1991 Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 4

1989 heralded the first significant change in the shape of the 911 with the arrival of the Benjamin Dimson designed '964'. Initially, it was only available in four-wheel drive form, marketed as the Carrera 4 (C4), however, the following year, the two-wheel drive Carrera 2 (C2) was introduced.

When the 964 was first brought to market, Porsche were keen to emphasise that, although it was patently still a 911, it was in fact 85% different from the outgoing model. The design featured more integrated bumpers and a host of mechanical changes, most significant of which was the availability of four-wheel drive. The displacement was now up to 3600cc, producing 250bhp, power steering, and ABS brakes were now fitted as standard, and the torsion bar rear suspension was replaced with coil springs and shock absorbers.Careful attention to the aerodynamics reduced the drag coefficient down to 0.32, and with virtually zero lift, stability and road holding at high speed were greatly improved. A new feature was the retractable spoiler which automatically extended at 50 mph and in addition to seriously increasing downforce, also doubled the volume of cooling air fed into the engine compartment. Revised instrumentation featured a large set of warning lights that were tied into the car's central warning system adding to Porsche's reputation for reliability. Fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, most variants were reputed to be capable of 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds with a top speed of over 160mph. Such was its success, that in the five years of production over 62,000 left the factory with 3,692 heading for UK shores.

This left-hand drive, manual, Carrera 4 Coupé has been owned by our vendor for twenty-five years. It was purchased in Germany whilst the owner worked there and both he and the car would remain in Germany until 2000, when he returned to the UK and, reluctant to part from his beloved 911, brought it with him and registered it here.

The car has been much loved and enjoyed and shows 293,000kms (approx. 182,000 mls.) on the clock. Maintenance records accompany the car showing its continued use with bills from Charles Ivey, AFN Chiswick, and RGA Porsche Specialists. In 2011, it was refurbished with a professional respray in its original colour of Night Blue, Grey leather seats were 'Connolised', and various other maintenance and detail items were attended to with the intention of keeping the car in good all-round condition.

In recent times it has been used less frequently, with just 3,000 kms covered in the last three years, but it has been freshly MOT'd (valid until September 2017) and we are told the car is running beautifully. It's hard to credit that it has 293k km's under its belt.

This car is a true testament to the durability; build quality and workmanship of Porsche. An excellent usable example be it to pop to the shops or to tackle continental tours, a real 'do all' motorcar and one we are sure, with correct maintenance, will last another 293,000kms.