Yeah... but it's not matching numbers... And it's not a real one..." It's pretty funny to hear that the first time you admit that it’s indeed not the real deal, no matter how perfect the illusion may be. But isn't that the best version of a 964? A fairly "modest" Carrera 2 with a freshly rebuilt 3.6L full of energy, all the components of an RS, a roll cage just because... why not? And two stunning Recaro Pole Position Classic seats, complete with the subtle centerline reminder on the all-leather steering wheel, matching the dashboard and center console. You’ve just crafted the recipe for pure bliss! Add some carbon engine covers to please even the pickiest, and all that's left is to savor every deep, metallic roar of this over-290 horsepower Flat 6, which only truly awakens beyond 5000 rpm. 290 horsepower? Yes, thanks to the hot wire air flow meter and ECU remap, well-known to track enthusiasts.
Purchased during the lockdown period in the Reims region, this Carrera was patiently waiting for its savior in the Club Sport Racing garage after suffering an engine failure. A simple ad on Mikado Racing caught the attention of its current owner. Our survivor got a complete engine overhaul—pistons, ignition, rings... everything was replaced to unleash its full potential. Back in its new home, all the carpets were swapped out for those of an RS. The brakes and pedals were fully restored, and a short-throw shifter was installed, offering the driver a sensitive and precise feel, essential for track outings. After a break-in period and a thorough check of all the new components at CSR, our steed was finally ready to hit the tracks across France and beyond. A track car that ended up in our hands for a full test over the weekend.
And what better way to tame and resonate with this rolling cathedral than a 700km scenic tour through the Vosges with the merry bunch from the LBA Social Club?
Our test drive begins along the shores of Gérardmer Lake. The sun is shining, just in time for a quick wash and a stop at the gas station for our beauty. A peaceful moment that allows us to properly bed in the freshly installed discs and brake pads, inherited from a 964 Turbo. Getting used to the reinforced clutch, which requires a bit of finesse when cold, takes a moment. But once our Stuttgart-born machine has all its needles in the green, it's exhilarating to see how easy it is to drive. Easy, yes, but it never lets you forget for a second that an entire herd of horsepower is just waiting for you to press a bit too hard on the pedal, ready to hurl you deep into those Recaros! And you better have a firm grip on the wheel.
With everything warmed up, 80s classics crackle through the speakers, barely audible over the constant rumble. We're transported back to childhood summer vacations, when we’d breathe in the unburnt fuel vapors of the family’s old sporty car, hand out the window playing with the wind, watching the sunlight filter through the trees on a gentle evening. A wave of nostalgia washes over us, filling every moment with joy. In the end, that’s what makes Porsches so perfect—they're not just high-performance vehicles with remarkable balance... they are true conduits of emotion.
But we’re not here for sightseeing! At least, we fully intend to unleash this lady’s full potential. After a quick stop at Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg to take in the view, we hit the twists and turns of the wine route, letting the Flat-6 roar. We weave through the Vosges roads, the window—still electric by choice—rolled down as we soar from one corner to the next, chatting with our co-pilot. A heel-toe shift, a pop from the slightly rich 3.6L engine, and we can't help but crack a boyish grin. Life feels easy, with no worry about fuel thanks to the 77-liter tank. We climb higher and higher until we reach the summit of the Hohneck, where the breathtaking scenery is made even more stunning by our companion in the foreground. It’s time to head back and enjoy a well-earned beer, sipped responsibly in the parking lot as we admire a miracle of nature—a completely unexpected northern lights display. After a peaceful night’s rest, we’re back on the road with our eager steed.
The car continues to impress. The front end is as precise as a heart surgeon’s scalpel, thanks to its original RS suspension. The rear end? You’d think it might be tricky with that rear-engine overhang? Not at all! It wraps around corners like a flamenco dancer’s dress. And with a quick stamp of the foot, it settles in, ready to catapult you into the next sequence of turns. There’s no feeling of heaviness whatsoever. With lightweight windows, an aluminum hood, and the removal of the rear seats, the car feels agile and responsive. The feedback is flawless, thanks to its race-car driving position. Beyond having all the components of an RS, the car is equipped with power steering, which proves extremely helpful on long drives. You can easily navigate the region’s roads at unmentionable speeds for hours on end.
And if that’s not enough, the smiles and wide-eyed amazement of the younger generation watching this car from the roadside will surely win you over. A little rev of the engine is all it takes to turn them into true enthusiasts, quickly forgetting the electric trend. But don't get too carried away by this idyllic world, because 700 km fly by quickly, and it’s already Sunday! Time to tuck the beauty back into the garage where she belongs.
So yes, it’s not an RS as the discreet badge on the rear hood suggests. But the attention to detail in these modifications and the quality of the parts installed make this 964 a car that offers all the qualities one could hope for in any enthusiast’s vehicle. After spending a few days behind the wheel, one wonders if, in the end, this might not be a more interesting version than the ones offered straight from the factory?
Article written with passion by: Nico FERDIER