I’ve spent a fair amount of time watching the 964 market for the venerable Porsche 911, and if one thing is clear, it’s that this is a model that is currently on a tear. There are a few factors behind this, with one of them being that Singer bought up a ton of the more trashed examples to use as conversion platforms, but I’m giving less credence to that excuse as of late. I think it’s simpler: it’s an air-cooled Porsche that looks like the original design, and people will pay through the nose for nostalgia. This is a desirable turbocharged model with low miles and it’s listed here on eBay with bids over $100K and the reserve unmet.
A turbocharged 911 in any form is going to cost big money. It’s just a fact of life. You’re talking about a sports car that’s already one of the top bananas in this segment, and then you add in the fact it’s the model with the best performance out the gate. Yes, there are other options like an RS America or the super rare Speedster trim, but there’s no denying the appeal of your bread-and-butter hardtop turbo coupe. Throw in the fact that this one is low mileage and it’s of little shock to see bidding where it is.
What is a bit of a shock is to see a car like this presented with zero records of recent maintenance. This also isn’t exactly surprising, either, as I’ve seen time and again that low mileage trumps everything. It’s like an excuse not to provide documentation because bidders will simply pull the levers necessary to own a low mileage car above everything else, even if they have to immediately pump $20,000 into deferred maintenance. Of all the buying models, it makes the least sense to me, as I’d rather spend next to nothing and then blow out the maintenance budget or spend a lot and have a turnkey car.
The seller does claim it is well serviced, but it’d be nice to see the receipts that confirm this as fact. The paint work looks plenty clean as does the interior, but I don’t believe the wheels are original. I thought the turbocharged 964 came with a polished two-piece wheel design, and the rare S2 trim came with the silver-painted alloys like this car has. Not a big deal, as either option works well with those beautifully flared fenders. They won’t get any cheaper unless Singer decides to mass-produce an exact factory replica and sell it for $75,000. (That’s not happening.)
Having owned and driven many 911’s what always impressed me is how Porsche continued to improve on what was always a great drive. My first 911 had the Weber carburetors no power assisted brakes and non staggered Fuchs wheels. Wonderful car to drive and that classic air-cooled engine with the induction noise from those Webers makes delicious noises. The second was a Carrera model with the same transaxle but better power assisted brakes and staggered 16” Fuchs. Completely different character. Smooth and refined steering still as sharp as a tack and handling much more capable than the 76. When I drove customers 964’s they were on a new level of refinement. Gear change and clutch like butter, brakes that will make your eyes water, hydraulic steering that was still precise with feedback and a good A/C system. However initially they were not as cherished as the classic 911 especially after the introduction of the 993 which in my opinion was and still is the ultimate 911.
964 Turbos however were awesome and capable and as bidding has shown to be quite valuable.