Arriving for 1989, the 964 generation of the 911 incorporated the most substantial changes yet in the model’s 25-year existence. Porsche claimed the car was 87% new, and while that statement raised eyebrows initially, close examination confirms just how much re-engineering Porsche did. The chassis was substantially revised to incorporate MacPherson strut suspension and all-wheel drive, while the brakes, aerodynamics, and engine were also markedly improved.

The turbocharged variant of the 964 appeared in March 1990 at the Geneva Motor Show, combining the engineering upgrades of the naturally aspirated car with the old-school excitement of rear-wheel drive and a single turbocharger. Like the final year of the previous Turbo (the 930), the 964 Turbo uses the five-speed G50 transmission with hydraulic clutch. It is considerably nicer to shift, and its more closely spaced and numerous ratios make the car markedly swifter and more fun in the real world. The 930’s 3.3-liter engine was carried over with revised engine management, enlarged turbocharger and intercooler, and revised intake and exhaust systems, permitting a modest 20 hp increase to 320 hp. Modest power boost or not, the car was searingly quick, achieving 0–60 mph in 4.6 seconds when tested by Road & Track—half a second quicker than even a five-speed 930.

For certain particularly enthusiastic customers, however, this was not enough and Porsche’s costly (and thus rare) X33 option was the answer for them. Consisting of a revised intake system, enlarged cylinder head ports, and special camshafts, the X33 package increased horsepower to 355. Only 192 cars were so equipped, adding exclusivity to the supercar-like performance.

Beyond the X33 option, this 964 Turbo was ordered with a long list of special features. These included interior-to-sample in full Wine Red leather, which covers the upper and lower dashboard, center console, door panels and pulls, and even the steering wheel airbag cover, A-pillars, headliner, and sun visors. The car is also equipped with heated sport seats and locking differential. The car was originally supplied to Basel, Switzerland, where it spent its entire life with one owner until it was acquired by the consignor in 2022. At that time, the car was serviced and carefully inspected by Porsche Service Zentrum Gstaad and found to be in superb order, having covered 48,334 km (approximately 30,000 miles) from new.

Equipped with the rare X33 option, this car’s appeal is further enhanced by its handsome and unusual configuration, exceptional condition, and straightforward and fastidious documentation, which includes the original stamped service book, invoices, and correspondence from Porsche confirming the car’s unique specification. Collectively, these attributes make this an exceptionally exciting air-cooled Porsche for collectors and driving enthusiasts alike.