Launched in 1992 as a 1993 model, the 964 Porsche Speedster was based on the Carrera 2 cabriolet and available either in standard or lightweight trim called “clubsport”. Unlike its predecessor, the 911 Speedster, the 964 Speedster was initially not available with the Turbo look “widebody” style.
The 964 Speedster was designed to be a more focused “driver’s car” and served as a hybred between a 964 Carrera 2 Cabriolet and a 964 RS.
While it featured a softer suspension set up than the 964 RS, it offered almost none of the comforts of a normal 964 Carrera 2 Cabriolet, though power windows were standard and air conditioning and stereo were options.
The manually folding “pram-like” hood was basic contraption that required practice to erect quickly (Porsche referred to it as strictly an emergency soft top for inclement weather).
Porsche planned to build 3,000 examples of the 964 Speedsters in 1992 and an appropriate number of VINS were allocated, however only 936 examples were built and sold during the two years of production.
Once again, the United States was the most important market with 427 Speedsters heading Stateside. Right hand drive versions were exceptionally rare this time, with only 14 cars having the steering wheel on the ‘proper’ side compared to 139 examples in right hand drive of the previous 911 Speedster.
Mechanically identical to a Carrera 2 the main Speedster difference was the roof arrangement and the ability for the windscreen to be removed. Interior trim is similar to the RS and they had special bucket seats fitted.
Towards the end of the production run, 20 special examples were finished at Porsche Exclusive’s Werk 1 workshop with the optional “Turbo look” wide-bodies.
The last 964 Speedster produced was a RHD example finished in slate grey. Known as the Sonderwunsh “Special Wishes” Speedster Leichtbau for its extensive use of light weight materials and its Porsche Exclusive Werk 1 provenance, it is widely regarded as the most collectable version of all.
This car is now based in Hong Kong and owned by Kevin Yeung, who has kindly sent me a number of current photographs
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