The 964 Speedster was a 964 Carrera 2 based, low-roof convertible version and was introduced in October 1992. Its Speedster bodyshape was first created on the 356 model primarily as a basic and thus cheap Porsche for the Californian market. With 4000 cars produced it was a strong seller, particularly stateside, with 80% of the sales that went to the US. The next speedster model was introduced in 1989 when the 3.2 Carrera received the Speedster treatment, with 2000 cars produced in both standard and turbo width bodywork. Almost half this number went to the USA and a mere 139 examples were RHD.
In 1993, with the Porsche 964 model, the next generation Porsche Speedster was released. It was available either in standard or a lightweight trim called “Clubsport”. Unlike its predecessor, the 911 Speedster, the 964 Speedster was not available with the “Turbo-Look” widebody rear arches. As a result of this, the sales of the 964 Speedster edition were disappointing: only 936 units were built and sold in two years. Again the USA was the prime buyer with 427 cars heading to the States. The RHD versions were really rare this time, with only 14 cars having the steering wheel on the ‘proper’ side. Still, 20 (14 in right hand drive) very exclusive “Turbo-Look” widebody units were made as special orders.
The 964 Speedster is sort of a cross between a Cabriolet and RS. It has softer suspension than the RS but almost none of the comforts of a normal Carrera 2 or Cabrio. The manually folding pram-like hood is a bit basic (Porsche actually call it an emergency soft top for inclement weather) and covered by an aerodynamic bonnet that has been designed to make the perfect harmonic connection between the back of the rear seats and the back of the car.
