Porsche 964 (911) Supercharged Carrera 4 manual cabriolet 1990

Built-to-order before bespoke became big business.

Created by the Williams Crawford Special Requests Department ten years ago as an alternative to a modern 911, this is a totally unique 964 Carrera 4 cabriolet.

Today, bespoke, reimagined and backdated Porsche builds have become a booming worldwide industry, with one-off creations commanding extraordinary sums. Back then, the idea was rather less commonplace.

Ten years ago, Williams Crawford was already venturing down this path, combining the charm and character of a classic Porsche with a few carefully chosen modern touches and something far more potent at its heart.

The air cooled flat 6 gained a TPC Racing supercharger and intercooler, taking output to over 350 bhp and 450 Nm of torque. Unlike the all-or-nothing punch of a turbo, the supercharger provides instant boost and throttle response, accompanied by an intoxicating wail building from 2,000 rpm. Every journey becomes an occasion, and with the roof down, it all becomes rather addictive.

Brakes are upgraded featuring 993 calipers up front, there’s adjustable Bilstein suspension, H&R springs and 18 inch Fuchs alloys.

The bodywork has been subtly enhanced with slightly wider wheel arches, a rollover bar and more stream-lined convertible roof from a 993. Further subtle details include 993 door handles, teardrop wing mirrors, whilst deleting the side indicator repeaters helps clean up the overall look.

Painted in Gulf Oil inspired colours, the interior received an equally individual makeover. Soft and supple Nightblue Nappa leather with contrasting orange stitching, complemented by Gulf blue dials. A retro styled Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB head unit with Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity, linked to Focal speakers.

We have the invoices and receipts from its creation 10 years ago – and the figures are quite astonishing. This was a no-expense-spared exercise in indulgence, conceived and built to create something truly individual. To commission an equivalent today would require very deep pockets and a great deal of patience.

Opportunities like this come along once in a blue moon; dare to be different.

Enjoy the special 9WERKS TV video by Lee Sibley…