Origins

Porsche’s lightweight 904 GTS was a mid-engined sports-racing car built to replace the long-running RS/RSK series.

Designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche [Ferry’s eldest son, known as Butzi], the 904 utilised a pressed steel box-section frame with an integral subframe to carry the engine, transmission and rear suspension. Wrapped in a striking fibreglass bodyshell which served as a structural element, the model was noted for impressive rigidity. 

Originally conceived with the new 911 flat six in mind, the decision was made to use the tried and tested 2-litre Carrera four-cam engine matched with a strengthened 911 five-speed gearbox and ZF limited-slip differential.

Production commenced in November 1963. Porsche was required to build at least 100 units in order to qualify for GT racing and several went to wealthy customers looking for the ultimate road car – with a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph, the 904’s performance was on a different planet compared with the contemporary 356Cs, even in Carrera form. 

Victory

Victory in the 2-litre class at Sebring in 1964  preceded outright triumph at the Targa Florio,  the 904 scoring an impressive one-two victory over the Cobras. 

Largely due  to its impressive reliability, nimble handling and 640kg weight, the 904 went on to record countless victories on the track and in hill climbs, at times racing in both six and eight-cylinder configurations. First of the so-called ‘Plastic Porsches’, the 904 ultimately fathered a whole generation of sports-racers, including the legendary 917, becoming one of Zuffenhausen’s most revered, collectible sports racing cars, with surviving genuine examples now fetching up to USD $2.5m.  

Over the last 25 years, replicas have been built by a number of companies in USA, UK and Germany. 

The most faithfully engineered are the twenty plus cars built by UK-based Martin & Walker Technic of which the car on offer is an early build [1998] and one of just four in RHD. 

This car

Imported into Australia as a roller with drivetrain added after importation, this Martin & Walker replica has spent most of its time unused and after 25 years, its odometer shows just over 6,000 kilometres from new.

Running an early 2.7 litre 6-cylinder Porsche engine, fed by downdraft Webers and coupled to 901 5-speed transmission, recent dyno testing showed 118.5KW kw at the wheels - approximately 205 HP at the flywheel. That, driving just 670kg, makes this an impressive performer. Add the unmistakable Porsche flat-6 audio and the experience – albeit of an accurately crafted tribute – is pure vintage Porsche. 

This car is registered on historic concession in South Australia [RS64] as a 1964 Porsche carries chassis number 904-088, engine number 907295.

It is likely the only Porsche 904 GTS replica road-registered in Australia. There was one other RHD Martin & Walker car in Australia which rally organiser, the late Nick Brittan campaigned. Its whereabouts are unknown, believed to have been exported. 

Martin & Walker

Among the 904 replica fraternity, Martin & Walker cars - made from 1994 - are regarded as the very best tributes. Barrie Walker of Martin & Walker was tasked with repairing an original car – #904073 - which led him to create a small run of toolroom correct replicas. 

To source a replica, there is a very long waiting list. It is understood Martin & Walker may build just two more cars but the example they are currently finishing for a Seattle-based enthusiast was ordered in 2015.

In USA Beck is well-known but their cars are slightly larger and employ a range of running gear.  Beck states a 3-4 year wait list as does Raceline Feustel in Germany.

A new chapter

Since acquisition the car has been recommissioned after laying unused for 12 years. New seats were made, roll bar stays were relocated inside the engine cover, brakes were bled and serviced, all-new Dunlop racing tyres were imported from UK, all filters replaced, carburettors re-kitted and correctly jetted, correct window and bonnet latches sourced, perspex windows replaced, snap vents fitted and 4-point harness added. With period-correct Porsche instruments, Moto-Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel, correct alloy-steel wheels, period correct Porsche badge and striking silver livery, this car is an instant head-turner.

The car has run at the Australian Grand Prix historic demonstrations at Albert Park in 2008 and 2023, at the Adelaide Motorsport Festival in 2023,  is eligible to run regularity at any Australian historic meeting and is the perfect one-up for Porsche track-days.  

The real benefit is that the car is registered as a 1964 Porsche, is running original specification pre-emission Porsche mechanicals and in Australia is without doubt, is rare!