An Unloved Porsche 968 Is Now Rare and Collectible
Performance
Sports Cars
Classics
European
A Porsche used to be considered an affordable supercar, at least compared to its Italian counterparts. But as collectors know too well, prices for Stüttgart steel have reached stratospheric prices in recent years. That’s especially true for signature models like the 911.
However, if you want to start or expand a P-car collection, a Porsche 968 Club Sport like the one recently for sale on eBay might be the thing.
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The 968 was built from 1991 to 1995. It was the last in a long line of front-engined Porsches, starting with the Porsche 924 - opens in new window or tab. and then the Porsche 944 - opens in new window or tab.. Due to budget constraints, much of the model was carried over from the 944. The solid 1980s design was updated by blending the 944’s profile with the avant-garde Porsche 928’s - opens in new window or tab. integrated bumpers and exposed headlights.
The changes under the hood were more significant. The four-cylinder engine had an unusually large displacement of 3.0 liters, translating to a potent 237 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. Notably, this engine was the first Porsche motor to use its VarioCam variable valve timing system, which adjusted intake cam timing for added performance. The engine was mated to a six-speed manual transmission or four-speed Tiptronic auto.
Like an Artist Only Appreciated After They’re Gone
That formula created a foundation for an excellent sports car. But the 968 faced stiff competition from new rivals such as an updated C4 Corvette - opens in new window or tab., Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 - opens in new window or tab., and twin-turbo Toyota Supra - opens in new window or tab.. The 968 wasn’t the sales success Porsche hoped for, with just over 11,000 units sold over five years.
These days, a half a second more or less to 60 mph isn’t going to make or break a 30-year-old sports car. Instead, a dated interior, carried over mainly from the 944, will make it more appealing. Of course, a modern entry-level Porsche can easily outrun it, but the 968 is about the analog driving experience and joining a cadre of like-minded enthusiasts.
Who Needs Niceties?
The Porsche 968 has no problem delivering on those counts, and the 968 Club Sport even more so. The CS was a lightweight variant of the 968, intended to provide an even purer driving experience with a lower suspension. Features like rear seats, power windows, power mirrors, and power seats were scuttled. The stereo system was simplified. Extraneous niceties such as heated windshield wiper nozzles were eliminated as well.
Porsche was able to shave about 110 to 220 pounds (depending on who you ask) off the weight of the standard 968 while adding larger, color-matched 17-inch Cup wheels - opens in new window or tab..
The CS was rarer still. Sold only from 1993 to 1995, Porsche built just over 1,500 of them. As such, Maritime Blue—the best color for the Club Sport—distinguishes the car in the listing. You’re not likely to see that shade at your local Porsche meet.
While the asking price of $94,900 is steep, this ‘93 968 is a stunning example. It has just 41,641 miles of use, and the paint and interior look immaculate. The stereo, while period correct, is not original, but the factory Blaupunkt - opens in new window or tab. comes with the sale.
California buyers should know that this car was imported from Germany and must pass smog tests and CARB certification. That’s a doable process and worth the effort, given the ideal specs and color of this collectible Porsche 968 CS.
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