The model designation „Speedster“ has special significance when referring to a Porsche and has been used on 356, 911, 964, 997 and 991 models. The models share the original concept of an open Porsche with a cut down windscreen, bucket seats and a low roof height. All of the models are limited editions and are typically worth significantly more than their more common volume production convertible brethren.
The 964 Speedster is particularly significant as it is effectively the last air-cooled Speedster made. (we’ll ignore the 993 variant – 1 was made for F.A Porsche and is in the Porsche museum and the later Seinfeld commission is now in Switzerland)
The 964 Speedster, or the 911 Carrera 2 Speedster went back to basics and unlike the preceeding 911 wide body turbo arch shell retained the narrow body which meant the car was more aerodynamic than the standard 964, with a Cd of 0.31 with the roof up, compared to a figure of 0.32 for the coupe.
Essentially the same aluminium frame and twin humps from the 911 was used, with frameless windows without quarterlights and an improved hood arrangement that offered better weatherproofing. Going back to the original 356 Speedster roots the model had a simple interior, with manual mirrors, RS-style door panels with pull cords for the door handles, RS style bucket Recaro seats with colour coded seat backs, gearlever gaitor and dash surround. Wheels were usually coded to the body colour although there was an option for the Cup style alloys to be finished in silver.
The visual effect was stunning and approximately 935 examples were made of which 427 were destined for the US market.
The majority of cars came with a 4 speed tiptronic transmission but a select number came with a 5 speed manual gearbox with slightly stronger acceleration figures, resulting in a top speed of 162 mph and 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds.
The cars immediately gained collector status and are perhaps the closest successor to the „back to basics“ original 356 pure Speedster concept, but with modern dynamics and that special flat six aircooled soundtrack.
Porsche 964 Speedster #465119
One of 427 Speedsters delivered to the US Market out of a total production of 935 built worldwide.
According to the factory delivery invoice which comes with our car, it was imported through Porsche North America to Don McGill of Houston, Texas.
A 1994 model, the car had a MSRP of $66409 with the following options:
Guards Red – no charge
Red painted seats – red accents
Velour floor mats – black – $125
AM/FM Radio Cassette – 4 speaker – $986
Automatic speed control – $672
A/C with full climate control – $2805
Factory installed options and accessories – $70998
Vehicle preparation – included
Destination charge – $725
Total = $71713
Vehicle pre-delivery completed at PCNA preparation center.
Importantly the car was delivered with the all important and rare 5 speed manual gearbox option.
Patrick Finnigan of Nevada is believed to be the first owner and he had covered 10,505 miles in the car when he sold it to Porsche specialist, Sloan Cars of Fairfield, Connecticut on 1st February 2011.
The car was then sold to a major collector in the UK on the 4th April 2012 – who has since kept the car in his collection for 11 years – having covered the grand total of – wait for it (!) – 64 miles!
The mileage on the odometer today reads 10,569 miles and the car is as new with 100% original paint, all original 911 Speedster handbooks/manuals/warranty booklet and full service history.
The car is in fantastic condition and with this low mileage, must be one the lowest mileage 964 Speedsters in existence.
A reference 964 Speedster for a Porsche collector.
Key features below:
Guards Red with Black folding soft top
Black/red leather interior
Factory sport seats with seat backs painted in Guards Red
Factory air conditioning with climate control
Factory optional seat belts in Guards Red
Hand painted center crests
Electric windows
Red door pulls and handles
Red shift gearknob and handbrake handle
Remote six (6) disc CD changer
Manual 5-speed gear box
17 inch Cup wheels
100% original paint
All service records from new