A car that Sports Purpose sold to an enthusiastic Porsche driver in March 2020, it is now relisted on his behalf as he has purchased his dream car, a 964 Carrera, ‘reimagined’ in California.

Initially supplied to the German market, this smart car was purchased by the previous owner in December 2010, at which time it was displaying 65,500 kilometres.

The car has its original numbers matching engine and transmission and is presented in completely standard form. It was fitted new with the Clubsport interior and with the option of Racing Safety Equipment. It has subsequently been fitted with Porsche air ducts in the front bumper.

The car has a history that is unusual for one of these cars, with few owners and a close association with Porsche from new.

The service book for the car records careful ownership by each custodian, with stamps from Official Porsche Centres from August 1992 until March 2016. The car was most recently serviced by Tuthill Porsche, in October 2019. Additionally, Heritage Autowerks attended to every aspect raised on their inspection report as part of the sales process in March.

As a result, the car wants for nothing.

It’s no secret that we rate the 964 RS, owning two cars ourselves. It perfectly strikes the balance between the purity of the early cars and the modernity of the later air-cooled models. Unlike more modern rare Porsche’s at the moment, values continue to firm as enthusiasts recognise them for the sweet spot of the RS catalogue that we believe them to be.

This car appeals on many levels. It is in arguably the most desirable colour for a 964 RS – certainly the definitive colour. It has a wonderful history that is supported by some irreplaceable records.

Most importantly, it drives like a tight, well-maintained car should. It may be 27 years old, but the key number is the 43,000 miles. The engine is unmodified, unlike many, and pulls extremely tractably. The noise level is not high, contrary to what you would expect from the stripped interior and lack of sound deadening material. The handling is as pinpoint as you would expect from this famous model.

One of our acid tests of whether you should buy a car or not is whether you look back at it once you have parked it. This one certainly passes that test.