Before the 964 and its variants came out, including the iconic 964 Carrera RS, Porsche had not made available its RS cars for the US market, and it was only with the creation of the RS for the 964 that they decided to answer the prayers of many an enthusiast. The move did not go well. Let’s kick things off with some rapid-fire history.

The previous model Porsche made, the G Series, saw over 196,000 units made. The 964 was produced during a global recession, prompting Porsche to bridge the gap with advanced technology in its cars. Just over 63,700 cars rolled off the production line, making this one of the rarest generations of 911 ever made.

The type 964 arrived with 85% new parts but largely kept the classic shape and lines of its predecessor. Customers could get it in Cabriolet, Targa, and Coupe body designs. 

See the Retro Motor road test here – https://www.retromotor.co.uk/retro-road-test/1992-porsche-964-carrera-rs-review/

The Type 964 Was A Rethink In 911 Design

To understand the appeal, and the initial reaction of buyers of the RS version at the time, it is worth diving into what the 964 brought to the table. 

Porsche started by reworking the suspension, using coil springs and shock absorbers in place or torsion bars, something that was notably a major change since the original 911. On the front, you get MacPherson struts, a system that is seen in all subsequent. 

 Power Steering and ABS were, for the first time in a 911, added as standard features. To help with aerodynamics, the bumpers and fog lamps were engineered to be flush with the car.

At the back, engineers added a new electric spoiler that raised at speeds above 80 km/h (50mph) and receded flush into the rear engine lid at lower speeds. 

The Power Plant

The type 964 came with a 3.6-liter, air, and oil-cooled marvel of engineering, located in the rear as is tradition. It has six horizontally opposed cylinders, forged crankshaft, and a high compression ration of 11:3:1. 

The engine doesn’t just perform; it roars.

With a perfect 100 x 76.4 mm bore and stroke, each rev delivers smooth sound and powerful impact. With electronic fuel injection, a DME controller, and twin-spark ignition with knock regulation, the engine was smart for the time.

It delivered an exhilarating 250 PS (247 hp) at 6,100 rpm and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque at 4,800 rpm, balancing speed and acceleration.

The aluminum alloy block-and-head masterpiece has a single overhead cam per bank, driven by a reliable double chain.

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The RS Variants

For the RS variants, Porsche created a revised version of the standard engine, with slightly more power (260 PS (191 kW; 256 bhp), a lightweight flywheel connected to a G50/10 transmission with closer ratios, steel synchromesh, and an asymmetrical limited-slip differential.

The variants featured lowered ride height, stiffer shocks, springs, and adjustable stabiliser bars for a more engaging drive.

Porsche made two versions: the standard RS and Clubsport.

The standard RS adds comfort with carpets, sound deadening, leather seats, undercarriage protection, and options like AC and power windows.

The Clubsport package was more aggressive in weight shedding, featuring an almost hollowed-out interior without power windows, air conditioning, seats, cruise control, soundproofing, carpeting, or stereo. It was fitted with a roll cage and full racing-bucket front seats. 

Upfront, the bonnet was made of aluminum with a seam-welded chassis. The wheels were magnesium with thinner glass in the door and rear window. At 290 cars produced, the Clubsport is one of the rarest type 964 variants you can get.

The American RS

As we mentioned, the American Porsche market had been salivating for a Carrera RS, and they finally got one, even though it was a rocky road that included the failure to launch the Carrera Cup US Edition.

Dubbed the RS America, it was produced for model years 1993 and 1994 and was based on the US Carrera 2. There were 701 cars made in total, but even with the weight savings from deleting power steering, cruise control, sunroof, air conditioning, radio, powered side mirrors, and the limited-slip differential (all available as options), it felt like a compromise. 

For sale over at – https://www.elferspot.com/en/car/porsche-964-carrera-rs-america-1993-3515129/

The vehicles would gain popularity among racing enthusiasts and in auto-cross events, but it would be a while before the prices started to go wild. 

For a while, it occupied the unenviable position of being an RS that did not have the features its European version had that made it like a race car but didn’t have enough creature comforts to be an appealing road car or daily driver.  Not yet, anyway. 

Sitting in this space, it earned its ‘forgotten child’ status.

By Mr.choppers – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20292639

A Turnaround

The price was justifiably high, given the recession and the massive upgrades and new technologies in the 964. The Germany-US exchange rate drove the base Carrera 2 price to nearly $70,000—about $30,000 more than its predecessor.

In America, sales slumped so much that dealers had to discount them. 

In the early 2000s, buyers found the 964 Carrera RS relatively affordable compared to other classic Porsches, and the broader market somewhat overlooked it during this period. Appreciation began to pick up in the mid-2000s to early 2010s. Enthusiasts and collectors recognized the 964 RS for its unique qualities, like lightweight construction and a pure driving experience.

From 2010 onwards, the prices began to increase dramatically. Around 2010, the average price would have stood at around $20,000. By 2017, the figure had risen steadily to an average of $55,000 by 2017.

The trend would only continue, and nowadays, it is not uncommon to see prices exceeding six figures for well-maintained units.

The value surge stemmed from the models’ rarity and exclusivity, attracting collectors. Driving purists love it for its racing heritage, including weight-saving measures and a responsive driving experience.

With rising values for air-cooled Porsches, collectors turned to the 964 Carrera RS as a more accessible, desirable option.

If you’re lucky enough to own a 964 or any other Porsche model, keeping it in peak condition is essential. At Design911, we offer an extensive range of parts, upgrades, and accessories to help you preserve and enhance your Porsche’s performance, style, and heritage. Find everything you need on our website, from hard-to-find components to the latest aftermarket upgrades, to keep your Porsche running like the icon it was meant to be.