1994 Porsche 968 Club Sport
Discussion
So having long been an admirer of all things Porsche, and having come close a few times before, I’ve finally bought one. No it’s not the 964 RS that before values went rocketing into orbit I thought I had a half-chance of obtaining, but for me it is another of the cars I’ve wanted to own for a very long time
So why a 968? Well, I sold my Audi B5 RS4 last year, and knew that whatever I replaced it with needed to be special, and as always I go into these things with the longer-term view. I had the Audi for 8 years, and loved it over that time, but more recently I’d not been able to spend enough time using it for proper driving in its natural habitat - on continental hoons over fast roads in the likes of Germany. It just felt a bit of a waste on the sort of B-roads we have near my home in Ireland, too heavy, a bit big, and too powerful so it just wasn’t getting used much. I know from my other fun car, a MINI GP1, that having something you can chuck about a bit on quiet windy roads is where I get my fun, so a similar recipe in a car that’s a little bit older and maybe rear wheel drive made a lot of sense
I’d always fancied a 968 ever since I drove a Sport about 25 years ago and really connected with it. The likes of JayKayEm’s lovely Riviera Blue CS on here didn’t help either, so I decided it was about time I sourced one for myself
There is certainly an argument to say I had no need to buy a CS, a regular 968 or even a Sport would do the job perfectly well. However, I’ll admit I’m a bit of a sucker for buying the on-paper “best” model of cars (I know there’s a rare Turbo S one too, but Mrs. Leins didn’t fancy remortgaging!), plus I love the little changes with the CS e.g. no rear seats, Recaro colour-coded buckets, keep-fit windows, no central locking so a blanking piece for the boot lock, etc etc. In a lot of ways it’s a similar philosophy to my other fun car the MINI GP1
So this one is a February 1994 model purchased new from Lancaster Porsche in Colchester, and ordered in Grand Prix White with only a few options - green windscreen tint, reduced radio operation (2 speakers), and an electric pop-up sunroof which many UK CS came with nearly as default. I believe this is due to the available bodyshells at that time. I suspect the car originally came with matching GP white Cup2s, but at some point an owner has changed them to Guards Red to match the original decals. I’ve considered going back to white for them, but have decided now to have them repainted fully in red, removing the “diamond cut” edge they currently have
This 968 has been in Northern Ireland since 2001, and after seven previous owners it’s now at 111k miles, but still feels fresh to drive. I think it’s a testament to Porsche build-quality of the era how well screwed together it still feels, and it’s been a while since I’ve owned a car that ever switch, button and knob has a really solid feel to it
There have been a few additions to it over the years. I believe it’s running a Pro Max chip since 2001, which on decent fuel should give it about an extra 15 bhp. As you can see from the photos it’s also got a cage in the back, and I have the front sections that can be added too, but alas I wouldn’t be able to get in if they were in situ. It’s obviously done a bit of track work in the past, and from reports they’re supposedly well suited for that, but the previous owner who had it for 12 years said it was only for fast-road use in his time
In addition, someone has gone to the considerable expense of installing the M030 options of Koni suspension and 928 S4-spec Brembos. I’m still working my way through the history files so haven’t figured out yet when this was done. Same with the harnesses, but I have the original seat belts if I ever need them too
So what’s next for it? Well I’m just starting to get used to driving it now, and plan to do a few runs over the passes in the nearby hills up to Co. Kerry, along with the odd cars & coffee. I also picked my son up from school in it yesterday. Given how there’s a lot of anti-car and anti-petrol sentiment around these days, and concerns we have that the younger generation won’t be interested, it was heart warming to see a load of 6 years olds getting excited over a slightly mad old car on red wheels. They especially seemed to like the look of the climbing frame inside!
I also have it booked into Jaz Porsche in St Albans in a few months for belts/chains/service and a good checkover. There was a big service done on it in 2021, but I’d like to get Jaz to check out anything else needed now given how well they know these cars. I’m also planning to replace some of the badges for new ones and install a Blaupunkt Frankfurt DAB to get the best out of the two front speakers!
So thanks for reading, and I’ll keep this updated as my ownership experience with the 968 goes along!
So why a 968? Well, I sold my Audi B5 RS4 last year, and knew that whatever I replaced it with needed to be special, and as always I go into these things with the longer-term view. I had the Audi for 8 years, and loved it over that time, but more recently I’d not been able to spend enough time using it for proper driving in its natural habitat - on continental hoons over fast roads in the likes of Germany. It just felt a bit of a waste on the sort of B-roads we have near my home in Ireland, too heavy, a bit big, and too powerful so it just wasn’t getting used much. I know from my other fun car, a MINI GP1, that having something you can chuck about a bit on quiet windy roads is where I get my fun, so a similar recipe in a car that’s a little bit older and maybe rear wheel drive made a lot of sense
I’d always fancied a 968 ever since I drove a Sport about 25 years ago and really connected with it. The likes of JayKayEm’s lovely Riviera Blue CS on here didn’t help either, so I decided it was about time I sourced one for myself
There is certainly an argument to say I had no need to buy a CS, a regular 968 or even a Sport would do the job perfectly well. However, I’ll admit I’m a bit of a sucker for buying the on-paper “best” model of cars (I know there’s a rare Turbo S one too, but Mrs. Leins didn’t fancy remortgaging!), plus I love the little changes with the CS e.g. no rear seats, Recaro colour-coded buckets, keep-fit windows, no central locking so a blanking piece for the boot lock, etc etc. In a lot of ways it’s a similar philosophy to my other fun car the MINI GP1
So this one is a February 1994 model purchased new from Lancaster Porsche in Colchester, and ordered in Grand Prix White with only a few options - green windscreen tint, reduced radio operation (2 speakers), and an electric pop-up sunroof which many UK CS came with nearly as default. I believe this is due to the available bodyshells at that time. I suspect the car originally came with matching GP white Cup2s, but at some point an owner has changed them to Guards Red to match the original decals. I’ve considered going back to white for them, but have decided now to have them repainted fully in red, removing the “diamond cut” edge they currently have
This 968 has been in Northern Ireland since 2001, and after seven previous owners it’s now at 111k miles, but still feels fresh to drive. I think it’s a testament to Porsche build-quality of the era how well screwed together it still feels, and it’s been a while since I’ve owned a car that ever switch, button and knob has a really solid feel to it
There have been a few additions to it over the years. I believe it’s running a Pro Max chip since 2001, which on decent fuel should give it about an extra 15 bhp. As you can see from the photos it’s also got a cage in the back, and I have the front sections that can be added too, but alas I wouldn’t be able to get in if they were in situ. It’s obviously done a bit of track work in the past, and from reports they’re supposedly well suited for that, but the previous owner who had it for 12 years said it was only for fast-road use in his time
In addition, someone has gone to the considerable expense of installing the M030 options of Koni suspension and 928 S4-spec Brembos. I’m still working my way through the history files so haven’t figured out yet when this was done. Same with the harnesses, but I have the original seat belts if I ever need them too
So what’s next for it? Well I’m just starting to get used to driving it now, and plan to do a few runs over the passes in the nearby hills up to Co. Kerry, along with the odd cars & coffee. I also picked my son up from school in it yesterday. Given how there’s a lot of anti-car and anti-petrol sentiment around these days, and concerns we have that the younger generation won’t be interested, it was heart warming to see a load of 6 years olds getting excited over a slightly mad old car on red wheels. They especially seemed to like the look of the climbing frame inside!
I also have it booked into Jaz Porsche in St Albans in a few months for belts/chains/service and a good checkover. There was a big service done on it in 2021, but I’d like to get Jaz to check out anything else needed now given how well they know these cars. I’m also planning to replace some of the badges for new ones and install a Blaupunkt Frankfurt DAB to get the best out of the two front speakers!
So thanks for reading, and I’ll keep this updated as my ownership experience with the 968 goes along!
Thanks all for the kind comments
I actually spent a couple of hours last night in the garage with a glass of wine and doing small things like adjusting the harnesses ever so slightly. That’s a sign I’ve bought the right car I think!
However, I still don’t think these 968s have gone to mad money, certainly in comparison to anything rare and 911 from the same period. They probably never will, but I don’t really mind as I’ve not bought it as an investment
I’m actually planning to do a bit of driving around England when I collect it from Jaz, the likes of Caffeine & Machine. A friend of mine is giving me a lift in his Dakar Yellow E36 M3, so they should make a good pair then to travel in convoy. Reminds me of this one in particular:
I actually spent a couple of hours last night in the garage with a glass of wine and doing small things like adjusting the harnesses ever so slightly. That’s a sign I’ve bought the right car I think!
JJJ. said:
Lovely, just lovely.
I turned down a low mileage stunner in 2006 for 14 grand, always reflect on that decision.
Thanks. I’ll always remember the £14k standard and low miles E30 Sport Evo in 2000. I turned down a low mileage stunner in 2006 for 14 grand, always reflect on that decision.
However, I still don’t think these 968s have gone to mad money, certainly in comparison to anything rare and 911 from the same period. They probably never will, but I don’t really mind as I’ve not bought it as an investment
LuckyThirteen said:
In case you don't know...
You'll be requiring the 304mm 928 front discs, bit the standard 968 299mm discs.
Absolutely lovely example you have there
Cheers! Yes, they look to be a good deal dearer, but I think there’s still plenty of life in these ones hopefullyYou'll be requiring the 304mm 928 front discs, bit the standard 968 299mm discs.
Absolutely lovely example you have there
cerb4.5lee said:
Congratulations Leins. 
That is such an icon I reckon, and I always enjoyed reading about them in Performance Car magazine years ago.
Enjoy it.
Thanks Lee. John Barker in PC Mag especially was quite a fan:That is such an icon I reckon, and I always enjoyed reading about them in Performance Car magazine years ago.
Enjoy it.
I’m actually planning to do a bit of driving around England when I collect it from Jaz, the likes of Caffeine & Machine. A friend of mine is giving me a lift in his Dakar Yellow E36 M3, so they should make a good pair then to travel in convoy. Reminds me of this one in particular:
Bright Halo said:
That looks great.
I think you are right to get rid of the diamond cut wheel edge, will look better all red.
I remember reading reviews when these came out saying how well balanced they were. Will be good fun on track!
Thanks. Yes I’m really looking forward to having that done. I’ve also got the proper black “968 CS” badge to go on the back, as I don’t really like the red decal one that’s there at the momentI think you are right to get rid of the diamond cut wheel edge, will look better all red.
I remember reading reviews when these came out saying how well balanced they were. Will be good fun on track!
At some point I must try and source a model too:
Many congratulations Leins... but don't blame me!
The red wheels work so well with the red CS graphic it's difficult to believe it wasn't standard. Black cars work the same with red.
Heart-warming to see the kids getting involved. There's hope yet.
I spent the first night in the garage ogling the seats too. Yep, sad as you like
I remember this car for sale at Hollybrook in Glenavy. Back then I was wondering how the diamond-cut had been executed because the Cup-2's should have a nice smooth rolled rim. Hope they are salvageable with just a repaint.
St. Albans not a million miles away from me. Ireland is though
Seems like it has gone to a great owner. Have fun
The red wheels work so well with the red CS graphic it's difficult to believe it wasn't standard. Black cars work the same with red.
Heart-warming to see the kids getting involved. There's hope yet.
I spent the first night in the garage ogling the seats too. Yep, sad as you like
I remember this car for sale at Hollybrook in Glenavy. Back then I was wondering how the diamond-cut had been executed because the Cup-2's should have a nice smooth rolled rim. Hope they are salvageable with just a repaint.
St. Albans not a million miles away from me. Ireland is though
Seems like it has gone to a great owner. Have fun
jay-kay-em said:
Many congratulations Leins... but don't blame me!
The red wheels work so well with the red CS graphic it's difficult to believe it wasn't standard. Black cars work the same with red.
Heart-warming to see the kids getting involved. There's hope yet.
I spent the first night in the garage ogling the seats too. Yep, sad as you like
I remember this car for sale at Hollybrook in Glenavy. Back then I was wondering how the diamond-cut had been executed because the Cup-2's should have a nice smooth rolled rim. Hope they are salvageable with just a repaint.
St. Albans not a million miles away from me. Ireland is though
Seems like it has gone to a great owner. Have fun
Thanks Jay!The red wheels work so well with the red CS graphic it's difficult to believe it wasn't standard. Black cars work the same with red.
Heart-warming to see the kids getting involved. There's hope yet.
I spent the first night in the garage ogling the seats too. Yep, sad as you like
I remember this car for sale at Hollybrook in Glenavy. Back then I was wondering how the diamond-cut had been executed because the Cup-2's should have a nice smooth rolled rim. Hope they are salvageable with just a repaint.
St. Albans not a million miles away from me. Ireland is though
Seems like it has gone to a great owner. Have fun
Yes, this is the Hollybrook car. Here in RoI we have extortionate import taxes on anything newer than 30 years old, so the car had to remain out of the country until its 30th birthday. That occurred last week so now, instead of what would have been probably €10k import and €1500 pa RFL, it’s €200 to import and get Irish plates and then €56 pa RFL. Makes it possible to keep it available to drive throughout the year then
Also, because it’s been a Northern Ireland car for years it means it’s not liable to Brexit-related costs of VAT (21%) and duty (10%)
On the wheels, while I’d like to keep it standard I just love the red colour, and feel it’s in keeping with the slightly mad look of the car. Same with the cage and harnesses, as I don’t plan to track it but it’s still part of the appeal. Luckily the wheels are only painted to look like diamond-cut, so they still have the proper rounded edge. Jaz have recommended a local wheel refurbisher so they should be set for the summer
Hope your one is driving well! By the way, is the 968 registry still going?
Dodged a bullet with the wheels then. Great news.
I'm a member of www.porsche968uk.co.uk which has an active forum, a wealth of knowledge and some real long-term owners.
PM sent. Look forward to future updates.
I'm a member of www.porsche968uk.co.uk which has an active forum, a wealth of knowledge and some real long-term owners.
PM sent. Look forward to future updates.
jay-kay-em said:
Dodged a bullet with the wheels then. Great news.
I'm a member of www.porsche968uk.co.uk which has an active forum, a wealth of knowledge and some real long-term owners.
PM sent. Look forward to future updates.
Thanks jay, PM on its way back!I'm a member of www.porsche968uk.co.uk which has an active forum, a wealth of knowledge and some real long-term owners.
PM sent. Look forward to future updates.
TheDoggingFather said:
This is a great car, looking forward to updates!
Thanks TDF! Took the 968 out for a run down the coast and a pub lunch yesterday
It just steers so well, I find it a great car to drive down a country road
However, a couple of issues are rearing their head, the main one being with the clutch, where the pedal is going dead from standstill occasionally. There are no leaks visible anywhere, but the fluid looks like it could do with a change and perhaps having the system then properly bled might fix it. Otherwise it’s probably a new master and slave cylinder
It just steers so well, I find it a great car to drive down a country road
However, a couple of issues are rearing their head, the main one being with the clutch, where the pedal is going dead from standstill occasionally. There are no leaks visible anywhere, but the fluid looks like it could do with a change and perhaps having the system then properly bled might fix it. Otherwise it’s probably a new master and slave cylinder
Really loved these cars in the day - but still getting tingly feeling looking at this one.
Relevant to this thread... Tyrrell's Classic Workshop just released a video on precisely 968CS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY89BMv-VBw
Relevant to this thread... Tyrrell's Classic Workshop just released a video on precisely 968CS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY89BMv-VBw
Seek said:
Really loved these cars in the day - but still getting tingly feeling looking at this one.
Relevant to this thread... Tyrrell's Classic Workshop just released a video on precisely 968CS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY89BMv-VBw
Thanks for that, and just watched it. Iain is quite the fan it seems, which is high praise considering the cars he has going through his workshopRelevant to this thread... Tyrrell's Classic Workshop just released a video on precisely 968CS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY89BMv-VBw
Nice example you have there.
Back in the early 90s I went to buy one of these new but I mistakenly took my now wife who talked me into buying a newish 964C2 instead.
I now realise I bought the wrong car and probably the wrong wife. Front engined Porsches were generally better to drive than the 911 in those days.
Back in the early 90s I went to buy one of these new but I mistakenly took my now wife who talked me into buying a newish 964C2 instead.
I now realise I bought the wrong car and probably the wrong wife
. Front engined Porsches were generally better to drive than the 911 in those days. Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff