REVIEW PORSCHE CLUB GREAT BRITAIN - by Kieron Fennelly
Book available from www.porsche964themodernclassic.nl / porsche964@ziggo.nl
Built from 1988-93, the Porsche 911 Typ 964 is usually seen as the bridge between the original 911 and the later and subsequently water-cooled versions. Owner and enthusiast Koebrugge calls the 964 with some justification the modern classic: using essentially the same shell, air cooled engine and trademark ‘frog eye’ headlights, the 964 was nevertheless the first 911 without the torsion bar suspension and the first to offer a 4x4 version, standard-fit ABS and power steering and an automatic transmission option.
The author sets out a brief history of the 911 before introducing the 964. He covers its development story as well as the various versions of the 964, Targas and cabriolets, the Turbos and homologation RS and RSRs and short-production models such as the Speedster and Turbo-look cars. Commendably he even includes Ruf’s contribution, the CTR which, because Ruf is classed as a manufacturer, did not carry a Porsche badge, but is worthy of inclusion because once again Ruf was demonstrating direction in which a more advanced 911 might develop.
Thanks to the author’s collaboration with Benjamin Dimson, the lead exterior designer of the 964, one of the highlights of Porsche 964 the Modern Classic is undoubtedly its chapters on styling: the many previously unpublished pictures of sketches and designs which were discarded, often for being too radical, are part of a fascinating narrative and the 911 fan will spot a number of styling cues which would appear on the 993 as well several ‘what might have been’ Speedster designs. Equally interesting are the sketches of alternative forms for the widebody and open 964s. Koebrugge points out that one of Porsche’s objectives with the 964 was to reduce the drag coefficient of the 911 which in 3.2 guise stood at 0.40 and he indicates that this was reduced to 0.32 thanks to the 964’s smoother coachwork and the panelling-in of the underside by Porsche’s master aerodynamicist Norbert Singer. Porsche even produced a table indicating the percentage of drag reduction for each component of the body. Singer redesigned the 911’s chassis to accommodate four-wheel drive which entailed replacing the archaic torsion bars, a mise à jour which Porsche engineers had wanted to carry out for years. The new suspension configuration is well illustrated by underside pictures taken on the production line which clearly show the struts and the rear semi-trailing arms which were attached directly to the body.
Enthusiast though he his Paul Koebrugge admits in his closing chapter that the new management which took over at Porsche in 1989 was less enamoured of the 964 – the ride quality partly the result of the semi-trailing arms rendered the 964 less comfortable than competitors and as he points out, work on the 964’s successor the 993 began immediately. The author acknowledges that the 993 was seen as a better car (75,000 were constructed over four years compared with about 50,000 of the 964) but adds that today the 964 is regarded as a highly desirable classic 911, a more uncompromising, traditional sports car than the more refined 993 and in this he is certainly correct: no air cooled 911 sounds better than the deep, barrel-chested baritone of the 964’s single-outlet exhaust.
A superbly illustrated work with a wide and largely original selection of photography whose author writes with a fluency which is both engaging and informative. A book that offers an involving read for any Porsche fan and an absolute must for all 964 owners.
REVIEW FROM TOTAL 911 PORSCHE MAGAZINE
REVIEW WWW.PORSCHEROADANDRACE.COM
https://www.porscheroadandrace.com/porsche-964-the-modern-classic/
Porsche 964: The Modern Classic by Paul Koebrugge
The history of Porsche sportscars is peppered with iconic models that stand out as special, from the earliest models to the very latest. One of the most notable achievements by Porsche’s designers is how they have retained the silhouette of the model through the ages, www.porscheroadandrace.com first with the 356, and then with the 911. Despite the addition of new technology, the inclusion of a plethora of new features as demanded by the modern driver, the 911 has still retained its same basic shape.
When the G-series gave way to the new Type 964 for the 1989 model year, the new model was introduced with a host of new technology. Four-wheel drive technology had only been tried in motorsport in the 911 Carrera 4×4 (1983) and 959/961 (1985-87) before being introduced in the limited edition roadgoing 959 (1987-89). When the 964 was launched, it arrived first as an all-wheel drive 911, but the difference was that the 964 was a production sports car for the general Porsche enthusiast, not just an elite and limited group. While the all-wheel drive 964 used a less sophisticated drivetrain than that used in the 959, it nonetheless gave the 911 enthusiast access to a level of road holding not previously available to the average Porsche driver. The 2-wheel drive model arrived the following year, in 1990.
1993 also saw the 30th anniversary of the 911 model, and Porsche were quick to introduce a special model to commemorate this. The Carrera RS 3.8 was a model that shot to the top of the 911 family tree, replacing the Turbo as the top model. Other models included the more potent Turbo 3.6, the RS America and the 964 Slant Nose 3.6, offering the 911 driver a wide choice of models to choose from.
In his book on the 964, the author has gone to great lengths to uncover the background to the design of this model, and he has supported this with numerous relevant images. He has also enjoyed the enthusiastic support of the 964’s lead exterior designer, Benjamin Dimson, and this has brought a valuable and insightful slant to the book. Included, for instance, are basic 964 design sketches, concept drawings, prototypes and many unpublished factory photos, provided by the Porsche Museum.
Aspects of the 964’s life covered include, amongst other topics: 911 model history, design, aerodynamics, testing, production, US market, Panamericana, Carrera 4 Leichtbau, Carrera Cup, Dutch Police car…and so much more. The book is packed with well written information and shows evidence of the author’s passion for the model, which is made all the more relevant by the fact that he owns and drives a 964 Carrera 2.
Testing plays a big part in the development of any Porsche model, and in this instance, the testing regime of the 964 with its first-ever production all-wheel drive option, is well covered. Motorsport and Porsche are two words that are difficult to separate, and here the author provides generous coverage of the Carrera Cup cars, as it was with the 964 that Porsche commenced the legendary Carrera Cup series which still runs today, operating in ten countries around the world.
Motorsport has played an important role on Porsche’s very existence, and perhaps no more so than in America, its biggest market at the time. Here the author has also ensured that ample exposure is given to the IMSA series and the cars that raced there, most notably the Brumos 911s.
Towards the back of the book is a section devoted to the Carrera Cup. This is significant seeing as it was the 964 model with which Porsche commenced its highly successful Carrera Cup programme in 1990. The 964 model was the car used in this racing series between 1990 and 1994, and the author provides the reader with a series of results tables with some great photos from these early years. These were exciting times, because out of this early racing series would come future racing champions.
The final section of the book contains all the production numbers by model, relevant model specifications, VINs explained, Internal Type Codes, Country Codes, and Optional Equipment details. The value of the content contained within its pages is impressive, and it is in a word, complete!
The importance of the 964 cannot be overestimated, as this model formed a bridge between the old 911 and the new generations that followed. By recognising that the Porsche buyer was an increasingly sophisticated driver, the new 911 model needed to keep up with the times, and this the 964 did adequately in a stylish yet sporting manner. The Foreword for the book is appropriately written by Benjamin Dimson, the lead exterior designer of the Porsche 964.
The book is well presented, easy to read and the layout and timeline make it easy to follow the 964’s life history. The broad structure groups the different chapters into year-by-year model developments so that the reader always knows where he/she is in the life story of the model.
Recommended action: Whether a first-time Porsche enthusiast or an old hand, this book will provide you with many hours of enjoyable research and reading. It’s an impressive piece of work, it looks good and it will enhance your Porsche library no end. Without any doubt or hesitation, you need to get yourself a copy of this fine book. So don’t hesitate, you can get your copy directly from the author – see details below. Happy reading!!
Review written by Glen Smale
REVIEW FRENCH PORSCHE MAGAZINE 'SPEEDSTER'
REVIEWS FROM READERS
Hi Paul,
I just got to see the book since I was out of town for a couple of weeks and I am impressed with the outcome. The printing quality and layout are nicely done, the amount of information and photographic content is very comprehensive, my compliments to you Paul for an outstanding job. Thanks for our copies, we will treasure the books.
Best regards, Ben Dimson
My copy arrived today. Great book, a lot of new photos, nice layout, a pleasure to flow through. In my eyes a must have for all the Fans of the 964.
Dear Paul,
Many thanks, I have received your book!
Congratulations for this impressive work. This book is a must!!!
I can highly recommend this book, it is printed on good quality paper, the photos are great quality and the details and information are ideal for a 964 owner or enthusiast.
The book is now with me and it looks amazing, thank you.
Very in deep exploration, full of facts, wonderful choice of pictures.
It looks superb, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it. Do you have an Instagram account for the book or you? I would like to recommend it online.
Beste Paul...
Boek is prima aangekomen...dank voor de prima verzending..
Ziet er prima uit...garant voor veel leesplezier!
Een boek om trots op te zijn....
Reading it right now. It’s really good. Not a tired rehashing of the same material used in many other books. I was surprised. Lots, and lots of great pics and little nuggets sprinkled throughout. Very well done!
Paul, I just wanted to say that the Porsche 964 book is fantastic. Thank you.
A very nice book indeed - much recommended (I got my copy a few weeks ago).
Great book, mine is my new "bible".
Excellent book! Can highly recommend it.
REVIEW 'LOVE FOR PORSCHE'
Even though the Porsche 964 has not always been the most popular among the Porsche 911 model series, times seems to change. Nowadays, the Porsche 964 has become a proud member of list of classic cars that are being looked at with desire. The Porsche 964 turned into a collectible classic car. One of the people that got intrigued by the Porsche 964 is Paul Koebrugge. And his passion for this modern classic led to the presentation of the book ‘The Porsche 964 : the modern classic”.
Koebrugge spent many hours talking with the lead exterior designer of the 964, Benjamin Dimson. Furthermore, the author had access to the Porsche archives, who provided him with tons of information, and pictures.
Bring all this together, and the result is sort of a bible for the Porsche 964. The book starts with a short introduction by the author, in which he explains his passion and love for the Porsche 911. The author tells nothing new in the chapter about the history of the Porsche 911. However consider that chapter a mandatory number to warm you up. And once your temperature gauge reaches the good level, the author starts revving the engine and gears up.
“Porsche 964 : the modern classic” covers the complete history of the Porsche 964′. That history starts with a look in the secret garages in the suburbs of Stuttgart. These storage facilities store the cars of the Porsche Museum collection. One of the cars has the internal name “Porsche 911E 19”. That prototype is an aerodynamic study, of which many elements have been implemented on later generations of the Porsche 911. That includes the Porsche 964, which had the flat foor used in the Porsche 911 E19 prototype. A chapter of over 30 pages tells us all about the design of the Porsche 964. Koebrugge describes all details, and illustrates his text with numerous sketches, pictures and illustrations.
We don’t see in-house published books that often. And we must admit this is a high quality one. We do recommend ‘Porsche 964 : the modern classic”. The book will give you a complete overview of the Porsche 946 model range. You’ll not only learn about the history of the Porsche 964. You get tons of information and figures about each and every version ever produced. And on top of that, the wealth of pictures makes it a perfect coffee-table book too. “Porsche 964 : the modern classic” can be purchased directly from the author via the website www.porsche964themodernclassic.nl at a price of € 89 plus shipping.
REVIEW FRENCH PORSCHE MAGAZINE 'SPEEDSTER'
Porsche 964 The Modern Classic
C’est notre coup de coeur du mois! Auto-édité depuis les Pays-Bas par son auteur Paul Koebrugge, il traite de la 964 comme personne auparavant! Amateurs de design, de développement, de prototypes, vous allez être servi : vous y trouverez des archives que vous ne soupçonniez pas, toutes les phases d’études et d’industrialisation sont décortiquées à grand renfort iconographique. Puis chaque étape de l’histoire y est décrite, depuis le lancement de la Carrera 4 en suivant l’évolution des modèles selon les marchés et les millésimes, en faisant un détour par le concept Panamericana, la genèse de la Carrera Cup et toutes les déclinaisons racing, les Turbo (et leur accouchement laborieux) les RS, et les versions plus exclusives encore que sont les C4 et Turbo Leichtbau, les flatnose, les “30 Jahre”, les Speedster, le tuning, bref, tout jusqu’aux débuts de la 993. Et en plus, c’est graphiquement réussi. En anglais. 344 pages. Format 24,5 x 24,5 cm. Couverture rigide. 89 euros. www.porsche964themodernclassic.nl
SPEEDSTER REVIEW (translated):
This is our favourite of the month! Self-published from the Netherlands by its author Paul Koebrugge, it deals with the 964 like no one before! Lovers of design, development, prototypes, you will be served: you will find archives that you did not expect, all the phases of design and production are dissected with great precision. Then each part of the history is described, from the launch of the Carrera 4, followed by the evolution of the models, the markets and the model years. A detour is made for the Panamericana concept, the genesis of the Carrera Cup and all racing versions, the Turbo (and its difficult birth), the RS and even more exclusive versions such as the C4 and Turbo Leichtbau, the Flatnose, the “30 Jahre”, the Speedster and the in-period tuning. In short, everything to the very beginning from 993. And in addition, the layout is great. It’s in English. 344 pages. Format 24.5 x 24.5 cm. Hard cover. 89 euros. www.porsche964themodernclassic.nl
REVIEW LOV4WHEELS (translated)
Again one! It is a fact that books dealing with the Porsche 911 are numerous and although the subject is interesting, many publishers publish good books...and not so good books.
Among these many titles there are real bibles that every enthusiast must have in his library. Recently published, the book 'Porsche 964 the modern classic' is one of these.
It is necessary to give back to César what belongs to César… it is by browsing the last number of the review Speedster (No. 56 - May 2020) that I discovered the existence of this book.
Written in English by Paul Koebrugge, an enthusiast. Porsche 964, the modern classic aims to fully introduce us to the 964 series, the one that brought the 911 into the modern era and which is the last of the dynasty equipped with vertical headlights.
It looks attractive, this book attracts the reader from the first glance with its hard cover which displays very beautifully the green of a Carrera RS, combined with mauve and black and contains 344 pages and 850 illustrations!
The foreword is by Ben Dimson, the head designer of the exterior of the 964. The first pages are devoted to the introduction of the author. A passionate man who fell in love with cars from the early age of 3 and tells us with humor of his first meeting with a Porsche: a police 356, which stopped his father doing more than 140 km/h at the wheel of his Volkswagen 1600 Fastback!
After the history of the 911, we get to the heart of the matter with the birth of Auftragsnummer 964 - project No. 964 - in 1984. We then approach the genesis of this new generation of 911 which led, in 1988, to the presentation of the famous Carrera 4.
The author then leads us to discover the range over the years, markets and model years. All versions are presented with photos and drawings. The rarest versions are not forgotten, like the Turbo Leichtbau, the special 30 Jahre series, the Carrera 2 America GS or even the Turbo S 3.6 Flachbau.
The versions intended for circuits also figure prominently and we are delighted to find the history of the Carrera Cup!
A nod to the author's personal history: a few pages are devoted to the 964 Dutch police.
Paul does not forget to speak of the period tuning which prevailed strongly in the 90s and which also attacked, with more or less success, the 964.
Finally, the author presents us at the end of the book the genesis of the one that will continue the story, the superb 993!
In short, you will understand, just like Speedster Magazine, we had a real crush on this book! It will be the third of the year after Aurélien Chubilleaud's work on the Citroën XM (My father's Citroën XM - ETAI) and that of Patrick le Quément dedicated to automotive design (Design between the lines - Merrell Publishers Ltd ).
‘Porsche 964 the modern classic’ is sold via the author's website: www.porsche964themodernclassic.nl. It’s in English only, which should not be an obstacle for those who do not speak English fluently, its reading is very accessible!
REVIEW CARAMINI MAGAZINE
Once again, a subcontinent of the planet Porsche is undergoing an in-depth expedition: Paul Koebrugge, convinced and loving owner of a 911, 964 series, has set out to depict the latter in an extremely detailed and comprehensive way. He is not the first, however: Adrian Streather's very technology-heavy “Porsche 911 Type 964 Manual” comes rather as a repair guide and Andreas Gabriel's “Porsche 964 - 30 YEARS”, as always at BMB, is bilingual, so it offers with approximately the same number of pages necessarily only half of the content (unfortunately the publisher could not provide a review copy; the comparative view would certainly have been very interesting).
Fortunately, Koebrugge saves the filling material with which many other type or series monographies like to annoy: no 50 pages with redundant rambling on the general Porsche or 911 history, but historical key facts completely sufficient on a few pages, then the direct introduction to the core topic with a detailed description of the planning and design process as well as the prototype phase. This part of the book represents a special delicacy, because Koebrugge was able to win Benjamin Dimson, the then chief exterior designer, for the advisory work. So there are very interesting insights into the genesis of the series, garnished with extensive, rare images; with the latter, the subsequent documentation of the production process also stands out.
The author then proceeds to a chronological presentation along the model years, each chapter deals with the newly presented derivatives, constructive and equipment-specific changes as well as special and small series models. The depth of detail here often exceeds what can be expected: alone (e.g.) the presentation of the Ferry Porsche 80th birthday study Panamericana (which, incidentally, did not meet his taste) or the history of the vehicles made for the unrealized Carrera Cup USA deserve the predicate "never been there". With various special, rare offshoots of the 964, Koebrugge makes a virtue out of the lack of works images: In consultation with the respective dealer, he uses high-quality image material from vehicles offered online and precisely points out details that may have been changed subsequently - very good idea, how else would you ever get to see the type data carrier of a Turbo S lightweight ?
The work (which, incidentally, is very tastefully designed in the style of contemporary Porsche advertising) closes with a comprehensive data section that includes the otherwise seldomly found six-digit type codes of all models. The reviewer strongly hopes that Koebrugge will come up with another subject ...
Guenter Werich
REVIEW CARAMINI MAGAZINE in Deutsch
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