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Tag: Porsche 964

ON THE BLOCK: How to Buy Your Dream Porsche

911 2.4 S and 964 RS N_GT at Autofarm

Silverstone, 20 July 2015 – When you’re buying your dream classic car, it’s crucial to arm yourself with expert knowledge – which is why Silverstone Auctions has put together a new buyers’ guide ahead of its sale at the Silverstone Classic this weekend.

Presented by classic car collector, Harry Metcalfe, and filmed at Porsche specialists Autofarm, the video puts a pair of incredible 911s, a 1972 2.4 S and 1991 964 RS, under intense scrutiny before they go under the hammer at the Silverstone Classic sale on 24-26 July*.

Metcalfe, one of the founders of performance car magazine, evo, and most recently best known for YouTube channel Harry’s Garage, shares his years’ of experience in buying and selling classic cars. He shows viewers what to look for when buying a Porsche 911, a model that has seen unprecedented growth in the classic car market in recent years.

Focussing first on the 1972 Porsche 911 2.4 S, Metcalfe walks viewers around the car, looking at tell-tell signs of originality and even how to age the car by its oil filler cover. As probably the best example of its type on the market right now, Metcalfe doesn’t uncover any issues – but points out the importance of original paint and where to spot ‘hidden’ repairs.

With an estimated auction price of £130,000 – £150,000, Metcalfe explains why this original and unmolested example, complete with extensive history and provenance, is a perfect collector’s piece for any enthusiast. The car will go under the hammer on Saturday 25 July.

At the other end of the spectrum, he turns his focus to a 1991 Porsche 964 RS N/GT. This 1991 example, also in the Saturday 25 July sale, was one of the first cars off the production line as the first-ever N/GT (Clubsport) car made. Due to its exclusivity, this 964 RS is a collector’s dream.

Marked out by its roll cage, racing bucket seats and omitted ‘creature comforts’ such as air-conditioning and carpets the car has had a very interesting history, being gifted to Porsche-only endurance racing driver Ulrich Richter. Metcalfe tells the story of this very special car while also looking at ways to check its originality.

Having recently been treated to an engine overhaul as well as a glass-out respray in factory Maritime Blue paint, Metcalfe shows how to look for accident damage including panel gaps and removal of vital stickers marking its authenticity. With an estimate of £230,000 – £260,000, this driver-focussed 964 RS is regarded as one of the most exciting examples offered on the open market.

Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, says: “It is a delight to be able to present these two iconic air-cooled 911s for sale, alongside many other important Porsches in the Silverstone Classic Sale this week. Condition, history and provenance are some of the most important factors to consider when buying a classic car – and indeed when selling one, too. These examples are testament to why I have enjoyed buying and selling the Porsche marque for many years.

“Harry has worked with us at Silverstone Auctions, since buying his Ferrari Testarossa at last years Silverstone Classic sale. He is a well-respected member of the classic car community and I am humbled that he could take the time to share a fraction of his knowledge in this video. I’m sure you’ll see a lot more from him, as well as a few more high-quality cars for sale in the future.”

For the full list of lots available in The Silverstone Classic Sale, please visit:

www.silverstoneauctions.com/the-silverstone-classic-sale-2015/view_lots

IN THE NEWS: Porsche 911 Re-Imagined by Singer Vehicle Design Shown at Pinehurst Concours

18-singer-911-virginia

LOS ANGELES – April 29, 2015 – While showcasing the rarest of collectible vehicles is always a first priority at any major Concours event, this year’s Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance will be the first official Concours in the nation to display something equally as rare – a 1990, 911 Carrera 2 (model 964), that has been fully optimized by Singer Vehicle Design (SVD), demonstrating the creative possibilities within the vibrant world of the classic automobile and noting the first SVD ‘customer’ vehicle to be displayed at a Concours event.

Singer’s philosophy — blending tradition with modernity to re-create bespoke, one-of-a-kind masterpieces to each customer’s desires within perfectly optimized air-cooled Porsche 911s – will be underscored in the highly modified “Virginia” car, to be shown at the third annual Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance, on Saturday, May 2nd at the Pinehurst Golf Resort in North Carolina (www.pinehurstconcours.com).  “Virginia” will be displayed within a grouping of notable and historic Porsches preserved by the discerning Durham-based Ingram Collection.   A more intimate viewing of “Virginia” will occur at various exclusive evening functions including the ‘Chairman’s Dinner’ during the Concours weekend.

With only a handful of vehicles restored by Singer Vehicle Design residing in the United States, the “Virginia” car, named for its intended geographic home, is a wonderful blend of elegance and luxury sport that creates an entirely new canvas for the brand.  According to Rob Dickinson, creative director and founder of Singer Vehicle Design, while each vehicle begins with a classic 964 chassis, it’s the customization aspect that each owner fully engages in that makes each car truly unique.

“Each machine we work with has its own special touches,” said Dickinson.  “As an example, ‘Virginia’ is the first of the cars we’ve restored that wears the full ‘Touring’ trim on the bumpers and rockers and is the only vehicle to date where a customer has chosen to align an exterior of metallic Fish Silver paint with Sand-Beige interior leather weave – but the true magic really comes alive visually in the ‘checkerboard’-esque look of the interior – we’ve used a slightly lighter suede to create a truly graphic effect.  For us, it’s those nuances, personified by our attention to detail that matter most – because our mantra remains that everything is important.”

Details for the ‘Virginia’ car include a 3.8, 350hp, Cosworth-developed engine, KW suspension, big brakes, roll-hoop, harness-bar, clip-on rear backrests, raised gold rear PORSCHE letters, as well as the ‘Sport’-looking External Oil and Center-fill Fuel caps.  Dickinson notes that while these sporty details may be an unusual combination amidst the Touring trim and metallic paint, they blend elegantly with the plush leather-trimmed interior panels.  For images, please view: http://singervehicledesign.com/gallery/the-machines/virginia/

While the Singer brand has become synonymous with truly bespoke customization services for automotive enthusiasts, which as Dickinson contends, borders on obsession – it is indeed the uniqueness of each handcrafted vehicle that currently make fans worldwide covet a viewing, while longing for a drive.  With limited availability and an 8-10 month restoration cycle, vehicles have more recently been commissioned by Porsche owners in Hong Kong, Moscow, Canada, England, Germany, New Zealand, Norway and the UK.

“We are streamlining our services to reflect the increased demand for our work,” said Dickinson.  But even with recent updates to the Singer facility, Dickinson contends that the unique level of personalization and customization remains.  New capabilities enabled to capture additional customer choices include an upgraded 4.0-liter engine developed by Ed Pink Engineering and the forthcoming restoration of a 964 Targa model, to be shown later this year.  

Singer Background:

SVD, through its own hand-crafted artistry, restores cars for a global audience and is prepared to remain on the cutting edge for restorative work.  Dickinson’s company redefines the magic of air-cooled technology by restoring a vintage icon into a coveted piece of automotive exclusivity.

Working with key Southern California-based partners – such as internationally-renowned motorsport engineers, Ed Pink Racing Engines and Mirage International, together with globally-recognized composite experts, Aria Group – Singer has gained invaluable experience that guarantees world-class standards.  Ed Pink, Mirage and Aria share in Singer’s passion for restoring the iconic air-cooled Porsche 911®for its customers.

SVD’s vision involves taking a customer’s existing 964 model Porsche 911 (from 1990-1994) vehicle and performing both restorative work and cutting–edge modifications to update the cars’ performance, aesthetics and modern day use-ability in an attempt to optimize its strengths, while preserving the essence and magic of the original.

“This is a celebration of Porsche’s genius,” said Dickinson. SVD begins with a customer’s car and repatriates the 911 chassis of the early ‘90’s with the most beautiful Ferdinand ‘Butzi’ Porsche coachwork from 1964. The goal is to preserve a moment in time for the owner and capture a snapshot of the air-cooled period of the Porsche 911. Dickinson concludes, “The essence of the Porsche 911 is vivid and unique –we’re simply trying to bottle and preserve it for our customer to savor.’’

Pricing and How to Acquire Singer’s Services:

Singer works collaboratively with each owner to restore, optimize and personalize their machine to their specific tastes. A typical restoration takes approximately 10 months to complete.

SVD prices reflect a no-expense-spared content, performance and design philosophy and meticulous standards, with prices starting at $395,000 to acquire Singer’s serves to comprehensively restore and optimize the owner’s Porsche 911®, and typical pricing surpassing the $450K mark.

IN THE GARAGE: 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

DSC04628.1024

VINWP0CB2968LS470358
Exterior[L700] Black
Interior[LC] Beige Partial Leather
Motor3.6 L H6 rated at 247+ bhp
Gearbox5-Speed Manual
Odometer71,815 mi.

THE PROOF IS IN THE PAMPERING. Bridging the gap between the classic “impact bumper” 911s like the SC and Carrera 3.2 and the more modern 993, the 964 is considered by many to be the best of both worlds. It closely resembles the iconic shape that dates back to the 911’s debut in 1964 while incorporating the sleek styling of the modern Porsches. It looks like a more aerodynamic Carrera 3.2 but according to Porsche, the 964 is over 90% new components; therefore it represents a milestone in the 911s history. Yet it naturally maintains the air-cooled motor (now enlarged to 3.6 liters and developing 247 bhp in stock form) with further air cooling provided by the convertible top. With meticulous records including original window sticker, this is an impeccably maintained, original, low-mileage car that exemplifies the 964 as every bit 911, but decidedly unique in character from those that came before or since.

OVERALL CONDITION
The first thing we notice about the car is its paint. It maintains an outstanding gloss and depth and has never seen any accident damage. It is perfectly straight with no dings, scratches or signs of rust whatsoever. A tremendous amount of care has been given throughout its ownership to preserve its integrity. The top is all original with clear rear window and canvas in near new condition, with only one small (1/2″) snag. Rubber is like new all around and was clearly kept out of heat and dryness. Inside, we find a partial leather interior that shows very little wear. There is just the right amount of patina, but no bolster wear and no cracks or tears. Controls and instruments all work properly including cold AC. Carpets are deep and thick. The motor, like any 3.6, is a beautiful piece of machinery, but one with under 72,000 original miles and fresh service is exceptionally beautiful. There are no valve guide issues or unusual pings, tings or other noises. With a Porsche-engineered intentional omission of head gaskets, early 964s were notorious leakers. As part of full disclosure, this one is no exception. However it is minimal, with only about a spoonful after sitting a few days. There is no smoke on startup and fires immediately, even after periods of dormancy. The transmission has also been serviced on schedule and is very solid with smooth, crisp linkages up and down through all gears. The factory D90 wheels are perhaps some of the nicest to feature on any 911 and these are in near flawless condition with no curb rash and excellent finish. They are shod with Bridgestone Potenzas that show very good life (80+% tread). This is an exceptionally nice and properly kept example of a 964.

Options

070Tonneau cover – Cabriolet
220Locking differential
286High intensity windscreen washer
288Headlight washer
437Comfort seat left
438Comfort seat right
454Automatic speed control
4942 speakers on back shelf
513Lumbar support – right seat
586Lumbar support – left seat
691CD-Player “CD-1” with Radio (since replaced)
C02Equipped with catalytic converter

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
I’ve said it before. 911s are made to be driven. Like any 911, this one is loads of fun to drive. Put your foot in it and its seats will hug you. Show it a twisty road and it will dance with you. If you’re feeling a little racy, that’s fine too. Everything on it it silky and tight. The 3.6 liter motor fires up and pulls strong while the 5-speed transmission is crisp and sure with so play and no sync issues. Steering is very responsive and the road feel is excellent through a tight suspension and excellent Bridgestone tires. Braking is firm and solid. This is a car that feels classic but completely fresh and relevant. In other words, it’s a true 911.

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