PORSCHE 964 RESTORATION: JORGE IS DONE

MORE THAN 14 MONTHS UNTIL THE PORSCHE 964 IS COMPLETE

After more than 14 months, the restoration of the Porsche 964 Carrera 2 is complete.

The project did not begin as a minor modification or a traditional partial restoration. The vehicle was completely disassembled, underwent a technical inspection, had its bodywork refurbished, and was then rebuilt from the ground up.

Virtually every screw, gasket, and washer was inspected, refurbished, or replaced during the course of the project.

The original vehicle has thus been transformed into a Porsche that retains its classic identity while being further developed in virtually every technical area.

THE FINISHED VEHICLE IS CALLED JORGE

The project vehicle now has its own name: Jorge.

The story behind the name dates back to the purchase of the original vehicle in Spain. A Spanish flag was found in the car at the time, and this led to the creation of an internal name during the project—a name that has ultimately stuck.

Today, Jorge bears little resemblance to the driver he was back then.

The Porsche 964, which was originally white, has been completely rebuilt as a green Carrera 2.

THE CUSTOMER’S REQUEST: NEW OR BETTER

The goal for the entire rebuild was clear:

New or better.

The goal was not simply to replace every traditional component with modern technology.

Rather, each component was evaluated to determine whether it should be retained, revised, or further developed in a technically sound manner.

The result is a vehicle that preserves classic Porsche characteristics while also benefiting from technical solutions that were not yet available when it was first registered.

A PURE SPORTS CAR WITH GREATER EVERYDAY PRACTICALITY

The final design was deliberately not intended to be an uncompromising Porsche 964 RS.

The driver remains the focus, but at the same time, the vehicle should remain practical for use in normal traffic conditions.

That is precisely what inspired the goal of building a classic Porsche that offers an engaging and responsive driving experience, yet remains comfortable enough for city driving, long-distance trips, and everyday use when needed.

The vehicle should not only look good, but also be practical enough to drive regularly.

THE 3.6-LITER ENGINE PRODUCES ABOUT 300 PS

The original 3.6-liter engine was completely overhauled and technically upgraded.

The cylinder heads were machined, larger valves were installed, and different camshafts were fitted.

In addition, the electronic voting system was modified.

The result is about 300 PS.

This gives the Porsche significantly more power than in its stock configuration, without completely altering the engine’s character.

A SPECIAL FLYWHEEL AS A COMPROMISE

When it came to the flywheel, too, the team deliberately sought a solution that struck a balance between comfort and sportiness.

While a particularly lightweight single-mass flywheel would provide very direct responsiveness, it can be significantly less comfortable in city traffic.

That is why an interim solution with a higher mass is being used.

It combines sportier engine performance with significantly smoother acceleration.

40 PERCENT LOCK FOR BETTER TRACTION

The approximately 300 PS must also be reliably transferred to the road.

To compensate, the classic five-speed transmission is equipped with a 40 percent lock.

It improves power delivery to both rear wheels and provides greater traction, especially during dynamic driving.

A shorter shift travel complements the drivetrain and enables quicker and more precise gear changes.

Week 3 HLS: SPORTY YET STILL PRACTICAL FOR EVERYDAY USE

For the suspension, we’re sticking with the KW V3 with hydraulic HLS that was already set up in the previous parts of the project.

Compression and rebound can be adjusted individually, allowing the suspension to be tuned for both road driving and sporty driving.

The hydraulic lift system also makes it possible to raise the vehicle by several centimeters when necessary.

This feature is a key component of the overall concept, particularly for steep access roads, ramps, and the planned use in Tyrol.

THE INTERIOR IS CUSTOMIZED IN BLACK AND GREEN

The interior has also been completely redesigned.

The upper section remains classic black, while the lower section is finished in bottle green.

A diamond-stitch pattern complements the custom leatherwork.

In addition, there is a green looped carpet, whose design is inspired by classic Porsche models.

The same carpet is also used in the trunk, so that the interior and the front of the car form a visual whole.

RECARO POLE POSITION AND RS-INSPIRED INTERIOR

The Recaro Pole Position seats, already familiar from previous phases of the project, were also custom-upholstered.

The backrests echo the car’s exterior color, thereby tying the exterior color to the interior design.

Other details are also modeled after the Porsche 964 RS.

The rear bench seat has been removed, and slimmed-down door panels replace the standard ones, giving the entire interior a much sportier and more driver-oriented look.

SMALL PORSCHE DETAILS ARE FINDED THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE

Not every detail comes directly from the Porsche 964.

Instead, elements from different eras and models of the brand were deliberately incorporated.

One example is the wooden gearshift knob, whose design is inspired by historic Porsche race cars.

It is precisely these details that are intended to give the vehicle a unique look without losing sight of its origins.

THE LARGE BRAKING SYSTEM MATCHES THE INCREASED POWER

The increased engine power is complemented by a correspondingly larger braking system.

The system uses components from Porsche’s lineup, which provide significantly greater braking performance than the original factory system.

Thus, the brake also follows the same basic concept as the rest of the redesign:

Technology is improved in areas where it offers real added value in terms of performance and driving safety.

RS FEATURES, WITHOUT TURNING JORGE INTO AN RS

Throughout the vehicle, there are various design cues reminiscent of the Porsche 964 RS.

These include, among other things, the lighter rear window, certain body details, and the interior design.

Even so, Jorge is not supposed to be an RS replica.

Rather, the components are combined in such a way that a self-contained vehicle is created.

The result is classic and understated, but a closer look reveals that this is not a stock Porsche 964.

CLASSIC DESIGN MEETS MODERN LED TECHNOLOGY

The original look is also preserved as much as possible when it comes to the lighting.

Inside, however, it features modern LED technology.

This preserves the classic look of the Porsche while also improving active driving safety.

Here, too, the fundamental approach of the entire project is evident: modern technology should provide support without visibly overshadowing the vehicle’s character.

CLASSIC BIKES AND MODERN TIRES

The design of the bike also remains deliberately understated.

Instead of particularly large or flashy wheels, classic BBS Le Mans wheels are used.

They are complemented by modern Michelin Pilot Sport tires.

This series, too, combines classic styling with modern performance and reliable traction.

A COMPLETE REBUILD, MADE IN HAMBURG

A project of this scale isn’t the work of a single trade.

The bodywork, paint, engine, mechanical systems, upholstery, and the entire assembly process had to be coordinated over many months.

Some of the work was carried out directly at the DAVID ATELIER, while other parts were done in collaboration with specialized partner companies.

It is only through the collaboration of all these areas that the finished vehicle comes to life.

After more than a year of work, the showroom now features not just a restored Porsche 964, but the result of a complete rebuild.

THE GOAL: NOT TOO MUCH AND NOT TOO LITTLE

The finished vehicle should not appear loud or over-the-top.

At the same time, it should still be clear that this is a special Porsche.

It is precisely this balance that runs through the entire project.

More power, a upgraded suspension, more braking power, and a custom interior meet a classic silhouette and understated design.

This transforms the original Porsche 964 Carrera 2 into a vehicle in a class of its own, without losing its fundamental character.

KEY FACTS FROM PART 6

THE OVERALL CONCEPT: NEW OR BETTER

What becomes apparent across all six parts of the project can be boiled down to a simple principle in the finale:

New or better.

Not every part had to be new. But after the rebuild, every component had to once again meet the standards of the vehicle as a whole.

Original parts were retained and refurbished where it made sense. Other components were technically upgraded if doing so improved drivability, safety, or reliability.

The result was neither a Porsche 964 faithfully preserved in its original state nor a radical conversion.

The result was Jorge —a custom-built Carrera 2 whose classic character remains clearly at the forefront.