Despite fielding some objectively competitive race cars, Porsche opted to pull the plug on its Formula 1 program at the end of the 1962 season in order to focus more of its efforts and resources on sports car and GT competition. After bowing out of F1 racing, the Stuttgart firm then spent the next year doing everything in its power to ensure that it could hit the ground running with its next race car, the mighty Porsche 904. Successor to the also-iconic Porsche 718, the 904 — which was also known as the “Carrera GTS” — would come out swinging, racking up a slew of impressive class and event wins across the course of its rookie season.
Not including a pair of prototype specimens, this particular for-sale 904 GTS example is one of only 108 units ever built. Adorned in its original factory bodywork, this 1964 specimen is powered by a mid-mounted, quad-cam, air-cooled, opposed four-cylinder engine that was carried over from the earlier 356 Carrera. Mated to a five-speed transmission and good for around 260hp, the 904 GTS’ four-banger also inhaled through a set of Weber Brevettato EW carbs and spit spent fumes from a central-exiting exhaust.
Inside, this example’s race-gutted cabin now boasts race bucket seats fitted with Schroth Racing (and Willans) multi-point harnesses, a Halda Twinmaster unit, a cabin-mounted fire extinguisher, a chrome shift knob, and an Alcantara-wrapped and Porsche-badged MOMO Prototipo steering wheel. This example also sports a slew of highly authentic period-correct minor elements such as its Speedster-style mirrors, vintage Dunlop Racing tires, and leather belt and buckle rear clamshell fasteners.
This 1964 Porsche 904 GTS (Chassis No. 904-036) is slated to cross the auction block at RM Sothetby’s upcoming Paris sale starting February 1st. And while no valuation has been given for the Porsche, previously specimens in similar condition have fetched anywhere from $700,000 to $2,000,000 — a ballpark amount that we anticipate this 904 GTS to roughly go for as well.
