1990 Porsche 911

Vendor Bob is also selling his Citroen DS with The Market and the Porsche is going for the same reason: he has a stable of 12 classics that he likes to rotate in order to sample other cars.

He purchased the 911 from Sussex-based Porsche specialist Phil Raby in 2016. Before doing so, on March 30 of that year, he commissioned a 230-point Porsche Inspection Report by Peter Morgan Consultancy. This superb item is included in the photo gallery, and gives a detailed picture of the car’s condition prior to Bob’s purchase. Prior to taking ownership of the car Bob says Phil Raby corrected all the deficiencies (mostly electrical) that it highlights.

The V5 denotes 13 former keepers in total, and there’s an almost uninterrupted service history with stamped book included. Key work in recent years included a top-end engine rebuild in 2011 at 104,758 miles and replacement of the rear spoiler motor, engine main oil seal (it was removed during this process) and other gaskets at a cost of £2323.51 in 2015.

Bob’s mainly used it as a weekend blaster and for use on Porsche Club trips.

As our photographs and video shows, the Guards Red paint remains in very good condition. There are a few chips on the very edge of the driver’s door and a slightly bigger one on the passenger’s, but otherwise there’s little negative of note and it still retains a deep lustre. That shows off the 964’s classic lines beautifully; that low-slung rear end, is still a glorious sight.

911 bods will spot that the car has a few subtle updates including later 17-inch Cup alloy wheels, which, save for the odd minor scuff, are still very clean and suit the car well. The body-coloured brake callipers still look smart. It also has later teardrop mirrors and a rear bridge spoiler with high-level brake light.

The soft-top material is pretty much as new, but the sealing strip between the bonnet and bumper at the front is a bit faded on the near side; that’s matched at the rear with the lights and plastic central Porsche strip starting to show their age around the edges a little. However, that’s pretty small beef because generally it’s a very healthy picture.

There is one spot of rust just starting to appear at the base of the driver's side windscreen, you'll have to look closely in the photos to see it, but it is there.

We have to say that the interior on this car belies the mileage it’s covered. The only minor quibble we have is a small split on the driver’s bolster, but we’re sure a skilled trim shop could make a localised panel repair.

Other than that it’s a super smart Eighties (yes, we know it’s 1990 car) cabin. The Linen leather (piped red) is nicely mellowed, carpets are very good and the ludicrously small seats in the back practically unused. There are very few scuffs to the high-quality plastics and the steering wheel and gear lever are in very good nick.

There’s a hefty Sony stereo system should you want some serious decibels (The Bangles, Aha, or perhaps Depeche Mode), but why would you with that engine just behind your shell-like. All electrics function as they should –including the part electric sports seats. Up top the soft-top headlining remains in very good condition and the roof retracts and rises smoothly.

Each of its 13 owners has definitely treated this 911’s interior with respect.

The suspension is an uprated, slightly-lowered H&R system and a stainless steel de-cat exhaust has been fitted. There’s Viper immobiliser fitted, so slotting the plastic tag into the socket under the ignition key gives you 30 seconds to start the car. As our video below demonstrates, when you do it fires willingly and revs healthily under throttle with that exhaust system giving a nice meaty note. On the move we’ve found it to be a lovely, planted example of a modern classic 911 that pulls like the proverbial. If you’re interested in this car, then we suggest you press the Contact Seller button above and arrange a test drive.

The underside looks nice and solid, with no apparent issues. There’s a bit of oil staining, but that could be remnants from prior to the engine main oil seal work being carried out. The engine bay looks smart and well presented, but the fan sports the usual semi-tarnished demeanour. A bit of the heat insulation is also coming loose at the top of the engine compartment. Small fry really. Up front there’s a spare wheel and a new-ish Bosch battery (fitted in January 2018, and confirmed by an invoice in the history file)  

A stamped history book shows that this Porsche has been well maintained throughout its life, while included invoices demonstrate the work carried out during this time. There are also a number of MOT certificates including a failure a while back  due to emissions, as well as evidence of the work carried out to pass them. The original Porsche driver’s manual and handbook is included, as well as a spare key for the car. There is also a major independent Porsche inspection summary from just prior to the current vendor’s purchase.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of this and other paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to the very highest standard.

A 964 provides a completely different driving experience from earlier 911s. In came completely redesigned rear suspension (torsion bars ditched for trailing arms and the Weissach axle, first seen in big brother the 928) and out went much of the model’s traditional, and sometimes epic, oversteer.

A Carrera 4 is a technological beast, with it’s 4wd trickery but many purists prefer the ‘2 feeling it’s more of a true 911 in its rear-wheel-drive only delivery. Factor in 250bhp and a 0-60mph sprint time of 5.7secs, and it’s a pretty brutal performer.

This example delivers on those fronts and as a cabriolet you get to enjoy all that the beautiful British summertime offers (anyone looked outside recently?). As we all know though, when the weather eventually cracks you won’t regret having the option.

Well maintained and used regularly, we reckon this Carrera 2 will fly for between £31,000 and £38,000, which is reflective of its overall very good condition and current mileage. Is it time for you to join the legions of classic 911 owners? Then this impressive 964 could provide all you’re looking for. It is also a very realistic price when compared to the preceding 3.2 Carrera and replacement 993, it's not as if they are fundamentally different cars.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abindgon; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Classic & Sportscar Finance for purchase-financing, Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car, AnyVan for transporting it, and Footman James for classic car insurance.

BORING, but IMPORTANT: Please note that whilst we at The Market always aim to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings available, we cannot claim they are perfect analyses of any of the vehicles for sale. We offer far greater opportunity for bidders to view, or arrange inspections for each vehicle thoroughly prior to bidding than traditional auctions, and we never stop encouraging bidders to take advantage of this. We do take a good look at the vehicles delivered to our premises for sale, but this only results in our unbiased personal observations, not those of a qualified inspector or other professional, or the result of a long test drive.

Additionally, please note that most of the videos on our site have been recorded using simple cameras which often result in 'average' sound quality; in particular, engines and exhausts notes can sound a little different to how they are in reality.