Fantasy Junction

Description

1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe
VIN WP0AB0967KS450807
Baltic Blue Metallic with Linen Leather

Finally emerged from years of underappreciation, the 964 generation of the 911 lies at the intersection of vintage and modern 911s, bringing the best of both. Unequivocally a true traditional 911 thanks to its greenhouse, fenders, and air-cooled engine, but also genuinely capable thanks to McPherson strut suspension, oomphy 3.6 liter twin-plug engine, modern braking performance, and wheels big enough to accept the most sophisticated modern tires, the 964 is ideal for the enthusiast seeking both performance and the unadulterated air-cooled 911 experience.

Of particular note was the introduction of the 964 generation in 1989 with the Carrera 4, a new four-wheel drive variant that drew on the ground-breaking sophistication of the 959. The computer controlled system was an important innovation that dazzled contemporary press and customers with unprecedented levels of stability, grip, and traction in a 911. Coupled with the introduction of ABS and a comprehensive rework of the 911’s aerodynamics, the newfound sophistication of the 964 made the previous Carrera 3.2 look and feel old-fashioned.

Launched just prior to global recession and with a short six model year production run, the 964 is relatively rare. While Porsche’s North America sales totaled over 30,000 cars in 1986, 1993 production fell to just 3,700 cars. Consequently, great 964s are difficult to find and sought after by enthusiasts and collectors seeking the quintessential air-cooled 911 experience but wanting 160mph+ performance, ABS, and modern levels of usability.

This particular Carrera 4 was delivered to Niello Porsche, Concord, California and sold to the original owner, and for the past 29 years, it has remained under single-family California ownership. The original owner purchased the car with the following extra-cost options as noted a copy of the original window sticker accompanying the car:

Baltic Blue Metallic Paint
Linen Full Leather Interior
Radio with CD Player
Headlight Washers
Left and Right Sport Seats with Electric Adjustment
Forged Alloy Wheels
Rear Window Wiper

The original owner passed away within the first year of ownership and the car has remained with his wife ever since. Residing in a tranquil corner of the San Francisco Bay Area and benefiting from copious service documentation back to new (filling a file over an inch thick), this Carrera 4 has benefited form proper care and dealer service since new. The original warranty service booklet includes stamped services from 1989 with just 1857 miles through 1998 with 80,304 miles. Throughout the years of consistent ownership, the car has never been apart, and remains an honest and exceptionally well-preserved representation of the 99,800 miles accumulated since new. According to the owner, the front and rear bumpers were repainted, and small portions were blended in the rear to improve the cosmetic appearance due to a parking garage altercation early in the car’s life.

Today, the car presents very nicely, particularly finished in the handsome and rare Baltic Blue finish with contrasting Linen Leather interior. The paint is in very nice condition with very good gloss throughout, and nice detailing around all glass, lenses, and rubber trim. The hood surface has a few road chips, the front bumper has some minor paint flaws, and the driver’s door edge has some chips along the rear edge, but none of these minor items take away from the pleasant very good driver presentation overall. The glass is clean and in excellent condition with just minor windshield marks. The lighting, lenses, and emblems are all in very good condition, though the body-colored headlight rings appear to have been resprayed. The doors, hood, and trunk show consistent panel gaps and proper fit. The doors open and shut with satisfying closures, indicating sound overall body integrity, while the hood and engine lid exhibit proper fit and closure as well. The beautiful optional 16” polished alloy wheels are in excellent condition showing a brilliant luster, no curb rash, and are shod with correctly sized performance tires with good tread.

The interior is in excellent original condition, retaining the inimitable smell of a never-restored Porsche of this period. The leather on the sport seats remains supple with firm bolsters and consistent sheen. The driver’s bolster has been treated to recent professional leather correction to improve the finish and matches very well with the rest of the interior. The carpeting is in very nice condition, showing only minor use in the driver’s footwell. Even the factory floor mats are nicely preserved and surprisingly clean given the light colored material. The dashboard and door cap upholstery is exceptionally nice, with all gauges and switches appearing in excellent condition and nicely detailed. The factory electric sunroof opens and closes smoothly and the headliner, sun visors, rear seats, rear interior panels, and remaining interior trim are all in excellent condition. The overall condition and integrity of the interior reveals the care and appreciation this car has received by the dedicated owner over nearly 30 years.

The engine compartment is very fresh, remarkably clean, and tidy. Showing only minor evidence of use, the entire engine compartment is undisturbed and unmodified showing factory stickers, correct finishes, and correct Porsche engine management components supporting the continuous California emission inspections the car has dutifully passed. The trunk is also pleasingly original, showing no aging, with all structural elements beneath the carpets appearing factory fresh. Underneath the car, the uniquely developed aerodynamic underbody panels are still in place and the various mechanical components and suspension, while not to show standard, remain clean and tidy.

The car runs and drives very nicely, starting easily and idling well. The clutch engages smoothly and positively and the gearbox has good synchromesh and linkage. Driving the Carrera 4, there is a notable performance difference from even well-developed late 80s 911s. The twin-plug ignition and 3.6 liter displacement give the 964 a muscular character that isn’t present in the 3.2 The steering returns the light and nimble 911 feel while the chassis and suspension are tight and reassuring, but the acceleration and remarkable composure are clearly distinct. Nestled in the sport seats, sunroof opened, and the open road ahead, the incomparably engaging integrity and performance of this Carrera 4 becomes more and more intoxicating with each engaging mile. The A/C blows frigid cold, windows and sunroof operate smoothly, and all instruments respond as intended. This Carrera 4 is sold with the original owner’s manual, warranty manual, and original owners pouch, a complete tool roll, jack, factory air compressor, Baltic Blue touch up paint, spare Porsche keys, and a 1” thick file folder filled with records since new.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire one of the best and most sophisticated 911s offered for road use. Finished in its unique and stunning original special order colors, and remarkable 959 derived all-wheel drive system, this is a well-documented car that has clearly been well-loved and carefully used. It has excellent cosmetics, superb structural integrity, and legendary dynamics, all of which will please the next fortunate owner just as it has for its previous owner over the past 29 years.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608