The 964 Advantage: Anatomy of the Perfect Backdate Commission
When enthusiasts ask us which generation of 911 makes the best donor for a backdate, the conversation often starts—and ends—with the Porsche 964.
Released in 1989, the 964 was originally controversial for its heavy bumpers and modernized styling. But today, those "flaws" are exactly what make it the perfect candidate for a Shoreline 911 commission. It occupies the "Goldilocks zone" of Porsche history: modern enough to be driven daily, yet analog enough to feel dangerous.
Here is why the 964 is the ultimate canvas for our work, and how we transform it.
The Engineering Sweet Spot
The reason the 964 is the industry standard for restomods isn't just nostalgia; it's physics.
Prior to the 964, the 911 relied on torsion bar suspension—a primitive setup dating back to the 1940s. The 964 was the first to introduce coil-over suspension and a redesigned floor pan.
The Result: You get the compliance and handling precision of a modern sports car, without the complex multi-link rear axle of the later 993, which some purists feel "filters out" too much road feel.
The Feel: The 964 retains the raw, mechanical feedback of the early cars but adds ABS brakes and power steering, allowing you to push harder with confidence.
The Cosmetic Surgery: Removing the Weight
The 964 left the factory with heavy thermoplastic bumpers and rocker panels designed to meet 1990s crash safety standards. In a Shoreline build, this is where the magic happens.
By stripping away this heavy cladding, we reveal the slim, athletic hips hidden underneath.
The Nose: We replace the blunt front end with the "long hood" aesthetic of the 1970s, extending the steel to create that classic shark-nose profile.
The Hips: We often widen the rear arches to accommodate modern rubber, giving the car a stance that looks aggressive but period-correct.
The Details: We delete the plastic side sills and install polished oil line covers and horn grilles, returning the jewelry that the 90s forgot.
The "Shoreline Spec" 964
Every shop does backdates, but a Shoreline 964 is engineered differently. We don't just dress the car up; we address the known weak points of the 3.6L engine to ensure reliability.
Engine: We retain the legendary 3.6L air-cooled flat-six but often upgrade it to RS specifications, removing the restrictive factory exhaust and heavy dual-mass flywheel to let the engine rev freely.
Interior: We bridge the gap between decades. You might see a vintage MOMO Prototipo steering wheel, but hidden behind the dashboard is a modern HVAC system that actually demists the windows—something the original 1960s cars could never do.
Is the 964 Right for You?
If you want a car that is buttery smooth and isolates you from the road, buy a modern 992. But if you want a car that talks to you—a car that smells of oil and leather, vibrates with the engine, and demands your attention—the 964 is the answer. It is the last of the true hand-built 911s, and in our hands, it becomes something even better.
Ready to find your donor? We source pristine 964 chassis from around the world for our clients.