The first time I ever saw a 964 Carrera was in 1992 when my mom took me to see Beethoven at our local two screen. Out of all the images that were burned into my brain from that movie, the bad guy’s black Carrera 2 is the one that I have always vividly remembered. It’s kind of weird that all these years later whenever I see a 964 I think of that movie when there are so many other things to associate the car with both in the racing world and in pop culture. The 964 should really be the most iconic 911 as it bridged the gap between the purist car that the 911 was and the consumer friendly machine it has become. However I think these cars remain under appreciated by most folks, dismissed as being the first step towards the softening of the 911. I’d be quick to point out to these naysayers that the 964 was in fact quite hardcore in its performance numbers despite the addition of creature comforts. This was truly the beginning of the journey towards the “have your cake and eat it too” Porsche we know and love today.
The 964 saw an increase in power, better ride and handling, improved safety features, more effective climate control system and an all wheel drive variant. I’m willing to bet that when it debuted many Porsche enthusiasts made a big fuss about the car going against everything Porsche stands for, much like we do today about, well just about anything Porsche does. With nearly 25 years of hindsight I think that even the grouchiest Luftgekuhlt lovers would have to admit, the 964 generation deserves a whole lot of respect. Take a good look at this example right here and I think you’ll agree that a Carrera 2 might just be the perfect classic 911.
