1993 Porsche 911 Type 964 Speedster
Registration no. not UK registered
Chassis no. WPOZZZ96ZRS455166
Engine no. 62PO4525

With the introduction of the 911 Speedster in January 1989, Porsche revived a charismatic model from its past, the name previously having been applied to that most stylish of the many Type 356 variants. Based on the 911 Turbo Cabriolet, though normally aspirated, the 3.2-litre Speedster was launched immediately prior to the introduction of the new Type 964 bodyshell, and thus was the last 911 model to feature the 'old style' body. The latter was reworked by chief stylist Tony Lapine, incorporating numerous references to the original 356 Speedster as well as a pair of controversial 'camel hump' cowlings behind the seats that concealed the stowed-away manual hood. A mere 2,102 Speedsters had been completed by the time of the new Type 964's introduction in August 1989.

Their arrival representing a major step forward in the development of Porsche's perennial 911, the Type 964 Carreras marked the first time that four-wheel drive had been seen on a series-production model, appearing on the Carrera 4. Porsche had experimented with four-wheel drive on the 959 supercar, and many of the lessons learned from the latter influenced the design of the new Carreras' chassis and suspension. Face-lifted but retaining that familiar shape, the newcomers had been given a more extensive work-over mechanically, 87% of parts being claimed as entirely new. The pair shared the same 3.6-litre flat-six engine, while power-assisted steering (another 911 'first'), anti-lock brakes and a five-speed manual transmission were standard on both, with the Tiptronic auto 'box a Carrera 2-only option. Its new engine enabled the 964 to out-perform the old '3.2' yet still met the latest emissions regulations, top speed increasing to 162mph with 60mph attainable in 5.4 seconds (5.6 seconds Tiptronic).

It took Porsche a couple of years to re-introduced the Speedster to the 911 line-up, the Type 964 version being announced in October 1992. Based on the Carrera 2, it looked very like its immediate predecessor, but unlike the latter was not initially available with the 'Turbo-Look' body style. It is estimated that only 936 Type 964 Speedsters were built for the 1993 model year, with some of the later examples being completed as 1994 cars and sold alongside the successor Type 993 Porsches. With the latter's introduction, the Speedster once again disappeared from the 911 catalogue, only to be revived a few years ago as part of Porsche's 'Exclusive' programme of strictly limited edition models.

This rare Type 964 Speedster was purchased new by the current owner via Foz-Car, Porsche main agents in Porto, Portugal. It was delivered to the owner's specification, being most handsomely finished in black with matching interior trim, carpets, hood and hardtop. Other noteworthy features include a Blaupunkt Paris stereo system and Michelin Pilot Sport tyres all round, while the car also comes with its 'space saver' spare tyre, compressor, tyre gauge, tool roll and wheel brace. The Speedster has been fastidiously maintained by the vendor's qualified team of mechanics since delivery and is presented in generally excellent condition having covered only 19,050 kilometres from new.

Stylish, rare, highly desirable and superbly presented, the car comes complete with its leather wallet; instruction book (including section for a Speedster); service booklet; stereo instructions, etc.