The Pick of the Day, a 1992 Porsche 968, is a low-mileage example of one of my favorite Porsches of all time. Advertised by an Oakwood, Georgia, dealer on ClassicCars.com, it also is a bargain as the prices for these relatively rare cars are going up. The color is the classic Porsche Guards Red on black leather.
A few years ago, my friend Casey Putsch alerted me to a race car for sale. It was a fully race-prepped 1992 Porsche 968 (Complete with cage, fuel cell, fire system, harnesses) that he had built for a customer who was now selling it. The drivetrain was broken but repairable and the price was right. I fixed it, won three Vintage Auto Racing Association (VARA) races out of four entered, then sold it to a guy who now races it in the Porsche Club of America 944 Cup. I still miss that car.
The 968 was essentially the last incarnation of the 924-944. Far more luxurious, with an interesting motor: a 3 liter 16-valve inline four making about 265 horsepower. I referred to mine as “the tractor motor,” but man-oh-man was it torquey. The motor is linked to a 6-speed manual to a torque tube leading to the transaxle over the rear wheels. The weight distribution is an almost perfect 50/50, which makes spirited driving a complete joy.
According to the seller, “The performance of this 968 is spot on and nothing misses a beat! The essential timing-belt service has been completed at 42K miles, which also included a new water pump and new front discs and pads.”
Add to the fact that there were only 595 of the 968 Coupes sold in 1992 – and a total of 12,000 968s sold throughout the world during its production run between 1992 and 1995. The reason? It was expensive. The price point of the 968 as new ran upwards of $45,000 despite a base price of $35,000 in 1992. This was a tough market, dominated by the Mazda RX7 and the Nissan 300Z.
All in all, the 968 was a pleasure to drive. Comfortable, quick, well-balanced and a Stuttgart badge on the hood. The seller mentions that included with the car are books, manuals, partial service records, 2 keys, tools, air-compressor, spare tire and a jack.
The seller claims, “Everything is fully operational, including the AC and the sunroof. The stock radio has been upgraded with a modern JVC unit, which sounds great. The stock OEM 17” Porsche wheels are fitted with Yokahama Advan Sport tires which are barely 2 years old and have plenty of tread.”
At 51,594 miles and an asking price of $24,900 – less than for what I sold my 968 – this could be a solid investment as these front-engine Porsches are really getting more and more attention in the marketplace.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Thomas, I am soo jealous. I loved the ’24/’44/’68 cars new, and still. Never had the chance to get one; life gets in the way sometimes. 968 sorta a baby 928S, without the supercar $$$ baggage.
Apparently the Georgia jacked up pick-up crowd has their market depressed, as someone is going to get a real deal on this one, no matter how much upkeep and service for these runs.
Just love the 928esque flounder headlights.
Sweet.
Fair price.