Porsche Torque
The Beverly Hills Car Club CEO on the appeal of the 964 Carrera 2 Targa, which helped Porsche weather an economic storm
The Porsche 911 Targa was the last of its kind, which in itself makes it one of our favourites. From this point on, the Targa was a very different car: this was the last car to feature the traditional Targa design of fixed-hoop, removable roof panel and glass rear screen.
In October 1989 the Porsche Carrera 2 was announced as a rear-wheel drive car; at the same time, Tiptronic automatic transmission was launched. And in August 1991 the Turbo-look body style for the Carrera 2 Coupe and Cabriolet was introduced. The 964 Carrera was the last generation sold with the traditional removable Targa roof until the 991 in 2014.
The car was in many ways a response to a crisis in Porsche’s trading position – a consequence of the recession of that era. Porsche was struggling to survive and there were bitter boardroom battles. Yet the Porsche 964 Carrera 2 Targa was the kind of sports car that people would buy for everyday use: for long journeys, but also for taking the kids to school and trips to the supermarket.
It looked fantastic and it would never let you down, requiring only routine servicing. It had fabulous road handling and so much performance in its engine powerplant that you knew you’d never get around to using. It even was reasonable on its fuel consumption.
All in all, it personified the amazing reputation enjoyed by the Porsche 911, and why the motoring press consistently voted it the number one sports car. And it had rarity built into its very existence.
At Beverly Hills Car Club we have a splendid example for sale: a 1991 Porsche 964 Carrera 2 Targa with 54,123 miles on the odometer and finished in its factory colour Guards red (80K) complemented with a Tan interior. It’s equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, a 3.6-litre air-cooled flat six, fuel injection, four-wheel disc brakes, single exhaust outlet, VDO instruments, removable black Targa roof panel, black Targa bar, wraparound rear glass window, Bosch headlights, front fog lights, four-spoke steering wheel, Mastercraft Avenger ZHP tyres, alloy wheels, tool roll and a spare tyre fitted in the front trunk.
Amenities include an automatic climate control, power windows/mirrors/seats, automatic speed control, 2+2 split folding rear seats, full-analog gauges with warning light protection system, a Porsche CDR-210 radio, door pockets, locking glove compartment and sun visors with vanity mirrors. The colour code and options sticker are both still in place under the bonnet.
In addition to the equipment, this 1990s’ classic comes with an owner’s manual booklet, maintenance booklet with stamps, and a clean Carfax report. This is a highly collectible, aircooled 964 Carrera that’s mechanically sound.
Perhaps the most notable achievements of the 964 Porsches in five years on sale were how they ushered in technologies that we now accept as commonplace on the 911. Both four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox made their respective debuts during the 964’s time on sale. Back then the manual was still the most popular variant, however.
Today, it’s those manuals that are most in demand to relive a classic 911 variant, especially the Carrera 2. As the iconic Porsche moves further towards a digital driving experience in the 2020s, those engaging, immersive, demanding old 964s will remain loved.