Andy Brookes

Poole, UK @993andy 9WERKS Radio Model 993 CARRERA Year 1995 Acquired SEPTEMBER 2018

Gustavo is still in bits, with his parts strewn across Dorset right now. The anti-roll bars, brake backing plates and numerous brackets are at the powder coaters; all the aluminium suspension parts are being vapour blasted; and the hundreds of steel bolts, nuts, washers and other steel components are at the platers to be zinc plated and yellow passivated. The plan is for it to look better than new under there.

With Gus off the road my friend Paul has lent me a couple of cars to sample. The first loaner was a 964 RS, a muchrevered car in my eyes. This model is a RHD and it was interesting to sample a RHD air-cooled car because I’m used to driving a LHD. I’ve read that the LHD driving experience was better than the RHD because of the steering wheel, seat and pedals being better aligned. Those readings were correct: the steering wheel feels way off to the left in the RHD car.

I enjoyed driving the RS. The delicacy of the controls and the general feel of the car gives you the impression that you can drive it with your fingertips and that it drives on its tip-toes down the lanes, all the while feeling planted and in total control. The 3.8 is a wonderful engine. On paper it’s not much different to the Carrera engine, but it feels so much more when driving – in part this is because of the lighter flywheel. The interior is a true less-is-more experience, with its manual windows, low switch count and manual Pole Position seats. I felt I could have driven for hours without any discomfort.

The biggest thing I took away from driving the RS was the excitement I have for the work I’m doing on my 993. My plans are to add some of that RS spice to the 993. Hopefully, the combination of components will hit that nail on its head. My second loaner was a full-on Bad Boys experience: a 964 3.6 Turbo that’s been breathed on by the guys at RUF to BTR spec. Engine capacity upped to 3.8, I guess a bigger Turbo and a 6-speed gearbox. My initial impressions around town was that it felt similar to the RS I’d driven a few weeks before. The engine was responsive off-boost like the RS and it felt light on its toes. Once out of town I was able to use a bit more throttle, and this was when all hell broke loose. This thing is bloody amazing: the noise, the pace… everything comes alive. Paul says it’s like standing on a tiger’s tail when on boost, which is so very apt. A huge thank you to Paul for allowing me the opportunity to gain those experiences.