Porsche 968: PH Buying Guide
As we celebrate 40 years of transaxle Porsches a guide to buying one of the best
So why has the 968 has finally been recognised by the classic car market? Launched in August 1991, it was largely based on the 944's chassis due to expedience on Porsche's part. It simply didn't have the cash to develop an all-new model, but the 3.0-litre four-cylinder engine received lighter pistons and con-rods, as well as the addition of VarioCam variable valve timing.
All of this freed up 240hp from big four-cylinder, and it drove through a six-speed manual gearbox to give 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds. If you opted for the four-speed Tiptronic auto that sprint took 7.9 seconds and top speed was 153mph, compared to the manual's 156mph.
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From 1992, Porsche also offered the 968 Cabriolet, which was a popular choice when new even with a £38,000 asking price. The same year, the halo model Club Sport arrived, which shed 50kg from the standard Coupe's weight by ditching electric windows, mirrors, seat adjustment and hatch release. Also left on the shelf were the rear wiper, central locking and back seats, while Recaro front seats further helped with the weight loss.
Unlike modern Porsches where less weight means more money, the Club Sport cost less than the standard Coupe. Now, it's the most sought after 968 due to its superb handling balance. However, Porsche GB recognised some buyers loved the CS's appearance but wanted some of the luxuries back, so the Sport arrived at the start of 1994. It had the same 20mm lowered suspension as the CS but gained the electric goodies to make it more civilised for £32,995.
There were also 16 Turbo S versions of the 968 built with a 305hp engine based on the race-only Turbo. These cars are the preserve of very wealthy collectors, so we'll concentrate on the ones you can find for sale and enjoy either as a classic or an everyday car.
PHer's view:
"I've fond memories of my 968. I don't think I've had a car since that had such nice, forgiving balance - grandmothers could drift 968s on the way to get their blue rinse and be entirely unruffled by the experience."
John Mulcahy
Buying Guide contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling chassis
Body
Interior
At a glance
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[968 CS and Sport Photos: 968ClubSport.com]
Easy to work on no cam chain issues at 147k miles, and if you check how many left there are now less coupes than sports and CS added together, and the underrated and unloved tiptronics are very rare
So don't just go with the media hype, coupes are just as good as a sport or CS with options
Easy to work on no cam chain issues at 147k miles, and if you check how many left there are now less coupes than sports and CS added together, and the underrated and unloved tiptronics are very rare
So don't just go with the media hype, coupes are just as good as a sport or CS with options
I viewed / tried a few approx 5 years ago when they were around £8k and none seemed like decent VFM, they seemed dull and slow compared to my 240bhp MX5 or my 340bhp RX7 both of which are worth considerably less.
I absolutely love mine, it's so easy to drive quickly. Providing you have smooth surface that it is. The CS suspension throws the car off line quite badly if the surface is bumpy but that's fair enough, it's not an SUV after all.
Mine was only the second top end rebuild Northway can recall doing on a 968 (150,000 miles) but once the head was off it proved to have been worth it. Northway reckoned the damage was caused by someone having used some poor quality fuel early in the car's life.
Nothing wrong with 240 HP car in a country with a 70mph limit!
The 968 is quite fast enough imho
The point of the car is it rarity, less than 400 cars left.
1 968 to each 100 M3's, but RX7 are getting a bit scarce too
Each to their own I guess
That just makes no sense when you look at the price of better Porsche - Boxsters & Cayman, 996.
That just makes no sense when you look at the price of better Porsche - Boxsters & Cayman, 996.
Incidentally, I'll only sell mine when I can get an Evora for the same money.
They had been looking for one for around 6 months before they settled on my old car. They were after a good, solid un molested car and that's what they got. The buyer said he seen a lot of poor cars that look great, but once you start scratching at the surface they had a myriad of problems.
Might not be the fastest thing around, but they drive so well. Steering feedback and feel is fantastic, handling is their forte.
If prices were at sensible level would have another tucked away tomorrow !
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