PORSCHE 964 RESTORATION: FROM SCRATCH TO A COMPLETE REBUILD

TAKING INVENTORY: FIRST DISASSEMBLE, THEN DECIDE

During a restoration, a vehicle’s true condition often becomes apparent only after it has been disassembled.

For this reason, the Porsche 964 has had its trunk lid, engine, transmission, windows, doors, and fenders removed, among other components. The interior has also been largely dismantled to give the body shop full access to the relevant areas.

Corrosion has already been detected just below the front fenders, in a location typical for these vehicles.

Complete disassembly therefore serves not only the restoration itself, but above all to provide as accurate an assessment of the condition as possible.

ICE BLASTING: WHAT’S REALLY UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE?

At the customer’s request, the underbody was cleaned with dry ice.

This process removes road grime, grease, brake dust, underbody wax, and deposits, while preserving the original body sealant and protective coatings that are firmly bonded to the sheet metal.

The result isn’t just visually impressive. It’s only after cleaning that the actual condition of many components can be reliably assessed.

In the video, ice blasting is therefore aptly described as a kind of “lie detector ”: Defective bearings, corrosion, and other weak spots can no longer be hidden beneath decades-old grime.

THE UNDERCARRIAGE IS BEING FURTHER DISASSEMBLED

The work isn’t finished after ice blasting.

Brackets, electrical wiring, fuel lines, and other components on the underbody are removed. This allows damaged areas to be professionally repaired and then repainted or touched up in the appropriate color.

At the same time, every removed component is inspected. Components that are no longer in good condition are replaced or overhauled immediately.

This is precisely where the advantage of a comprehensive restoration becomes apparent: Not only are visible areas refurbished—the underlying mechanics are also systematically inspected.

3.8 LITERS AND ABOUT 300 PS

A key component of the project is the engine.

The Porsche 964 comes standard with a 3.6-liter engine producing 250 PS. As part of the overhaul , the displacement will be increased to 3.8 liters.

The target output is around 300 PS.

The goal here is explicitly not to build the most extreme engine possible. Rather, the goal is:

• around 300 PS
• reliable power delivery
• Stability
• good drivability
• Suitability for everyday use

This means the powertrain also fits the overall character of the vehicle.

KW V3 WITH HYDRAULIC HLS

The standard suspension is replaced by a KW V3 with a hydraulic lift system.

The HLS allows the front axle, in particular, to be raised as needed. This is helpful, for example, when entering underground parking garages, navigating speed bumps, or driving up steep ramps.

Especially in a Porsche with a lower ride height, the system combines sporty suspension technology with significantly greater practicality for everyday use.

Before the vehicle is painted, the necessary lines and mounting points for the system are already prepared.

CORROSION ON THE PORSCHE 964: EVEN IF IT’S GALVANIZED, IT’S NOT RUST-PROOF

An important part of bodywork is removing existing corrosion.

On the project car, rust was discovered particularly under the front fenders. Water, dirt, and moisture can penetrate there over the years and accumulate between the components.

The fact that Porsche galvanized its bodies early on does not mean, therefore, that classic 911s are inherently protected from corrosion.

Stone chips, clogged drains, friction between components, and persistent moisture can compromise the protective effect over the course of decades.

OAK GREEN METALLIC: THE NEW COLOR OF THE PORSCHE 964

Once the bodywork is complete, the Porsche 964 is fully painted in Oak Green Metallic.

The classic Porsche color was chosen at the customer’s request and, together with the gold BBS Le Mans wheels, would later become an essential part of the vehicle’s design concept.

However, there is still more work to be done before painting: the side panels must be repaired, the corrosion in the front end must be removed, and the frame must be measured.

Only then will the final paint application begin.

THE INTERIOR BECOMES MORE SPORTY AND LIGHTER

Inside, too, the Porsche 964 is being thoroughly tailored to its future purpose.

The rear bench seat is removed and replaced with RS carpet. Recaro Pole Position seats are planned for the driver and front passenger. A concave Momo steering wheel is also included.

The vehicle also offers a unique starting point right from the factory:

It does not have a sunroof.

This eliminates additional weight at the highest point of the body. At the same time, it provides more headroom and reduces potential sources of noise or wear.

This makes a body without a sunroof particularly appealing, especially for sporty classic Porsches.

BBS LE MANS WITH GOLD STAR

The wheel design remains deliberately classic.

The Porsche 964 is fitted with BBS Le Mans wheels featuring a gold star. Paired with Oak Green Metallic, this creates a very traditional combination that underscores the car’s sporty character without making the design appear unnecessarily modern.

BUILT FOR THE ROADS OF ITALY

The vehicle’s future intended use has also already been determined.

The owner plans to take the Porsche to Italy once it’s finished and drive it there. The video specifically mentions the Dolomites as ideal terrain for the vehicle.

This aligns perfectly with the project’s focus: not purely a collector’s car and not an extreme performance project, but a classic Porsche meant to be driven.

With a 3.8-liter engine, around 300 PS, a modern suspension, and a minimalist interior, the result is a complete package designed specifically for winding roads and longer drives.

KEY FACTS ABOUT THE PROJECT

RESTORATION AND CUSTOMIZATION FROM A SINGLE SOURCE

In this project, restoration and technical upgrades are considered together.

The existing structure is first fully exposed and assessed. Only then is a decision made as to which components will be preserved, refurbished, or replaced.

The engine, transmission, axles, suspension, body, and interior are therefore not developed independently of one another, but as integral parts of a unified vehicle concept.

The result will be a Porsche 964 that retains its classic character while, at the same time, meeting the owner’s exact specifications in terms of technical performance and driving dynamics.