from your open-air motoring. The G50 gearbox has a long but lovely damped throw to it, and the new to the 964, power steering is welcome, plus if you get too carried away, it is the first to be fitted with ABS!

Driving this 964 is interactive, immersive and enhanced by compact dimensions. Where modern Porsches have to breathe in, the snake-hipped 964 slips through and makes its escape, with sight lines guided by the traditional upright front wings.

Our Thoughts

Whilst not a rare model in its own right, we feel this is an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire a low mileage 964 Carrera 2 Targa, which itself can now be considered a true modern classic. Add a meticulous service history, the excellent overall condition throughout, dependability and bank vault build quality, both hallmarks of 911s built in this era and this must be one of the safest places to put your hard earned cash today.