The Porsche 904 GTS, introduced in 1963, is famous for its racing success and innovative design. With a lightweight fiberglass body and mid-engine layout, it set new standards in automotive engineering. At Sierra Madre Collection, we provide everything necessary to maintain, restore, or upgrade your Porsche 904 GTS.

If you're looking for genuine replacement parts, performance enhancements, or rare accessories, our wide ranging inventory is tailored specifically for this iconic model. Our dedication to quality guarantees that every part meets the highest standards, enabling car enthusiasts and collectors to preserve both the authenticity and performance of their vehicles.

Key takeaways

• Sierra Madre Collection (SMC) offers the highest quality Porsche parts and accessories, ensuring that every component meets strict standards for performance and reliability.

• The Porsche 904 GTS, introduced in 1963, marked a pivotal shift in Porsche’s design philosophy with its mid-engine layout and innovative materials, establishing a blueprint for future models.

• Renowned for its racing success, the 904 GTS dominated the prototype class and achieved significant victories, including the overall win at the Targa Florio, solidifying its status as a high-performance sports car.

The birth of the Porsche 904 GTS

The Porsche 904 GTS was introduced as the final sports-racing version of the 356 series, with its official presentation taking place at the Solitude racetrack in November 1963, shortly after the unveiling of the Porsche 901. Designed primarily for racing and homologation purposes, the 904 GTS marked a significant departure from its predecessors, embodying Porsche’s commitment to innovation and performance.

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the grandson of the company’s founder, spearheaded the design of the 904 GTS during his tenure as head of the Porsche design studios beginning in 1962. His vision was to create a car that not only excelled on the racetrack but also set new standards in automotive design, making it Porsche focused. The factory team played a crucial role in the development and racing success of the Porsche 904 GTS, ensuring the car met the highest standards for competition.

The result was a sleek, aerodynamic machine that would become the first Porsche blueprint for future Porsche models, showcasing what a Porsche designed vehicle could achieve. The Porsche 904 GTS featured a mid-engine layout, a design that became a hallmark of future Porsche models. This configuration provided superior weight distribution, enhancing handling and balance, setting it apart from contemporaries. The birth of the 904 GTS was not just the start of a new model but the beginning of a legacy that would influence Porsche’s design philosophy for decades.

Design and engineering marvel

The design of the Porsche 904 GTS was heavily influenced by the earlier Porsche 718, particularly in terms of aerodynamics and overall aesthetics. This influence is evident in the car’s low profile, sharply sloped windshield, and pop-up headlights, all of which were designed to optimize performance at high speeds. The 904 GTS is recognized not only for its racing achievements but also for its aesthetic and technical innovation, symbolizing Porsche’s design philosophy.

The 904 GTS featured:

• A distinctive fiberglass body bonded to a steel chassis, a pioneering approach that enhanced structural rigidity while keeping the weight down.

• A combination of materials that was innovative and effective, providing significant advantages in both performance and durability.

• A full content interior, including a heater and other amenities.

• The distinction of being the first closed-top, mid-engine Porsche available for public sale.

The mid-engine configuration of the Porsche 904 GTS, along with its advanced suspension system, contributed to its exceptional handling characteristics on both roads and tracks. The suspension system included independent front and rear setups with coil springs and unequal-length A-arms, which provided improved traction and stability on various terrains.

The 904 GTS remains an influential benchmark in the automotive world for its combination of performance and elegance.

Racing pedigree

The Porsche 904 Carrera GTS was designed to meet FIA homologation requirements by producing at least 100 street-legal units. Its racing pedigree is a significant factor in its appeal, enhancing its value and making it attractive to enthusiasts who appreciate its performance history.

The car’s dominance in the prototype class and its remarkable triumphs at the Targa Florio are notable highlights.

Prototype class dominance

The Porsche 904 GTS achieved notable success in various international racing series, particularly dominating the 2-liter GT category in the Manufacturer’s World Championship during 1964 and 1965. The car’s competitive edge was evident in its multiple class wins, showcasing its engineering prowess against more powerful competitors.

In the prototype category, the 904 GTS often secured class victories, cementing its status as a formidable competitor in the early 1960s. Driven by some of the best racers of the time, the 904 GTS made a significant impact in international racing circuits, securing multiple class victories and establishing a strong reputation in motorsport.

Targa Florio triumphs

One of the most significant achievements of the Porsche 904 GTS was its victory at the Targa Florio in 1964. This grueling endurance race, known for its challenging conditions, highlighted the exceptional capabilities of the 904 GTS. The car finished first overall, showcasing its superior handling and performance.

Besides won the first overall position, the Porsche 904 GTS also secured the second overall position in its class at the Targa Florio, further solidifying its reputation as a dominant force in endurance racing and a testament to Porsche’s engineering excellence at the end.

Street legal version debut

To comply with FIA homologation rules, Porsche planned to produce at least 100 units of the 904 GTS, resulting in a street-legal version. This was the first close-top, mid-engined Porsche available for public purchase, marking a significant milestone in Porsche’s history. The production was limited to 108 units, slightly exceeding the minimum requirement for competition eligibility, due to the high demand from customers and racers alike. Interested buyers had to place an order quickly to secure one of the limited production slots.

The street-legal 904 GTS integrated a fiberglass-reinforced plastic body with a steel ladder frame. This innovative construction significantly reduced weight while ensuring strength, making the 904 GTS both a total formidable race car and, in addition, a lot added exceptional road car.

The debut of the street-legal version debuted set a new standard for performance results and accessibility in the world of sports cars, allowing enthusiasts to compete at higher levels in this report.

Hot Wheels Porsche 904 Carrera GTS

The Hot Wheels Porsche 904 Carrera GTS is a diecast model that has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts across generations. This model appeals to collectors of all ages, representing a reward for good behavior and a symbol of automotive excellence. Enthusiasts often hunt for Hot Wheels and diecast cars, enhancing the collectability of the Porsche 904 model. Buyers can also choose to send the Hot Wheels Porsche 904 Carrera GTS as a gift, making it a perfect present for car enthusiasts.

Produced at a scale of 1:64, the Hot Wheels Porsche 904 Carrera GTS offers a detailed and authentic representation of the iconic car. Its popularity among collectors is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Porsche 904 GTS and its status as a beloved automobile in both real and miniature forms. The high number of orders placed for the Hot Wheels Porsche 904 Carrera GTS in recent months reflects its strong demand in the market.

Notable features and specifications

The Porsche 904 GTS was initially powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, featuring a 5-speed manual transmission for responsive gear shifts. Key features and performance metrics include:

• Flat-four engine producing up to 180 horsepower.

• Enhanced performance for both street and race conditions.

• Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds.

• Top speed of 160 mph.

The car’s aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient of 0.34, contributed to its impressive performance. These notable features and specifications made the Porsche 904 GTS a top seller among sports cars of its era, and it continues to be highly regarded for its quality and performance.

Legacy and influence

The Porsche 904 GTS introduced the use of fiberglass bodies in production cars, a technique later adopted in various Porsche models. Its mid-engine design became a standard for future Porsche vehicles, influencing iconic models such as the 917 and the Boxster. The introduction of these design elements marked a significant advancement in automotive engineering, paving the way for modern supercars.

The appeal of the Hot Wheels Porsche 904 Carrera GTS lies in its iconic design and motorsport heritage. Collectors and enthusiasts alike continue to admire the 904 GTS for its aesthetic beauty and engineering excellence. The legacy of the Porsche 904 GTS is not just in its racing achievements but also in its lasting influence on the design and engineering of future sports cars.

The Porsche 904 GTS remains a symbol of innovation and excellence, inspiring new generations of car enthusiasts to appreciate the beauty and performance of this iconic model. Its legacy is a testament to Porsche’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design and engineering.

Summary

In summary, the Porsche 904 GTS stands as a remarkable achievement in automotive history. From its inception and innovative design to its racing triumphs and lasting legacy, the 904 GTS embodies the spirit of Porsche’s commitment to excellence.

Whether as a collector’s item or a beloved diecast model, the Porsche 904 GTS continues to captivate car enthusiasts around the world. Its enduring legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations of automotive design and performance.

Frequently asked questions

What made the design of the Porsche 904 GTS unique?

The design of the Porsche 904 GTS is unique due to its distinctive fiberglass body bonded to a steel chassis and a mid-engine layout, which enhance its aerodynamics and handling capabilities. These features set it apart in the realm of sports cars, ensuring remarkable performance.

How successful was the Porsche 904 GTS in racing?

The Porsche 904 GTS was highly successful in racing, securing multiple class wins and a prominent victory at the Targa Florio in 1964. Its impressive performance in international events solidified its reputation in motorsport.