1994 Porsche 968 Club Sport

[Leins]

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!

[Leins]

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!

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.

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 hopefully

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:




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:

[Leins]

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 moment

At some point I must try and source a model too:

[Leins]

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!

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?

[Leins]

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!

TheDoggingFather said:

This is a great car, looking forward to updates!

Thanks TDF!

[Leins]

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

[Leins]

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 workshop

[Leins]

unpc said:

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.

Thanks, although the 964s are lovely too. An RS was my ultimate goal at one point but alas they’re well out of reach now. I certainly don’t feel shortchanged with this car though

Mogsmex said:

Lovely car, and a fantastic choice I had a speed yellow one about 12 years ago that I loved dearly

There great cars

Thanks Mogsmex, the yellow cars are very cool. This one gets quite a bit of attention as it is, I could only imagine a speed yellow

ChevronB19 said:

Beautiful. I had a 924S and always intended to move up to a 968 (of any variety, my uncle had a sport). Then life and racing got in the way.

The only thing I would say, from a safety point of view (and I’m only saying this based on the pictures, and no offence meant or intended), get a harness bar - more than 45 degrees drop from seat to mounting is a recipe for a broken seat and therefore (potentially) back in a heavy accident.

No offence taken at all, thanks very much for pointing that out. It’s years since I’ve been on a track, and it was only a couple of times anyway, and I’m not too au fait with the ins and outs of harnesses so I’ll definitely look into that

stichill99 said:

Tyrells Classic Workshop last night on the 968 CS

Yes, he seemed to enjoy that. I have to be honest that, as I don’t plan to track my car, a Sport or a CS with the lux pack like that would possibly suit me better. However, I specifically wanted one without the extras and it had to have the buckets. A bit silly really, but for me it’s part of making what a CS is all about

On the buckets, it’s a bit of a limbo-style performance getting in and out (I’m on the tall side), but once in they’re pretty comfortable albeit a bit snug. They’re a tighter seat than Inhad in my M3 CSL, but I do love them. The front end-point for the half-cage is actually handy as something to grab when getting out

One other small update that made me smile yesterday - the light on the key fob still works!

[Leins]

Kawasicki said:

I owned a 1991 944 Turbo SE, with the M030 pack. I‘m originally from rural Galway and drove it a lot around Ireland. It was amazingly competent, but could be tricky at the limit.

I actually drove a 968 CS and picked the 944, but maybe I made the wrong choice!

I’m down in Schull, so similar great roads on the doorstep. I’m hoping to get this up to the likes of the Healy Pass soon enough once the current rainy weather gives us a break

A 944 Turbo is some car too, I’d be a big fan of those, especially an SE or a Silver Rose. However, the 968 CS was always the one for me, probably as it came out when I was a teenager and at a time when I was starting to think about driving

JJJ. said:

Some great B roads around rural Galway. I drove in the Twelve Pins area/Connemara and up to South Mayo a couple of times off season. Technical roads is the term some may use? It was education in trying to understand how and where a car performs or does not. Not to mention one's talent quickly becoming glaringly lacking!

I don’t need a technical road for my talent to be lacking, but once I’m enjoying myself I don’t mind too much!

BrettMRC said:

Brilliant looking car OP.

I remember these being so popular for years, then they seem to have vanished off the radar!

More pics needed!

Thanks Brett. I agree, it’s one of those cars that seemed more plentiful than they actually were. I think when people stopped tracking them and storing them away then things change. I plan to use this one a bit though, keep it well maintained and hopefully looking well but not be a garage queen. Given it’s on 111k miles I’m not going to worry about putting a few more on anyway

I’m not the best with a camera, but I’ll try get a few more up soon!

E90_M3Ross said:

Nice car and looking forward to reading updates.

Thanks Ross, will do!



I’m glad people like it, and it seems to get some positive responses out on the roads. Just need to sort the clutch out next

[Leins]

rallye101 said:

Brilliant....went to buy one 22yr ago for peanuts but was too fat to sit in the buckets

Cheers! Yeah, they’re tight and I only just about fit. Hard to get in and out of, as I’m 6”8, but once I do manage it I can get fairly comfortable. Reminds me a little bit of my old E30

I rarely quote Clarkson, as you hear most of them so often, but I agree with his “I can only fit in any car I want to drive”

[Leins]

The one that got away, back in 2012…



1992 964 RS, 60k mikes, LHD, €55k

I do have a thing for GP White, but before I managed to sort things to be able to do a deal on that one it was gone. Within a couple of years the asking prices had doubled, and look where they are now!

[Leins]

poppopbangbang said:

As always I've arrived at this thread somewhat late, but OP you have a beautiful, beautiful icon of a car there! Absolutely well bought, I have a huge soft spot for the 944 and 968 and I'm becoming more focused on getting one into the garage in the near future. You appear to have found an absolute corker of a car, may it bring you much enjoyment

What a lovely message, thank you very much. It’s one of those cars now that I feel a little bit of responsibility in owning, as they’re getting pretty rare now. I plan to both try look after it as best I can but also enjoy it too

Drive Blind said:

I'll never be in a position to own one but its one of the cars I remember Autocar raving about,,, reading the magazine as a skint student in the 90s

I’ve actually still got some of those reviews, from Autocar and Performance Car. I can’t remember it featuring in Car Magazine back then, but I shall have a look through and see what I can find and might scan them up here if I get a chance

[Leins]

Coupe of quick updates. Firstly, I have the car booked in for a clutch fluid change, so I’ll see if that makes a difference first before changing any parts like slave or master cylinders. I can see the brake fluid was changed not so long ago, but as RHD 968s operate with a separate clutch fluid reservoir I suspect no-one bothered changing that one. Fingers crossed it makes a difference

Secondly, something I didn’t really like was the red badge decal on the back, along with the Ring sticker. No denying this car has done a bit of track work in the past and has probably been around the Ring a few times, but those sorts of decals aren’t really my thing




Going, going, gone:




And new OE badge on in its place:




As an aside, one my son’s friends asked could he see the car, so cue two 6-year olds making race car noises from the bucket seats. If only the 4-cyl sounded quite so good in reality!

Anyway, I set them a challenge to figure out how to open the boot and if they did it in under 2 minutes they could share a pack of Haribo. They were amazed when I finally showed them the little pull handle behind the passenger seat, although one of them did ask why it’s there. (Of course they got the pack of Haribo anyway, but I did rob a couple! )

[Leins]

Mr Magooagain said:

Only just seen this Leins! That looks like much fun, congratulations.
All the best with it.

Thanks Mr M. It’s VRT inspection day today, but as it’s 30 years old since last month and I can show it’s spent most of its life in the North it should hopefully be a relatively painless task

jay-kay-em said:

Much better

Thanks Jay Need to sort the radio next, hopefully that’s a job I get some time for this weekend

[Leins]

So I’ve managed to dig out a period comparison of the CS with two of its competitors, the RX7 and A6110, both of which had just had price drops when this was published in Car Magazine in December 1993

[Leins]

So the interesting thing for me is that the CS used in that feature had red wheels, as I’m really trying to understand what colour my car originally came on

I was under the impression that the CS had matching wheels by default when the cars were white/red/yellow/blue, so that would then mean white wheels in my case. If you didn’t want those you could optionally select silver finish, which was the default for all other coloured CS

I’m aware the car above was a customer one, not a press car, and had a cage and some trick Pirellis fitted, so there is a chance the wheels were swapped too, but it has opened up a doubt in my mind. As previously mentioned I have mine booked in for a wheel refurb in a couple of months, and while I’m pretty sure I’ll stick with Guards Red, I’d still like to know what it originally came on

I can find nothing in the history or original spec to tell me either colour of wheels or decals, although I believe it started life with its red side script. I have however contacted Porsche Centre Colchester, which is where the car was originally sold through when new (as Lancaster Porsche). Let’s see if someone there can remember it, even though that’s probably unlikely

[Leins]

trails said:

I can remember reading both articles in this thread, lovely looking thing OP. Wheels deffo need to be full red for me though

Thanks trails. I think you’re right and that’s what I’m probably going with when I get them done, as opposed to white!

An aside, I’ve managed to get a reproduction dealer sticker for the back window. However, I’m now in two minds over whether this is a nice touch on the car, or a bit naff. I’ll have a think about it

[Leins]

trails said:

Red will look much nicer than white.

Can you get some Lancaster branded plates instead, first thing I always do with cars is remove all the dealer stickers

Unfortunately here in Ireland we’re not allowed deviate from the standard plate format, so nothing like that is allowed when I get my new Irish registration in a couple of weeks. However, I can use a mounting plate and I wonder if it’s possible to get Lancaster branded ones. Hmmm…

The other option is to go with this style of mount, given our
reg plates are very similar to German ones. I think I prefer black mounts though

[Leins]

jay-kay-em said:

All totally correct by my understanding Leins. The BRX cars were originally press cars as per your original picture...



Note that it's cars 290 and 291. RX is the regional identifier for Reading (Porsche Cars GB HQ)

290 was in private ownership by the time that magazine was written and the wheels sprayed red.

290 was used in the first ever publicity shots... with of course white wheels...



No doubt in my mind.

To confirm if you had a silver wheel optioned car, you'll have option code "346" on your boot sticker - just like all VIN code 815 "Sports" have.

Thanks Jay, that is fantastic background knowledge!

Looks like white or silver then, and given I’ve no “346” option on the sticker it must have been white. Mine doesn’t have many options, it’s a C16 UK car and only has the following listed on the sticker:

- 451: Reduced radio preparation
- 567: Top-tinted windscreen
- 650: Electric sunroof

Also, Porsche Colchester have come back to me with an update. They don’t remember the car, but have looked it up on the system and provided the original specification to me, which pretty much matches what I expected:

020 DOUBLE SCALE INSTRUMENTS
061 ENGLAND VERSION
130 LABELING IN ENGLISH
151 DIFFERENT ENGINE PARTS 968 CS
197 STRONGER BATTERY
211 LICENSE PLATE HOLDER VERS. III
219 BALANCER GEAR
231 BRIDGE.N1/CONTI/MICHEL/PIRELLI/YOKO
272 EXTERIOR MIRROR MANUALLY ADJUSTABLE
384 BUCKET SEAT LEFT
385 BUCKET SEAT RIGHT
398 CUP WHEEL '93 17" (AL)
419 REAR LUGGAGE RACK ANST. H. SEATING.
433 LEATHER STEERING WHEEL ATIWE
465 REAR FOG LIGHT LEFT
466 REAR FOG LIGHT RIGHT
480 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
492 HEADLIGHT FOR LEFT-LEFT TRAFFIC
564 WITHOUT AIRBAG
595 REAR SPOILER IN CAR COLOR
605 HEADLIGHT DISTANCE ADJUSTMENT
657 POWER STEERING

Glad to see it’s officially a bucket car, but interesting to have the 197 option of a stronger battery included. No idea why this was specified, but I had seen it listed in a previous owner’s notes. Also that they had looked to put a smaller battery in but the clamps were the wrong size. It’s currently got a 75aH battery installed

[Leins]

So out has gone the old mid-2000s Sony headunit, and in its place a new Blaupunkt Frankfurt DAB:



I’ve kept it simple in terms of connectivity, as there are only speakers up front and the aerial, so I haven’t bothered to include the microphone, additional USBs, etc. There is one USB port under the “cassette” flap at the front of the unit, handy for phone charging, but other than that I’ll just be relying on Bluetooth connectivity

Really pleased with it