The 964-chassis Porsche 911 is one of my absolute favorite eras of the classic air-cooled sports car, and examples like this rare Murano Green Carrera 4 are seriously tempting. However, in recent years, the values for these early 90s air-cooled models has accelerated dramatically, and even a project-grade example like this one will probably clear $75,000 by the time the auction is complete. Find it here on eBay with bids to $55,100 and no reserve.
For a while there, the 964 cars were a bit of a redheaded stepchild. They slotted between the iconic 993 which was effectively an instant collector’s item once production ended, and the classic Carrera models that were the darling of Porsche’s 1980s-era lineup. The 964 was a far more complex machine, introducing all-wheel drive along with more creature comforts that some felt took away from the raw driving experience. However, any sense of it being an undesirable specimen has been stripped away in recent years, with the value of some cars quickly catching up to the 993.
The convertibles are still somewhat obtainable but not like they used to be, and special models like this one with its exceedingly rare paint code and desirable hard top configuration make it a win-win for anyone with the means to restore it back to good health. Truth be told, the seller is perhaps being a bit too harsh on the car, but he really does go into great detail about the variety of flaws stemming from 15 years of storage. The unusual exterior color scheme is complimented by a black interior.
The 911 is said to be mechanically sound but in need of a proper restoration. The seller describes it as being healthy enough to drive onto a trailer but not to drive any meaningful distance. Our guess is that he’s being extremely cautious in terms of describing the 911’s health as there are so many unknowns with a car that has been sitting. The paint scheme is one of the rarest offered on any 911, and that alone will drive strong interest in an already-desirable 964.
Jeff believe it or not for a couple years the 993 was affordable before prices took off. I remember talking to the Porsche service rep back in the early 2000’s and we had that specific discussion that you could find a good driver 993 higher mileage in the low to mid 20’s. Don’t we wish we could turn back the clock. Another crazy story. We had a 96 993 that was repaired at our body shop. The car took a hit to the drivers side door at the A-pillar and was given back to the customer. Unfortunately whenever they drove through heavy standing water a leak would occur on the drivers floor area. We tried several times trying to find the point of entry and even after stripping the interior carpet and trim I drove the car through heavy rain but couldn’t find the source. Customer sold it to my lot porter college kid for 20K! Talk about having a cool car while you were still in school.
Anyway back to the 964. Super cool color. I think I might have seen a 944 painted this color. The Carrera 4 was the first generation system which unfortunately transformed the handling characteristics of the car. System was complex and imparted a understeer during spirited driving. For many years the 964 Carrera 4 was the ugly stepchild. Much more so than a convertible but not quite as bad as the Tiptronic cars.
I was just saying to my GF, I remember seeing these for sale in the early 2000s for around $16k
When a top 246 Dino Ferrari was $70000. Most boats fly higher in 2023.
Hey rank, everybody is entitled to their opinion. And if that is yours then it’s okay for you.
I think that many, many people will disagree with you as there are a huge number of Porsche enthusiasts.
Porsche automobiles are extremely well built. Some of the best automotive technology out there.
Maybe you could overlook the styling that you’re bit excited about and take some time to investigate the technology. Maybe once you begin to realize how well built Porsches are you’ll come to see them in a little different light…
You’re not in the bunch that thinks a UPS truck is great looking are you?
I recall my older daughter saying that she would have changed gears exactly at the tiptronic point, while ascending a road & she was right.
These are not only cars but Spiritual Things. More than the sum of their parts.
I drove my son’s 40th Anniversary 911, and it was by far the sweetest driving experience that I’ve ever had.
Why they put a useless back seat in these, & Mitz 3000GT, & etc. is beyond me – maybe to raise the price?
Good luck finding a body shop wanting to repair the rust on this & any old car – today.
The back seat can haul a third modest sized adult sitting a bit sideways in a pinch. I’ve driven with my fiend and his wife and my wife (fortunately both quite small were able to sit in the rear). So it is better than nothing.
Regarding rust, I’ve had about 45 Porsches over the past 50 years and the only ones with any rust issues were 356’s and early 911s. No rust issues since late 1975 when Porsche went to galvanized bodies.
No car is perfect but in general Porsches are very well made cars with very good lifespans and good drivability. Also enjoyable to drive.
My ex-wife & voluptuous younger daughter could easily fit for a few km without complain, while in the front was sitting daughter’s equally voluptuous boyfriend