1993 Porsche 968 Cabriolet

As much as I’ve always loved the Porsche 968 Cabriolet, it’s a bit of an odd duck in the annals of Porsche history. However, I’m not the only one who is attracted to this car. In addition to the folks over at flüssig magazine who preach the gospel of the transaxle Porsche, former GCFSB writer Aaron had a few things to say about his desire to own a 968 Cabriolet in a conversation I was having with him yesterday evening. “Any Porsche made after ’98 is crap, ’80s 944s, 928s and 924s are all a bit dated. The 968 represents a ’90s era Porsche that the every man can afford.” Some may not necessarily agree with his sentiment, but having owned a 2000 Boxster, it must have had some affect on Aaron’s view of modern Porsches. If you share our love of 968s, check out this 968 Cabriolet for sale in Florida is one of two 6-speed examples painted in Amethyst Metallic.

Click for details: 1993 Porsche 968 Cabriolet on eBay

Year: 1993
Model: 968 Cabriolet
Engine: 3.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 107,300 mi
Price: $27,500 Buy It Now

1993 Porsche 968 Cabriolet offered in Amethyst Pearl over dark Grey. 6 speed manual transmission. Impeccable low mileage stock example with no stories. Most records since new and all service and repairs documented. One of two cabriolets manufactured in this fantastic color. No accidents, original paint, clear title. Super low production numbers for the model; excellent investment.
All major services including timing belt and water pump
Cabriolet motors, cables and bows replaced as needed
New top and rear back window; fully functional
Paint exterior and all interior are on a 9.0 – 9.50 conservative scale
All electrical and mechanical aspects of the car work as intended
Last serviced November, 2015; perfect carfax available on request
100% stock with upgraded radio (original radio included)
All records, manuals, tool kit, car cover and multiple keys
Never used in snow or rain; driven less than 2,500/yr since new
Total US/Canada production run over 4 years (1992-1995) = 4665 (coupe, cabs, 6 speed, tip)
Coupes = 2417; Cabriolets = 2248
1992 = 1440; 1993 = 1082; 1994 = 1519; 1995 = 624
Approximately 450 cabriolets in 1993 total including 6 speed and tiptronic combined
Approximately 250 MY93 Cabs in 6 speed configuration
1 of 2 Mint Plum/Amethyst Cabriolet in 6 speed configuration

Commonly asked questions:

Electrical system: All works properly, including cold A/C
Top: Works perfectly; in manual mode but easily converted back to electric.
Rear window: Replaced within the past 60 days
Tires: Excellent; less than 1 year old; 90% tread
Radio: Good aftermarket unit; original radio comes with the car
Carfax: Clean, no accidents and shows 1 previous owner. Will send upon request
Records: Very complete including big services, water pump/timing belt, etc.
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL. Can arrange for shipping or pickup.

Porsche’s 944 model debuted for the 1982 model year, was updated as “944S” in 1987 and as “944S2” in 1989. Shortly after the start of production of the S2 variant, Porsche engineers began working on another set of significant upgrades for the model, as executives were planning a final “S3” variant of the 944. During the development phase, 80% of the 944’s mechanical components were either significantly modified or completely replaced by the engineers, leaving so little of the outgoing S2 behind that Porsche management chose to introduce the variant as a new model, calling it the 968. In addition to the numerous mechanical upgrades, the new model also received significantly evolved styling both inside and out, with a more modern, streamlined look and more standard luxury than on the 944. Production was moved from the Audi plant in Neckarsulm (where the 924 and 944 had been manufactured under contract to Porsche), to Porsche’s own factory in Zuffenhausen.

The 968 was powered by an updated version of the 944’s straight-four engine, now displacing 3.0 L with 104 mm bore, 88 mm stroke and producing 240 PS (237 bhp; 177 kW). Changes to the 968’s powertrain also included the addition of Porsche’s then-new VarioCam variable valve timing system, newly optimized induction and exhaust systems, a dual-mass flywheel, and updated engine management electronics among other more minor revisions. The 968’s engine was the second-largest four-cylinder ever offered in a production car up to that time. A new 6-speed manual transmission replaced the 944’s old 5-speed. The VarioCam timing system was first introduced on the 968 and would later become a feature of the Type 993 air-cooled six-cylinder engine.

The 968’s styling was an evolution on that of the outgoing 944, itself styled evolutionarily from the earlier 924, but elements were borrowed from the more expensive 928 model in an attempt to create a “family resemblance” between models, and the swooping headlamp design, inspired by those of the 959, previewed similar units found later on the Type 993 911. Along with the new styling, the 968 featured numerous small equipment and detail upgrades, including a Fuba roof-mounted antenna, updated single lens tail lamps, “Cup” style 16″ alloy wheels, a wider selection of interior and exterior colors, and a slightly updated “B” pillar and rear quarter window to accommodate adhesive installation to replace the older rubber gasket installation. Because some parts are interchangeable between the 968, 944 and 924, some enthusiasts purchase those parts from Porsche parts warehouses as “upgrades” for their older models.

Like the 944, the 968 was sold as both a coupe and a convertible. Much of the 968’s chassis was carried over from the 944 S2, which in itself shared many components with the 944 Turbo (internally numbered 951). Borrowed components include the Brembo-sourced four-piston brake calipers on all four wheels, aluminium semi-trailing arms and aluminum front A-arms, used in a Macpherson strut arrangement. The steel unibody structure was also very similar to that of the previous models. Porsche maintained that 80% of the car was new

While lacking the wider ranging appeal of the 911, the 968 has nonetheless carved out its own niche in the hearts of enthusiasts. This is likely due to the 968’s unique combination of speed and practicality, and low production numbers. Clean, low mileage examples have become extremely scarce and expensive by 2013. In April 2012, when the Gooding & Company bidding ended and the auctioneer’s hammer finally fell, the only 1 Red 968 Turbo RS 350 hp machine had fetched a hefty $346,000 price.

My favorite 968 Cabriolet has to be the Mint Green example owned by Jeff Coe of the 968 Registry. It certainly wouldn’t be to everyone’s liking but this was one of my favorite Porsche colors of the 1990s. Values for 968s have been rising a bit, but not as much as their V8 front-engined contemporary, the 928GTS. This Cabriolet’s asking price is very strong considering the mileage. Most I see in good shape with anywhere between 50,000 to 100,000 miles are ranging in the $15,000 to $20,000 territory. This one is certainly in good shape with a proper history, but I think we’re still a little ways off from the ask we see here.

-Paul