The introduction of the 964-coded 911 in 1989 represented a product refresh by Porsche designers on almost every level. The Stuttgart marque claimed that its next-generation 911 was “85 per cent new” compared to the version it replaced. Cosmetically, the type-964 was more refined with integrated bumpers, while its sleek profile not only aided visual appeal but drastically improved the 911’s aerodynamics. The model was available in Cabriolet, Coupé, or Targa form, with the latter making for the rarest cars.
Coincidentally, the 964 represented the last generation that Porsche offered a Targa roof until it was revived with the type-991 in 2011.
Mechanically, the type-964 benefitted from an all-new type-M64 engine. The naturally aspirated flat-six displaced 3.6 litres for a factory-rated 247 horsepower.
Porsche overhauled the suspension set-up, replacing torsion bars with coil springs and shock absorbers, while power steering and ABS were both included as standard for the first time. As another first for Porsche, cars badged Carrera 4 offered all-wheel drive. While the Carrera 2 arrived one year into 964 production to appease purists pining for a rear-wheel-drive set-up, Porsche engineers gave power to all four wheels to compensate for the weight of the rear-mounted engine, in a bid to improve handling. A similar configuration was found in the 959, produced alongside the 964.
The example offered here was built to North American specification and delivered to its first owner via a Porsche dealer in Albuquerque, New Mexico on 28 March 1991, with its mileage at that point noted as 247. The 911 Targa returned to the Albuquerque dealership for routine servicing until 2000, when it is believed to have been sold to its next owner in Santa Fe. New owners were recorded again in Mesa, Arizona in 2005, and in Scottsdale, Arizona in 2007. The Porsche’s stay in the United States concluded when it returned to Europe to join The Carrera Collection in 2018.
Finished by the factory in Black, which the car retains today, the Porsche was further specified with desirable options including a rear windscreen wiper, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, automatic speed control, with front and rear leather seats. At the time of cataloguing the odometer read 54,561 miles and the 911 Targa is presented for sale with a space-saver spare wheel and tool roll, further to selected Porsche manuals and its service book.
Both attractive and usable in equal measure, this 911 Targa Carrera 4 is sure to appeal to enthusiasts seeking one of the rarest model configurations of the 964 era.