Porsche 968 - Come On, Feel The Poise (Part 2)

Transmission

The standard six-speed manual can wear out its shims. It’ll whine if it’s worn. Reshimming, plus a new crown wheel and pinion, is a tricky job as the DLF needs removing for access.

Cabin

The only real potential issues inside are the heating system and possible water intrusion through the hatch seals or sunroof drainage holes. New heater controls are easily sourced secondhand, while cleaning drain holes will prevent unwanted water ingress.

Driving position is low, switchgear is all over the place

Engine

The 968’s 3.0-liter in-line four is a development of the 944’s, with VarioCam for greater power. It’s largely robust, but the cam chain is known to fail. It’s not a service item, but if it hasn’t been done recently, replace it.

What to look out for

If the rear is sitting low then it’s likely the dampers need replacing. Porsche parts cost $405 per rear damper, or full sets of aftermarket items can be had for less.

Many Sport-specification cars have been converted to Club Sport. To be sure it’s an original, check the VIN number with Porsche. It should also reveal any factory options.

Take a small mirror and a torch with you to take a closer look at the Brembo brake calipers. Reconditioning corroded units can cost more than $360 per caliper.

Ask if the cam chain has been replaced. If it hasn’t, then get it done, and replace it every second belt change. It’ll cost around $615 but save you a potentially huge bill.

Check that the headlights rise when on, and when in position that there’s a plastic surround around them. If not, it’s a potential MOT failure.

What we said then

Design and engineering

Just because the 968 carries an all-new number doesn’t mean it’s an all-new car. Instead, it’s a comprehensive update of the 944. The changes under the skin are effective, though, with the 3.0-liter twin-cam engine gaining VarioCam to help push power up from 211bhp to 240bhp at 6200rpm.

Interior

Any 944 driver who gets in the 968 will struggle to tell the difference. The distinctive driving position with the non- adjustable wheel set too low remains, while the scatter of switchgear is laid out in a disorderly line across the fascia. Up front, there’s head and legroom to spare.

Performance

It is not the amount of performance (which is merely average for the class) possessed by the 968 but its quality that makes you feel in charge of something special. Four cylinders or not, you’d have to look long and hard before you could find an engine with such instantaneous responses.

Ride and handling

Every shred of the composure and friendliness that so distinguished the 944 has been retained. The steering requires solid inputs but rewards by ceaselessly feeding you information about the road surface and remaining grip in unambiguous terms. The pay-off for stiff suspension is that you never forget how well the 968 handles.

Buying and owning

Cars that top 150mph and regularly return more than 24mpg are scarce. Quite apart from the prestige that comes with the Porsche name, none of its rivals can touch it for the feeling of security and strength that comes as standard with the 968.

Verdict

The 968 has cemented its position at the top of the desirability tree among similar-priced coupes simply by

Ones we found

Slate Grey metallic Tiptronic 968 cabrio with just 59,000 miles and a full service history, and the last owner had it for 14 years. Black hood, grey leather, heated electric seats.

Price: $13,139 (1992, 59,000 miles)

Slate Grey metallic Tiptronic 968

Polar Silver 968 coupe with blue leather, 16in alloys, electric sunroof and three previous owners. Fine condition, recent cambelt, discs and suspension bushes, it says here.

Price: $16,485 (1993, 104,000 miles)

Polar Silver 968

Beautiful condition black 968 Sport with black cloth trim and one previous owner. Manual transmission, fine provenance and full no-expense- spared Porsche service history.

Price: $17,995 (1994, 94,000 miles)

Beautiful-condition black 968 Sport

Desirable 968 Club Sport in Guards Red with FSH, MOT and six months’ tax. A known, trophy winning car in Porsche ClubGB.

Price: $20,250 (1993, 124,000 miles)

Desirable 968 Club Sport in Guards Red

Excellent-condition rare 968 Club Sport in Speed Yellow with matching sports seats. It comes with a sunroof, stereo and comprehensive Porsche service history.

Price $29,995 (1994, 113,333 miles)

Excellent-condition rare 968 Club Sport in Speed Yellow