Big things were happening in 1993. The Channel Tunnel connected us with our French friends, Charles and Diana announced they were living apart, Groundhog Day hit the big screen and at the same time the world wide web opened to the public. And for car enthusiasts, Porsche introduced the 911 Turbo 3.6 – the model many Porscheholics consider the ultimate air-cooled turbocharged 911.

Fans will tell you it represents the pinnacle of Porsche's engineering in the 1990s – a marriage of classic design, explosive performance and exclusivity. And they’ll say it’s revered by enthusiasts and collectors alike, which is why the model has cemented its place as one of the most desirable 911s made.

Let’s take a look at how the 964-era 911Turbo 3.6 is faring in the market place, with analysis from our friend Giles Gunning at The Classic Valuer, and consider whether it remains a sound place to put your money.

History of the Porsche 911 (964) Turbo 3.6

Introduced in 1993, the Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6 is a rare and captivating iteration of the 964 series, built as a swan song for the air-cooled, rear-engined turbocharged Porsche. Building on the legacy of the 3.3 Turbo, and the '930' Turbo that went before it, the 3.6 Turbo featured a larger ‘M64/50’ engine derived from Porsche’s 1990s motorsport program. Yet the car retained the distinctive silhouette of the classic 911 but integrated advanced technologies that improved performance and handling without compromising its somewhat visceral character.

The heart of the car is the 3.6-litre flat-six engine equipped with a single KKK turbocharger. This setup produced 360bhp – more than enough to have it chewing through its fat rear Pirellis as it charged from 0-60 mph in just four seconds and achieve a top speed of 175 mph. Torque increased to 383Ib ft at 4200rpm which solved the biggest gripe with the 3.3 car – namely a lack of get-up-and-go when the turbo wasn’t spinning at full boost.

The job of managing this increase in shove fell to a number of improvements made to the suspension and brakes. The sports suspension upgrade was made a standard fitment, which lowered ride height by20mm, the limited-slip differential from the Carrera RS was added, and behind the tell-tale large red brake callipers were larger brake pads which delivered enough deceleration to pull as much as 1.2g. The package was finished with18-inch Speedline split-rim alloy wheels.

Only 1407 examples of the Turbo 3.6 versions were built, but the “S” variant, with its more aggressive stance and exclusive features, is even rarer. Depending on the configuration, it included options like the famous "Flatnose" (Flachbau) front end, enhanced aerodynamics, and bespoke interior finishes.

Today these models are sought-after for the fact that they marked the end of an era, as Porsche transitioned to water-cooled engines in subsequent 911 generations. The Turbo 3.6  stands at the peak of that pile.

The 911 Turbo 3.6 driving experience

Driving the 911 Turbo 3.6 is a visceral experience, combining the thrills of comparatively early turbocharged performance with the usability of a modern sports car. At lower engine revs, the 3.6-litre lump feels calm and tractable, but as the turbo spins up to speed, it transforms the motor into a relentless powerhouse, delivering an explosive surge of torque. Turbo lag is part of its character, delivering plenty of dramatic crescendo, and it gives drivers something to actively manage and get their brain around, which many see as a challenge that is all-too sadly lacking from modern machinery.

Its roadholding is accomplished and better balanced than the earlier 3.3-litre Turbo, but be in no doubt – it demands respect. The rear-engine layout and the traction afforded by such a configuration requires a deft touch and rewards skilled drivers with a uniquely rewarding driving experience. Suspension improvements over the 3.3 Turbo make the 3.6 less led by understeer at the limit yet also less prone to snap-oversteer, which is reassuring to know given how values of these (see below) are nearly as turbocharged as the performance.

Inside, the car combines a purposeful simplicity with luxury. High-quality leather trim, analogue gauges, and snug sport seats remind you that this is a driver's car first, but with a nod to comfort. You’ll also appreciate the feeling of perceived quality – something that was borne out over the subsequent decades, as the 964-era cars proved well made and durable. Compared to contemporary supercars, the 964 Turbo 3.6 strikes a perfect balance between thrilling, raw performance and everyday usability.

Tracking the values of the Porsche 964Turbo 3.6

A 964 Turbo 3.6 will set you back just shy of £300,000 on average today, writes Giles Gunning of The Classic Valuer. That’s about double what its younger sibling the 3.3 will cost to acquire.

The Classic Valuer’s take is that that’s a fair premium for the 3.6 given the performance downfalls of the 3.3 and the fact the 3.6 is three times as rare, if anything you could make the case the premium should be even more..

Prices have shifted a huge amount in recent years. In 2016/2017, we were regularly seeing 3.6 964 Turbos sell at £150,000. Today, you’ll be paying £200,000 at a minimum with prices stretching up to just shy of £500,000 for the world record price for a ‘standard’ 3.6.

If we’re being specific, the absolute world record for a 3.6 Turbo was set by Mecum in 2022 when they sold a 'Hollywood' 964 from the movie Bad Boys for a remarkable £1,060,922.

Beyond the Turbo 3.6, the whole 964 generation has seen significant price rises already – prices for almost all variants have doubled in the past 10 years. However, we are starting to see some softening in the market, particularly for the base models like the Carrera 2 Coupe and Carrera 4 Coupe,which have seen prices tick down in the past 12 months.

If you’re in the market and debating a Turbo 3.6 or a Carrera RS, the 3.6 offers a slight edge with a smaller production run but make your pick based on your driving preference not investment upside - it won’t be materially different.

Ownership and maintenance

Owning a Porsche 964 Turbo 3.6 is as much about preserving a legacy as it is about enjoying a high-performance machine. Maintenance is critical to keeping the car in peak condition. Regular servicing, including oil changes, valve adjustments, and turbocharger inspections, is essential. Many owners turn to specialists such as Paragon Porsche, who understand the nuances of air-cooled Porsches.

Parts availability can be challenging, particularly for rare components like the unique Flachbau front end or bespoke interior finishes. However, Porsche Classic and other aftermarket suppliers ensure that most parts can still be sourced. Buyers should also be aware of potential rust in older 964s and budget for replacing wear items like various suspension bushings and engine seals, as they have always had a habit of dribbling oil. As always, buying through a reputable dealer or having the car inspected by a specialist is advisable if the car and its history isn’t already well known to you.

Porsche 964 Turbo 3.6 facts

Median value since 2020: £266,568 (Source: The Classic Valuer)
Production years: 1993-1994
Units produced: 1407
Engine: 3.6-litre flat-six, turbocharged
Power: 360bhp @ 5750rpm
Torque: 384Ib ft @ 4500rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
0-60mph: 4 seconds
Top speed: 175mph
 Kerb weight: 1470kg

If you would like to know more about Racing Green’s services, or arrange for your car to be placed in our care, please speak with a member of the team, on 03330 909722, or email us at enquiries@racinggreencarstorage.co.uk

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