1964 | Porsche 904 Carrera GTS

The Porsche 904 Carrera GTS is nothing short of a revolutionary icon in the world of racing! With its introduction in 1963, the car wasted no time making headlines. The car stormed around the Nürburgring, clocking an astonishing lap time of 9 minutes and 55.9 seconds! Just a month later, it shattered that record, shaving off another 10 seconds. In its debut year, the 904 took the racing scene by storm, clinching victories at legendary tracks like Spa, Le Mans, and the Nürburgring. Each triumph only added to its growing legacy, solidifying its status as a true racing titan! 

Chassis number 904 030 is one of those legendary pieces of racing history, representing one of only 109 GTS models produced in 1964. With a sports exhaust system, the car was delivered new to Werner Brockhaus through the Porsche dealership of Freiburg on February 21st. 

Werner immediately recognized 904 030’s purpose: racing! Picture this: Werner, already an accomplished racer with the iconic Porsche 906 and his very own 356 Carrera Abarth GTL grips the steering wheel of the 904, fully aware that this car was born for the racetrack. From 1964 to 1966, he participated in 13 exhilarating races and even finishing second in his first race! Werner went on to claim victory in four more hill climbs, consistently finishing in the top three and proving the 904's exceptional capabilities. In 1966, the car found its second owner in Bernard Alter, a man whose dream had always been to race his very own Porsche 904. Unfortunately financial constraints threatened to shatter that dream. Just when it seemed that fate had turned its back, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of renowned French race car driver Dominique Thiry. Dominique lent Bernard the money he needed to secure the car, fulfilling his boyhood dream. 

A year later Bernard took 904 030 to the grueling Rally des Vosges and the challenging Wissembourg hill climb - racing toward the horizon Bernard had always envisioned. Unfortunately as time went on, it became clear that Bernard could not repay Thiry, leading to a unique arrangement where the car legally became Thiry's. In 1968, Thiry went on to compete in that year’s Rally des Vosges and later taking on Rally de Lorraine with Alter by his side as co-pilot! 

The 1968 hill climb at Wissembourg marked the thrilling conclusion of the car's racing career. Knowingly to the car’s biggest admirers, 904 030 was tucked away in a garage in Marseilles, patiently awaiting its next chapter, not lost to time but preserved for future adventures. Fast forward to 2005, and 904 030 saw garage doors opened, sparking excitement once more. It was very publicly auctioned in 2006 and found a new home with Pierre-Alain France. After a technical restoration aimed at preserving the historical originality of its bodywork, it hit the road again in 2008 for the prestigious Tour Auto. That same year, Pierre-Alain also raced 904 030 at the iconic Le Mans Classic, channeling the spirit of its former drivers as he tore down the legendary track! After a thrilling appearance at the 2010 Tour Auto, the car was sold again and repainted in its original silver metallic finish. It later made its way to Monaco, where it was homed by Claudio Roddaro. 

Today, 904 030 is a breathtaking testament to automotive history, boasting extensive documentation that leaves no gaps in its extraordinary narrative. From its thrilling racing victories to it stealing the spotlight once again in 2005, every detail of this remarkable vehicle has been meticulously chronicled by renowned historian Gabriel Marachian. This thorough account also includes its restoration and ensures its legacy is preserved for future generations. Additionally, the authenticity of its 1964 delivery was validated by Porsche in 2021, further enhancing its historical significance and provenance. 

904 030 features an amazingly original Heinkel Flugzeugbau lightweight fiberglass body finished in stunning original Silvermetallic. The chassis has never been welded or repaired, ensuring it remains in outstanding and extremely original condition - truly a rare find for any discerning collector! Step inside, and you’ll instantly be enveloped by its purposeful racing design. The sleek sliding Plexiglas windows are in pristine condition, while the nearly completely original blue textile seats are expertly crafted and show just the right amount of patina and character. 

Under the hood, the correct and extremely rare 587/3 engine, stamped P99021, jumps into life with every turn of the key and runs like new. Pressing the accelerator, smooth acceleration propels you forward, and hiding your grin becomes impossible! The car feels alive, almost telepathically responding to every command. The suspension provides remarkable stability and the steering is direct and precise, providing a tactile feel that lets you place the car exactly where you want it. The air-cooled 'Fuhrmann' engine infuses the cabin with the thrill of racing heritage. With incredible throttle response, it eagerly awaits your commands, delivering instant power with each press of the pedal. 

What excites most is the prospect of future racing adventures. With its storied history, 904 030 is ready for new challenges on the track. Imagine taking this iconic machine to hill climbs and vintage races, continuing a legacy that began over half a century ago. Owning this incredibly unique and one of the most original 904s in existence, means joining a rich racing tradition. Are you ready to take the wheel and write the next chapter in its thrilling saga? The racetrack awaits, and this extraordinary car is eager to answer!