1964 Porsche 904

The Porsche 904, also known as the Carrera GTS, was a sports car produced by Porsche AG from 1963 to 1965. Originally designed as a race car, it was built with a fiberglass body, a spaceframe chassis, and was powered by a mid-mounted, flat-four engine.

The 1964 Porsche 904 featured a lightweight and aerodynamic body, with a curved windshield and a sloping roofline that flowed into a ducktail spoiler. The body was created using a unique molding process that involved laying down a layer of fiberglass cloth over a milled foam core before curing it in an autoclave to produce a strong and lightweight shell that was both rigid and aerodynamic.

Under the hood, the Porsche 904 was powered by a 2.0-liter, air-cooled flat-four engine that produced 180 horsepower at 7,000 rpm. The engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission, with power sent to the rear wheels. The car was capable of reaching 60 miles per hour in just 6 seconds and topping out at 160 miles per hour.

To help optimize handling and performance, the Porsche 904 was equipped with a four-wheel independent suspension, with adjustable coil-over shock absorbers and anti-roll bars. The front suspension utilized unequal-length A-arms, while the rear was equipped with trailing arms and Porsche's own transverse torsion bars, which were mounted ahead of the rear wheels for a lower center of gravity.

Stopping power for the Porsche 904 was provided by all-round disc brakes, which were a relatively novel feature for a production sports car at the time. Power-assisted braking was not offered on the 904, as Porsche's engineers felt that it would add unnecessary weight and complexity to the car.

Inside the Porsche 904, the driver was treated to a minimalist racing-inspired cockpit, with a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, a pair of bucket seats, and a few basic gauges. The car's low-slung seating position and sculpted dashboard provided the driver with excellent visibility and a sense of connectedness with the car.

In conclusion, the 1964 Porsche 904 was a groundbreaking sports car that featured innovative design and engineering. Its lightweight body, powerful engine, advanced suspension, and advanced braking system all contributed to its success both on the racetrack and on the road. Today, the Porsche 904 is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, and is recognized as one of the most iconic and influential sports cars of all time.