1992 PORSCHE 911 (964) CARRERA 4 TARGA

This Porsche 964 Carrera 4 Targa is a very smart example of the celebrated modern classic 911, presented in a fabulous colour scheme and with a strong service history. It is powered by an air-cooled 3.6-litre flat-size engine that produces 247bhp and 228lb ft of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 82,800 miles from new, which is reasonably low for these robust sports cars, particularly when they have been as well cared for as this example.

Introduced in 1989, the 964 generation 911 represented a major turning point for Porsche’s flagship model. As well as its sleeker design, it was also the first generation to feature coil springs and shock absorbers, in place of the slightly dated torsion bar suspension system, greatly enhancing handling and ride comfort.

This original UK-delivered, right-hand-drive example was built on 16 November 1990 and first registered in August 1992. It is now being sold by its current owner, who has enjoyed the past year behind the wheel, adding 1,000 miles to the clock over this time.

The iconic bodywork presents in very good order, with consistent panel gaps and no signs of accident damage. It is still painted in its original factory colour of Horizon Blue Metallic; although, it is noted that this was resprayed at some stage. Nonetheless, the paint is smooth and glossy across the entire body with only minimal wear, including some cracking to the paintwork on the rear bumper and a small amount of bubbling, which is visible at the base of the rear screen; a common occurrence in 911s of this vintage.

Fitted with a rear windscreen wiper from new, this example offers a touch of extra practicality, and all of its glass is clear and free of chips and cracks, including the factory-fitted top tinted windscreen. Opening the rear engine compartment, everything appears to be in good order, and although there is a small area of surface corrosion, this is strictly a cosmetic issue and is commensurate with this 964’s age and mileage.

The car rides on its original Carrera Cup five-spoke alloy wheels, which are in great shape, with no signs of kerb scratches or scrapes, but there is some discolouration of the coloured Porsche crest centre caps. The finish on the black front brake callipers is also flaking slightly. The wheels are fitted with Pirelli P Zero Asimmetrico tyres all round, with the front items measuring 205/55 ZR 16, while the rears are 225/50 ZR16 units. All four are in good condition, with ample tread remaining.

Looking to the interior, the sports seats feature electric height adjustment, and have been upholstered in Cobalt blue leather with white piping, matching the rest of the interior and complementing the car’s body colour. The leather is in smart condition, but there are some general signs of wear and a slight tear to the driver’s seat’s outer bolster. The matching Cobalt Blue rear seats are in excellent condition, with no signs of wear or damage.

This 964’s door cards and dashboard also present very well, and the blue carpeting is in great shape, with little sign of fading from its original deep blue colouring. As high-wear areas, the gear knob and steering wheel are showing some signs of their age, but are still in good, solid condition. While it left the factory with an optional Blaupunkt cassette deck, this has since been replaced with a Kenwood unit. The seller states there are no known faults with the interior controls, switches, or other electrical items. As a Targa model, this Carrera 4 also features a removable roof panel, providing an open-top driving experience with less wind noise and disruption compared to a traditional convertible.

Mechanically, this 964 Carrera 4 is in very good shape, having benefitted from ongoing maintenance and care from a number of reputable specialists. Its last scheduled maintenance was carried out by Rennsport on 17 September 2019, when the spark plugs, engine oil, oil filter, air filter and battery were changed, and the CV boot was replaced. Prior to this, the car was serviced on 14 May 2018 by specialists Sam Lander Garage, who performed a full engine-out service and deep clean, replacing a number of seals, the car’s soundproofing, all of the filters and tending to the tappets, before remarking that this is “possibly one of the nicest 964’s” he’s driven. The most recent MOT test was on 9 July 2019 at 82,581 miles, with the car receiving a clean, first time pass with no advisories whatsoever.

Accompanying this 964 are all of its handbooks and extensive documentation of its service history, as well as its original tool kit and space-saver spare wheel, which is still present in the front ‘boot’.

This Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 4 Targa is a fantastic, period-correct example of a stylish and enjoyable open-top 911. Presented in an eye-catching colour scheme and in very good cosmetic and mechanical order, it should prove to be an engaging modern classic for its next owner. Honest and unmodified, this air-cooled Porsche is ready to be enjoyed in the warm summer months, with its four-wheel-drive system providing ample grip, should the British weather be less than consistent.

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