1988 Porsche 911 (964) Carrera RAUH-Welt Begriff Backdate Tarmac Works - T43-018-RE (diecast)
Published 03/11/22
Car enthusiasts are a weird bunch. They do not shy away from paying a LOT of money for a specific car, even though they can have a simpler model for MUCH less. Even worse, some won’t stop there – they will spend more money on the car to make it unique. The model above is a perfect example of this. In 2015, the owner bought a run-of-the-mill 1988 Porsche 964 Carrera. By definition, buying a 27 years old sportscar is not exactly a “rational purchase”. However, he also wanted something truly special, unique. Subsequently, he got in touch with RAUH-Welt Begriff and Akira Nakai flew in from Japan to work on his car. For this car, it would be a “backdate” job. “Backdating” is making a more modern Porsche model have the looks of an older generation.
The idea was to give the original 964 a vintage look, similar to the 1970’s Carrera RS. And of course, it got RWB’s trademark fender extenders. After Nakai-san installed the 8-piece wide-body kit and ducktail spoiler, the car was repainted in Guards Red. As a final touch, 935-style mirrors replaced the stock units. In terms of powertrain the car was largely stock. Therefore, it had the original 3.2-liter boxer-6, rated at 217 hp (when new). It also received new 11” and 13” wheels front and rear (respectively), shod with 265/35 and 335/30 tires. To stop all that, new Porsche 996 Brembo brakes replaced the stock units. The interior got new front seats, however no rear seats. To harmonize with the exterior, a red tartan pattern covered seats, door panels, rear cabin and lower dashboard. With everything done, this 964 was the first backdate RWB creation in the United States.
In 143rd, the model is a beauty. As with all Tarmac Works, the paint job is crisp and details are true. Nonetheless, there are some issues – two, to be more precise. Foremost and most noticeable are the wing mirrors. The real car has what is called “935-style mirrors” (look at the third and fourth pics). Yet, Tarmac Works replicated it with the original 964 mirrors. Second, the exhaust pipes are not 100% accurate to the 1:1. In this case a really minor detail in my opinion, but it is there. In relation to the mirrors, I honestly can’t say if the model looks better or worse than the real thing. Even so, they are NOT accurate.
I also had to show the box. As with ALL of Tarmac Works RWBs, this 964 Backdate also comes with a special box. Just like the real deal, it has a red tartan interior. And a first, at least for me. The model came with a card, saying it is a “limited production model”. As you can see, mine is #0364, however I don’t know how big is the run – 1000 perhaps?
When I researched the real car before I bought the model, I noticed the wrong mirrors. Nonetheless, I think it looked so friggin’ cool that I consciently ignored the faux pas. I’m a HUGE sucker for realistic details however I will allow certain exceptions. Well, depending on what we’re talking about, and of course, price. This here was one of those, because it was cheap and is possibly the coolest RWB that I have so far. Bottom line, a great model, however with a couple of flaws.
Caveat emptor.