Entering the 1968 racing season, Porsche’s 911 T and 911 S models were newly approved to use the same range of 2.2, 2.3, and 2.5-liter engines. To support this reorganization, Porsche released the Sports Purpose Handbook, a wide-ranging catalogue of FIA-approved equipment to be ordered by racing customers. Duly transformed with upgraded engines, lightened chassis, and track-focused suspensions, these fascinating cars raced with tremendous success in European and North American racing theatres under the now legendary 911 S/T moniker known to all Porschephiles worth their mettle.
Dirk Sadlowski’s PS Automobile in Lippstadt, Germany has recently endeavored to perfectly integrate the thrill of these lightweight racing cars with the refined comfort, technological advancements, and all-wheel-drive powertrain of Porsche’s 964-generation Carrera 4.
Within the company’s state-of-the-art “964 Manufactory,” each one of PS Automobile’s 964 ST Manufaktur builds are fully stripped, seam-welded, rebuilt, improved, and tailored to the exacting specifications of its owner.
In Sadlowski’s own words, the 964-generation Carrera 4’s base characteristics offer sharp, direct, power steering alongside suspension dynamics which present a worthwhile—but in line with the spirit of its predecessors—development of the configuration so familiar to Porsche’s world-beating GT sports cars of the 1970s and 1980s such as the RSR, 935, and 930 Turbo. At the same time, the air-cooled, 3.6-liter flat-six-cylinder engine already delivered the performance achieved by the most highly-strung race versions of the former 911 S/T models.
Each 964 ST build receives an engine which has been entirely rebuilt and upgraded per customer requirements; the most extreme package offered is the 475-horspower, twin-turbocharged piece of kit which powers our subject offering.
Attractive modern features like ABS and the all-wheel-drive system remain unchanged with the ST Manufaktur, thereby returning a remarkable degree of control back to the driver, which preceding Porsche models (and even the original S/T examples) were never so willing to yield. Better yet, PS Automobile puts each customer 964 through a generous weight loss program using lightweight materials, which shaves nearly 375 pounds from the Carrera 4’s standard 3,086-pound chassis.
The result of all Sadlowski’s development work upon the 964 ST Manufaktur program is—technologically—a revelation capable of year-round use which combines retro-inspired styling with modern performance capabilities and a superb quality of finish using the finest materials.
Fewer than five of these special creations (with an MSRP starting at around $450,000) have reached the shores of North America since PS Automobile opened their 964 ST order book in 2018. Offered here is the first US-delivery twin-turbocharged example, and the first 964 ST of any specification ever to be presented auction.
964 ST number 34 is finished in Slate Grey over a stunning bespoke interior trimmed with rich, supple Bentley New Market Tan leather and beautiful Cognac houndstooth fabric which calls to mind the unrivaled pedigree of the 911’s six-decade lineage. This visual appeal to the-past continues with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gauge suite which both expertly recreate those instruments found in an original 911 S/T. But important details of future-tech such as a Porsche Classic navigation interface, power windows, air conditioning system, and Hi-Fi audio package have been cleverly integrated into this assemblage.
The cabin of the 964 ST features numerous billet-machined stainless-steel details, enhancing its tactile feel and complementing the significantly lightened and reinforced bodywork. This „rock-solid“ sensation truly comes alive at speed, especially when navigating the car’s fully adjustable Bilstein coilover suspension through the twists and turns of your favorite canyon road.
As previously alluded to, Number 34’s twin-turbocharged engine puts it power to all four of its 17-inch Fuchs Design light alloy wheels through a five-speed transaxle which has been entirely revised with new internals. This power unit screams its wonderful wail through a custom dual-exit exhaust system which features an electronically controlled cutout valve.
The 964 ST features a braking system from the 930 Turbo, complete with drilled and vented rotors. Adding to its reliability, Number 34 is equipped with powerful LED headlamps and fog lamps that effectively illuminate the road ahead, ensuring drivers are well-prepared for any surprises that may arise along the way.
Imported by the consignor in June 2023 and sparingly used since then, during March 2024 the car earned a class award (and astounded many attendees) at the Amelia Island Werks Reunion.
964 ST Manufaktur Number 34 is the first of its kind on our shores, and it is also perhaps the best-known and most generously specified commission of its brethren. It represents a premier opportunity to acquire an exceptional bespoke 964 combining incredible twin-turbocharged performance with outstanding aesthetics and lightweight construction.
