The 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet 964 represents one of the most important transitions in the history of the air-cooled Porsche 911. While retaining the unmistakable silhouette of the classic 911, the 964 introduced substantially more modern engineering, including permanent all-wheel drive, ABS, power steering and improved aerodynamics.
This specific 1990 Porsche 964 Carrera 4 Cabriolet has been sold and is now preserved in the Giro Classico archive of previously handled collector cars. The original Giro Classico page confirms its SOLD status.
1990 Porsche 964 Carrera 4 Cabriolet
The Porsche 964 arrived for the 1989 model year as the successor to the traditional G-Series 911.
Although visually familiar, Porsche stated that approximately 85% of its components were new. The Carrera 4 was initially available as Coupé, Targa and Cabriolet and introduced a level of technical sophistication never previously seen in the production 911.
Important developments included:
- 3.6-litre air-cooled flat-six
- 250 hp
- permanent all-wheel drive
- ABS
- power-assisted steering
- improved suspension
- automatic rear spoiler
- revised aerodynamics
The result was a 911 that retained its analogue air-cooled character while becoming considerably more capable as an everyday and long-distance sports car.
The 3.6-litre air-cooled flat-six
At the heart of the Carrera 4 is Porsche’s 3.6-litre flat-six, producing approximately 250 hp.
Compared with the previous Carrera 3.2 generation, the 964 offered greater displacement, torque and refinement while preserving the defining characteristics of an air-cooled Porsche engine.
For many collectors, the 3.6-litre unit is one of the major attractions of the 964 because it sits between the more traditional mechanical character of the G-Series and the increasingly sophisticated 993 generation that followed.
Porsche’s first production all-wheel-drive 911
The Carrera 4 was the first production Porsche 911 equipped with an all-wheel-drive system.
Under normal conditions, the electronically controlled system distributed approximately:
- 31% of torque to the front axle
- 69% to the rear axle
and could vary the distribution according to driving conditions.
The rear-biased setup retained the characteristic feel of a 911 while improving traction and stability, particularly in poor weather or during high-speed touring.
Carrera 4 versus Carrera 2
The Carrera 4 launched the 964 generation, while the rear-wheel-drive Carrera 2 followed for the 1990 model year.
The two versions appeal to slightly different collectors.
The Carrera 4 offers:
- permanent AWD
- greater traction
- historical importance as the first AWD 911
- distinctive early-964 engineering
The Carrera 2 offers:
- rear-wheel drive
- slightly simpler mechanical architecture
- a driving character closer to traditional earlier 911s
Neither is inherently superior. Choice depends largely on the character the owner wants from the car.
Why the 964 Cabriolet is significant
The Cabriolet combines the technical progress of the 964 with fully open-air driving.
Compared with earlier 911 Cabriolets, the 964 brought:
- more power
- improved chassis technology
- better braking
- greater high-speed stability
- power steering
- modernised climate and comfort equipment
It therefore occupies an interesting position for collectors who want a classic air-cooled Porsche that remains particularly usable.
The aerodynamic evolution of the 911
Although the 964 retained the traditional 911 profile, its aerodynamic treatment was significantly improved.
Changes included revised:
- front bumper
- rear bumper
- underbody airflow
- body integration
and, most visibly, an automatically extending rear spoiler.
At lower speeds the spoiler remained retracted, preserving the traditional 911 silhouette, while at higher speeds it extended to improve aerodynamic stability.
Why the Porsche 964 is collectible
The 964 is increasingly appreciated because it combines characteristics from two different eras.
It still provides:
- air-cooled engineering
- compact classic 911 proportions
- hydraulic steering feel
- traditional flat-six sound
- relatively analogue controls
while adding:
- ABS
- power steering
- improved heating and ventilation
- modern suspension
- better everyday drivability
It therefore represents an important bridge between the classic 911 and the more modern Porsche generations.
What to inspect before buying a Porsche 964
A specialist pre-purchase inspection should include:
- chassis and body condition
- previous accident repairs
- paintwork and panel alignment
- engine oil leaks
- cylinder-head area
- compression and leak-down
- gearbox
- clutch
- Carrera 4 drivetrain
- front differential
- driveshafts
- brakes and ABS
- suspension
- power steering
- electric roof mechanism
- rear spoiler operation
- electrical systems
- service history
On a Carrera 4, the additional AWD components make inspection of the complete drivetrain particularly important.
Originality, maintenance and provenance
As with most collectible Porsche 911s, value depends heavily on the quality of the individual example.
Important factors include:
- original specification
- engine and gearbox identity
- factory colour
- documented mileage
- accident history
- maintenance history
- body originality
- quality of previous restoration work
A well-maintained higher-mileage 964 with transparent history can often be more desirable than a lower-mileage car with incomplete documentation.
This 1990 Porsche 964 Carrera 4 Cabriolet has been sold
This specific 1990 Porsche 964 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is no longer available. Giro Classico clearly identifies it as SOLD and keeps the page online as part of its archive of previously handled collector cars.
The page remains useful for enthusiasts researching the Porsche 964 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, air-cooled 911 values and the differences between Carrera 2 and Carrera 4 models.
Looking for an air-cooled Porsche 911 currently available?
For visitors arriving on this sold 964 page, the strongest current Giro Classico alternative is the 1970 Porsche 911 S 2.2 Coupé.
Discover the 1970 Porsche 911 S 2.2 Coupé currently available at Giro Classico
It represents a much earlier and purer interpretation of the same air-cooled 911 lineage and is currently offered at €155,000. Giro Classico confirms that the car retains its original matching-numbers Type 911/02 engine and has undergone a comprehensive restoration in its original Tangerine 018 colour.
964 Carrera 4 or early 911 S?
The 1990 Carrera 4 Cabriolet offers:
- 3.6-litre flat-six
- 250 hp
- permanent AWD
- ABS and power steering
- open-air driving
- considerably greater everyday usability
The 1970 911 S 2.2 Coupé offers:
- lighter construction
- 2.2-litre mechanically fuel-injected flat-six
- 180 hp
- rear-wheel drive
- early long-bonnet styling
- greater rarity and historical significance
The available 911 S is chassis number 1643 of just 1,744 911 S examples produced for the 1970 model year and retains its correct Type 911/01 gearbox, original Fuchs wheels, owner’s manual and tool kit.
For a buyer specifically searching for another 964 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, however, targeted sourcing remains the most relevant option.
Looking specifically for another Porsche 964?
Giro Classico can assist with the search for:
- Porsche 964 Carrera 4 Cabriolet
- Porsche 964 Carrera 4 Coupé
- Porsche 964 Carrera 2
- Porsche 964 Targa
- manual-transmission examples
- European-market cars
- low-mileage survivors
- restored collector-grade 964s
The process can include:
- private and off-market sourcing
- Porsche documentation verification
- matching-numbers checks
- service-history analysis
- accident and body inspection
- pre-purchase inspection
- valuation
- negotiation
- international transport
Discover Giro Classico’s Collector Car Advisory service
For further information regarding sourcing a Porsche 964 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, evaluating an individual car, arranging a specialist pre-purchase inspection, or regarding the 1970 Porsche 911 S 2.2 currently available, please contact us directly.
Because in the end, we never truly own these cars, we simply preserve them for the next generation.
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