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When Porsche debuted the 964, the first major redesign of the 911 since 1974, it chose for this significant event a somewhat bold strategy. It not only released a completely redesigned 911, but a completely redesigned 911 model that previously had not existed and was sure to raise a few eyebrows: the 911 Carrera 4. With its standard power steering, ABS, and electronically-extended rear spoiler the release of the Carrera 4 was intended to foreshadow the future of the 911. There would be little looking back. Technological innovations aside, perhaps the best part of this Carrera 4 is the look. Produced only in the final year of 964 production, the wider rear fenders have garnered it the “Turbo Look” moniker and those curves certainly do the job of creating a sexier overall shape on the already smoothed lines of the 964. While future models would offer additional variations, 964 buyers who sought that wider shape were limited to the Carrera 4 Widebody and the more expensive, though wonderful, 911 Turbo. This all brings us to the example here: a Black on Black 1994 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe, located in Texas, with 89,695 miles on it.
The final year 964 Carrera 4 Widebody we featured back in June is back up for sale at the same price as before. These 964s are quite rare, this example being one of 238 produced. Will it fetch a premium over your standard 964 C4?
The below post originally appeared on our site June 8, 2014:
When Porsche introduced the 964 to the world they did something a little peculiar. The first model they released was the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4. To inaugurate a new model itself was a big step given the substantial revisions to what was quickly becoming a performance icon. To do so with the release of a model that previously never existed? That was huge. The Carrera 2 would come a year later, but the release of the Carrera 4 began the march towards what we might call a more “grown-up” Porsche. With power now driving all 4 wheels, in addition to an electronically-raised rear spoiler, the difficulties many drivers may have had mastering the 911’s dynamics now became simplified. A few years later we would also see an all-wheel-drive 911 Turbo and ever since these models have been a constant presence in the 911 line. So here we have an example of the model that started it all: a Guards Red 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe, located in Miami, with 86,000 miles on it.
For a car that hasn’t changed much over fifty years, the 964 series Carrera 4 was a quantum leap in terms of 911 development. Now available with all-wheel drive, the integrated bumpers, new alloys and upgraded climate control brought this sports car up to levels of comfort sought by buyers in the new decade. This Carrera 4 for sale in Oregon looks sharp in Baltic Blue, one of the more restrained tones in what would be a period of diverse and exciting color options for Porsche.
So you want a classic 1960s/1970s Porsche 911. Well, it’s not a great time to jump on the bandwagon. We’ve watched prices on these early 911s jump to unprecedented levels – values on models such as the 1973 Carrera RS have tripled in the past year, where now Hagerty Insurance values a top condition example at $800,000. So, sufficed to say you won’t be getting one anytime soon; and even if you could afford it, then what? Would you feel comfortable taking your million dollar Porsche for a stroll with all those Camry “drivers” more intent on the latest recipe on NPR than signaling to change the three lanes over the to exit they just missed? Don’t worry, they’ll back up to take it. So, what’s an enthusiast to do? Well, many have been inspired by the model of Singer; backdating modern cars to look like older and more valuable examples. As a side bonus, you get improved performance and luxuries that the early cars just didn’t have – items that honestly make the drive more enjoyable. A few weeks ago, I saw a Singer-inspired car at Lime Rock Park that just looked awesome – an updated RS that was dependable and, more importantly, a car that could be driven and enjoyed on a reasonable budget. Today, there’s a similar example for sale on Ebay:
