Porsche 964 Backdate — The Perfect Canvas for a Modern Classic

Why the 964 Is the Ultimate Starting Point

Among the platforms available for a Porsche 911 backdate, the 964 stands apart as the most balanced, versatile and emotionally engaging foundation. Released in 1989, the Porsche 964 signalled a new era for the 911 — one where modern engineering finally met the unmistakable purity of classic design. Coil-spring suspension replaced the old torsion bars, ABS improved confidence, and revised aerodynamics refined stability at speed. Yet at its core, the 964 remained an air-cooled, mechanical, analogue Porsche with all the character that defines the golden era of the 911.

For Shoreline 911, the 964 has become the preferred starting point for many of our bespoke backdate and restomod commissions. Its proportions echo the earlier models beautifully, its chassis accepts period-correct transformations gracefully, and its mechanical honesty makes it the ideal base for a handcrafted modern classic.

From Donor Car to Dream Build

Every 964 backdate begins long before the first panel is shaped — it begins with sourcing. Each donor chassis is evaluated in forensic detail, ensuring the car we choose is structurally strong, corrosion-free, and ready for a full mechanical rebirth. Once selected, the entire vehicle is stripped down to the shell. Every component is catalogued, inspected, reconditioned, upgraded or replaced. This process creates a true blank canvas — not just a restoration, but a re-imagination of what an air-cooled Porsche can become when built for a modern driver.

The transformation is more than cosmetic. It is a complete re-engineering of the car to bring its classic soul forward into the present day.

The Exterior — A Return to Purity

A 964 backdate is defined by its visual transformation, and every curve is sculpted with intention. Through hand-shaped metalwork, subtly widened arches, long-hood conversions and period-inspired bumpers, the 964 evolves into a tribute to legendary models such as the 911 ST, 911 RSR, and early Carrera RS. Details like a classic ducktail spoiler, polished window trims, and Fuchs-style wheels complete a silhouette that feels unmistakably vintage — yet unmistakably precise in the way only modern craftsmanship can achieve.

This is where a Shoreline 911 backdate shines: it captures the essence of the early 1970s without ever slipping into imitation. It is heritage, refined.

Inside the 964 Backdate — Craft in Every Detail

A bespoke 964 backdate is as personal as its owner, and the interior becomes the space where individuality truly emerges. Some clients choose houndstooth inserts, retro switchgear and a wood-rimmed wheel that reflect the early 911 aesthetic. Others prefer a more contemporary approach, combining natural leathers, Alcantara, carbon fibre and discreet integration of modern features like Porsche PCCM, Apple CarPlay and enhanced audio.

What never changes is the craftsmanship. Every stitch is deliberate, every surface is finished by hand, and every design decision serves both the driver’s personality and the car’s character. The result is an interior that feels timeless, tactile and beautifully understated.

Performance You Can Feel

A 964 backdate is far more than a design exercise — it is a driving experience reimagined for the modern world. Each engine is fully rebuilt and precision-tuned, with options ranging from responsive naturally aspirated flat-sixes to high-output turbocharged configurations inspired by the legendary 930 Turbo. Modern suspension geometry, performance brakes, lightweight materials and chassis refinements transform the 964 into a machine that handles with confidence while still delivering the raw, immediate feedback that air-cooled enthusiasts love.

The outcome is a car that feels alive: sharp on a mountain road, composed at speed, and deeply rewarding every time the flat-six comes on cam.

Commission Your Own 964 Backdate

To commission a Shoreline 911 backdate is to create a Porsche that exists only once — shaped by history, engineered for today, and designed entirely around your vision. Whether you imagine a lightweight outlaw build, a show-level restoration, or a refined daily-driven classic, the 964 platform offers the perfect balance of authenticity and potential.

Explore our current builds and available cars here:
https://www.shoreline911.com/ourcars

Discuss your commission with our team:
https://www.shoreline911.com/miami/contact/shoreline-911-backdate

Visit our main site to begin your journey:
https://www.shoreline911.com/