Pricey Project: 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet – SOLD!

June 17, 2023, Update – Less than one week after posting the ad for their non-running Porsche 964 project car, the seller deleted it without posting a replacement.  That’s a sign they sold the car at or near their $29,000 asking price.  We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

We never thought it would last this long, but prices for air-cooled Porsches, particularly 911 variants, continue to remain strong for eight years and counting. What started as a Hipster fad around 2014 continues unabated despite a pandemic and a subsequent poor economy. This trend applies to every generation of the 911, from early “Long Hood” versions to the Porsche’s air-cooled swan song, the 993 produced from 1994 to 1998.

The next-to-last air-cooled Porsche 911 generation was the 964, launched in 1989.  Remember, by the late 1980s, Porsche had planned to phase out the 911 in favor of the company’s 928 flagship.  Consequently, the 964 generation was never supposed to materialize.  Even when it did, the Porsche Purists still condemned it as too much of a modernization of their beloved tail-happy rear-engined sports car.  Time has a way of healing, and now, the 964 generation is particularly desired by the Outlaw and Back Dating crowds.  Call it the Singer effect, but it’s getting hard to find a 964 vintage Porsche in original condition that hasn’t been scooped up by an enthusiast interested in either making a Restomod (“Outlaw in Porsche Parlance) or modifying the front and rear ends with older 911 components in an effort to “Back Date” the car.

Understanding those dynamics, it’s easy to understand how the seller of this Guards Red 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet for sale, first spotted in June 2023 on Craigslist in Camarillo, California, set their asking price. Almost thirty large for a 177K-mile project car that has not run in over a decade may set off some, but someone is about to get a great deal on a desirable Porsche.  Even after an expensive engine rebuild and repaint investment, there’s a good chance the buyer can recoup their investment.

Last offered for $29,000, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is well below the five-year rolling average of this guide’s summary for the 964-generation of all Porsche 911 Carrera 4 variants produced between 1989 and 1993.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the Carrera 4 Cabriolet featured here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #4 “Fair” estimate of $27,000 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $49,000.

The 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is a classic sports car that embodies the iconic design and performance of the Porsche 911 series. Known for its sleek lines, powerful engine, and open-top driving experience, this particular model represents a blend of luxury and sportiness.

The exterior design of the 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is instantly recognizable and stays true to the 911’s distinctive shape. It features a curvaceous body with a low-slung stance, wide fenders, and a sloping rear end. The convertible top is made of high-quality fabric and can be easily folded down, allowing an exhilarating open-air driving experience. The car sits on a set of stylish alloy wheels, and its overall appearance exudes elegance and athleticism.

Stepping inside the cabin, you’ll find a driver-focused cockpit that emphasizes both comfort and functionality. The seats are upholstered in premium leather, providing excellent support during spirited driving. The dashboard layout is clean and uncluttered, featuring clear gauges and intuitive controls that are well within reach of the driver. The center console houses various amenities, including the audio system, climate controls, and other essential features. Despite being a sports car, the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet offers a surprising amount of space, with seating for up to four passengers, although rear legroom can be limited.

At the heart of the 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet lies a 3.6-liter, air-cooled, flat-six engine. This rear-mounted powerplant produces an impressive output of around 247 horsepower and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Carrera 4 variant denotes that it is equipped with Porsche’s all-wheel-drive system, which enhances traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions. This setup allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in approximately 6 seconds, with a top speed of around 155 mph (250 km/h).

The driving experience of the 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is nothing short of thrilling. The engine’s distinctive flat-six sound, coupled with its power delivery, provides an exhilarating ride. The car’s suspension system strikes a balance between sportiness and comfort, allowing for precise handling and a smooth ride quality. The precise steering and responsive brakes further enhance the overall driving dynamics, providing the driver with a true sports car experience.

While the 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet may not have the modern technology found in today’s cars, it still offers a range of features for its time. These may include power windows, power-adjustable seats, air conditioning, an audio system, and various safety features such as anti-lock brakes and airbags.

Overall, the 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is a highly sought-after classic sports car that captures the essence of Porsche’s heritage. With its timeless design, powerful performance, and open-top driving experience, it continues to be cherished by automotive enthusiasts worldwide.

The MotorWeek Retro Review YouTube Channel features this 1989 test drive of the then-new 964 version of Porsche’s iconic 911:

Like it or not, this 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet project car for sale confirms the market for air-cooled Porsches.  While $29,000 for a non-running project car may detract many, the upside is that as long as the market stays strong for these cars you will likely recoup most of your investment.  It will be interesting to see whether the next caretaker restores this 964 Porsche back to its original Guards Red Glory or perhaps uses it as a backdate build.

If you are serious about buying this 964-series 911 you can start the conversation by following the contact instructions in the seller’s Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please remember to mention you saw their Porsche Project car featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Restore or Back Dated build: What would you do with this 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet?  Please comment below and let us know!