Porsche 964 Carrera 2

Launched in 1989, the 964 variant of the venerable Porsche 911 was a totally new car compared to the preceding model. Coil springs replaced the traditional torsion bars, suspension geometry was revised and there was a completely new and much stronger bodyshell which featured a hidden rear spoiler that popped up at speeds over 50mph, dropping back down when the speed fell to 6mph. The gearbox was also new and the slick change marked a huge step forward in what had always been one of the few weak points of the 911 design. The combined effect was to make the 964 one of the best-behaved 911s ever, with none of the wayward handling traits that you either loved or hated on previous models.

Naturally it was still blindingly quick with a new 3.6-litre air-cooled engine that produced 250bhp and could fling the car to 60 in just 5.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 161mph. In C4 format it was also the first mass-production Porsche to be available in four-wheel drive, though sporting drivers are universally agreed that the C2 rear-drive version handles better and is quicker point-to-point in all normal road conditions.

First registered in May 1990, this particular Guards Red C2 has covered just 76,900 miles from new and comes with a full service history comprising 14 services to date, the last around 5,000 miles ago. The current vendor acquired the car from a Porsche specialist about five years ago, while the owner before that had kept it for around nine years. Recent expenditure includes new front brake discs and pads; new Bilstein rear shock absorbers; new Pirelli tyres; four-wheel alignment; new oil pipes and a new battery. A Clifford alarm immobiliser is also fitted and it sports later Cup alloys and a roof spoiler.

The car is said to drive beautifully and to have no oil leaks – unusual with this model. It certainly appears to be in excellent condition with no trace of rust (even around the corners of the front windscreen – again, a known weak point on this model), while the important paper sticker inside the front luggage compartment lid is still present indicating no previous front end damage. The black leather interior, piped in red, is also in excellent condition with virtually no wear on the driver’s seat bolster, as befits such a relatively low mileage.

Supplied with all its original handbooks, many bills, most old MOT certificates and two sets of keys, it is currently MOTd until May 2012 and taxed until the end of December. Altogether a superior example of this air-cooled classic that is sure to give its proud new owner a huge amount of pleasure – and possibly a good return on his investment. Given the marked rise in classic Porsche prices of late, we can’t help feeling that this highly rated model is possibly somewhat undervalued at present. It is only reluctantly being sold to make way for a new Porsche Cayman S, the vendor's wife being clear that there is a limit to the number of toys a man is allowed to have...