Keep Original or Resto-mod?

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You may ask yourself why a fairly plain 1992 Porsche 911 with an automatic gearbox and a few niggly problems to sort could be worth $140,000. Surely you could get a newer, faster 911 for that money? Well the answer is “air-cooled”, and, to some extent, “resto-mod”. This car is to be auctioned by Turners in Auckland. Let’s explore why it will be so popular. Read on...

Firstly, let’s address the way the engine is cooled in this car. The Porsche 911 was famously air-cooled, just like its cousin, the Beetle. Simply put, it is cooled by air and oil, so needs no water. I say “was” because in 1997 Porsche released its new 911, the 996, and, controversially, it was water-cooled. 911 enthusiasts were shocked and angered that their car was now just like every other car, and to add insult to injury, the headlights were shaped like fried eggs. Every 911 since is water-cooled.

This 911 is the 964 model code (yes, 911 numbering is confusing) and the second to last air-cooled 911 model. It is regarded by many to be one of the great driving 911s and, along with the final air-cooled model, the 993, still retains the classic 911 look. Demand for all air-cooled 911s is strong and prices have continued to rise.

Which brings us to the second part of the price equation: The Resto-mod. The rise of the 911 resto-mod has been phenomenal. First it was Singer and now there is Theon Design, Rennsport, Gunther Werks and many more. Most of these companies take a 964 or 993 and completely rebuild it, backdating the look to the classic 60s and 70s cars, adding more power, bespoke trim and loads more. These cars can cost over $1 million and the demand for them is high. But all of them need a donor car to start with, which means the demand for these later generation air-cooled cars is high.

This car is a 1992 Carrera 2 with 88,000kms on the clock. It has the auto-tiptronic transmission and is in tidy condition. However, the mechanical report indicates there are signs of deferred maintenance so it will need some love from the next owner. But in the end it’s a 964 911 and there are typically more buyers than sellers. So get out your big wallet for this one.

More details here.