Shifting Gears in the Air-Cooled Porsche Search
- Commander
- 50 minutes ago
- 4 min read
It has been six months. I have not found that ideal Air-Cooled Porsche in my search to replace my 1968 911 that I sold and my all-original 1986 911 Carrera that was totaled when a distracted driver ran into it.
The original goal was a unique color 964 or an RS America. Well, I got diverted when I was introduced to the Porsche 964 RS that was only sold as a Rest-of-World (ROW) car originally, and is only now coming to the US. If you are familiar with my previous writings, I drove one and fell in love with it.
I wanted a 964 RS. I obsessed about buying one. I bid on two at the Monterey auctions. I traveled to Europe to scout out cars and followed online postings religiously.
So now, why am I shifting gears, and saying that an RS is no longer the goal?
I have looked at every one that has hit the market, from Polar Silver, to Black to Rubystone Red. They’ve been Japanese models, European models and rebuilt models. But, none of them spoke to me. What do I mean by that?
It is like a love affair, when you know it is right, you know it is right. And, for $300,000, none of them felt right. Do I still want one? Yes, they are a great car, but I don’t think it is the car for me right now.
Why is that?
It drives great, but it is a street version of a race car so the suspension reflects that track harshness. I use my air-cooled Porsche as a touring vehicle in the mountains so even though I want it to handle well, it needs a certain level of comfort. And, speaking of comfort, the 964 RS lacks comfort; no AC, no power steering and no safety features that I desire. As I age, I think I want all these features.
And, the final issue; the expense. A good model is at least $300,000 and to insure it through Hagerty was estimated at $5,000 a year.
Do I need this expensive of a car for my needs? I have decided not; though I love the car, and want one, but it would have to be part of a collection, rather than my sole driving tour air-cooled Porsche.
My buying journey was valuable because I learned a lot about my needs, wants and the options available in the world of air-cooled Porsche 964’s. I do know that I want a 964 because of these qualities.
Styling closely resembling the classic 911 design
Added safety features of ABS and Air Bags
Creature comforts of good air conditioning
Many have suggested that I pursue a 993 due to many more of them being available, but I find the styling not as reminiscent of the classic 911 as the 964 offers. I am sticking with a 964 target.
In fact, I have gone back to my original criteria: a unique color 964 or an RS America. I have now added one extra consideration: a wide body 964. This is the turbo look of wide fenders and mechanicals without the turbo engine. They only made 267 of the wide bodies for the US so they don’t come on the market very often. A 30th Anniversary wide body Jubilee edition was also made for Europe with 911 versions in Violet, Polar Silver and Amethyst.
My three goals are rare cars that don’t hit the market very often. As driving season approaches, the thought that Linda and I have discussed is do I buy a “Transition Car?” This would be a lower cost air-cooled Porsche that would be my air-cooled driver until the special car comes along.
The good thing about air-cooled Porsches, is if you buy right, you will get your money back.
What is buying right for good resale?
A coupe
Common colors, such as Red, White, Silver or Black
Priced below $100,000
So, the search continues and broadens. Help me out, and let me know if you know of any of these:
Transition car: a 3.2 Carrera Coupe with the G50 transmission, a 964 or 993, $100,000 or less
RS America: Ideal is Polar Silver, but will consider Guards Red since over 60% are Guards Red. I want a clean CarFax or priced accordingly if there are minor items, such as the Midnight Blue that is for sale now with a repaired deck lid, but the problem with it is the price doesn’t reflect a ding on the CarFax
Unique Color: I don’t have a target, but the best judge is if the color is a four- or five-paint can color on Rennbow, I am interested. I may also consider a three-paint can color depending on the spec
Wide Body: I would prefer a wide body in a color other than white, black or red, but due to their rarity, all colors would be preferred. The ideal would be a Violet 964 30th Anniversary Jubilee model with no sunroof and no rear wiper, and sport seats, all for $200,000 or less.
So, now you know the search criteria. If you know of one these cars, let me know at drive@airbrigade.com
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