The Porsche 968 is the ultimate evolution of the front engine, four cylinder Porsche that began with the 924 in 1976. Originally conceived as the 944 S3, Porsche decided to rename the car altogether as only about 20% was carried over from the 944 S2. As usual, the US market didn’t get one of the more interesting models of the 968 range, which happens to be one of my favorite Porsches of all time: the 968 Club Sport. The Club Sport was a stripped down version of the 968 Coupe, weighing in about 220 lbs less than the model on which it was based. Recaro seats, a track oriented suspension system, 17″ wheels and airbag deletion were just some of the modifications that made its way onto this limited edition 968.
But, have no fear, there was an option that would give you similar performance to the Club Sport, but with less of the luxuries taken out. This was option package M030, which included included larger front and rear sway bars, upgraded bushings and Koni height adjustable shocks. While critics complained about the ride on the street, there was no doubt that this car was a force to be reckoned with on the track and a handy tool for serious track day enthusiasts.
The first 968 M030 we’ll take a look at is for sale in Maryland and comes equipped with the limited slip differential option.
Year: 1993
Model: 968
Engine: 3.0 liter inline four
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 80,678 mi
Price: No reserve auction, $18,000 starting bid
Click for Details: 1993 Porsche 968 on eBay
I am offering one of the best Porsche 968s available in the U.S. I purchased the car in November, 2012 from AutoKennel in Costa Mesa, California. The car spent its entire life in Southern California until I had it shipped to my home in Maryland. It has been garaged for every day of its life. The car is super clean and it is very well optioned. I am only offering it for sale because I need to raise $18,000 to deal with one of life’s unexpected expenses. I never intended to sell this car.
If you are serious about buying this 968, then I can assume you know a little about the cars. The 968 was the pinnacle of the development line that started with the 924, 944, 944 Turbo, etc. The 968 was the first Porsche offered with VarioCam timing and a 6 speed manual transmission. The 968 came in a variety of colors and with a multitude of options. One of the most sought after options is the M030 sport suspension and brake package. The U.S. didn’t get the stripped out 968 Club Sport, but the M030 cars are as close as it gets. This car has the upgraded sway bars and the bigger brakes and the 17″ wheels that comprised the M030 package. This car also came with a Limited Slip Differential. Most 968s did not come with LSD and the LSD was not automatically a part of the M030 package. Another nice option on this car is the heavily bolstered and supportive Sport Seats. All of those options, plus the 6 speed manual transmission makes this a very desireable 968. This is not a $10k – $12k run of the mill 968.
This car also comes with all service records. The previous owners (3 in total) were meticulous Porsche Club guys. They kept all records and we even have a Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche. The car has no known issues. I had a pre-purchase inspection done on the car in California before I bought it. I have not needed to service anything during my brief period of ownership. The car starts, runs, steers, and stops just like you would expect. Even the AC blows nice and cold. You could buy the car and drive it back to California and I have no doubts that it would make the trip without a hiccup.
The color combination: The car is Amazon Green with a Magenta Interior. Amazon Green is a beautiful Porsche color that looks dark blue in most lighting conditions. It has a metallic shine under bright light and you can see a hint of green from some angles. The interior is in excellent condition. It is magenta. I was not a huge fan of the interior and it did put me off a bit when I first saw it. My plan, if I were to keep the car, is to replace the center armrest, gearshift, and steering wheel with black ones (but keep the magenta parts for the sake of originality). Those changes plus black floor mats would tone things down quite a bit. Others who have seen the car actually love the magenta interior. It is rare and the color combination is thought to be a true 1 of 1 produced. The 968 guys know of no other Amazon Green/Magenta 968 in existence anywhere.
I am going to offer the car without a reserve, but with the understanding that I reserve the right to terminate the auction at any time. If there is another way for me to come up with a quick $18,000 I will be keeping the car. That should actually tell you quite a bit about it’s condition and desirability. Feel free to ask any questions via ebay or you may contact me via email.
TSBeckman@aol.com
Best of luck.
I sometimes wonder what a particular buyer had in mind when I see some of the odd color combinations out there, but as they say, different strokes for different folks. Sure, the color is rare, but I tend to think most people interested in buying a 968 wouldn’t be interested in it. Nevertheless, this 968 is in good nick. It might not bring the $18,000 that the seller has set as an opening bid, however.
On to our next 968 M030. This one for sale has higher mileage but has a tantalizingly lower price. For sale in Iowa, it also comes equipped with a limited slip differential and has an interior that is easier on the eyes.
Year: 1993
Model: 968
Engine: 3.0 liter inline four
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 162,550 mi
Price: No reserve auction, $10,500 starting bid
Click for Details: 1993 Porsche 968 on eBay
Porsche 968 M030 (Sport Suspension & Brake Package): Very rare vehicle with only 99 M030 Coupes produced for the U.S. Market during the four year production run (1992-1995).
Factory Build Options
C02 – US Emissions
XX6 – Leather Shift Lever Knob
030 – M030 – Sport Suspension & Brake PackageIncludes:
· Larger Brake Calipers
· Cross Drilled Rotors
· Larger Front & Rear Sway Bars (Adjustable)
· Adjustable Shocks (Lower ride height)
· Increased rear spring rate with a coil spring added to a special rear-shock
· More information available at http://www.weissach.net/968_M030-Option.html220 – Limited Slip Differential
231 – 17″ tires
383 – Sport Seat Left
387 – Sport Seat Right
403 – 17″ Cup 1 Wheels
418 – Body Side Moldings
454 – Cruise Control
490 – Hi-Fi Sound with Amp
498 – Rear Emblem Delete
650 – Sunroof
691 – Single In-dash CD
900 – Tourist Delivery
09991 – Built under Exclusive ProgramEverything works (AC/Heating, Cruise, Sunroof, Windows, Locks, Alarm, Front/Rear Wipers, Pop-up Headlight). Exterior has two small dents that should come out with paitnless dent removal. Interior is in good condition with some small cracks in the top of the dashboard. Overall its in above average condition for age/mileage. New clutch installed summer 2012!
While this 968 has higher mileage than the first 968 we looked at, it certainly looks well kept for over 150,000 miles. To be honest, I’d rather pull the trigger on the white one. Of course, the color is more subtle, but I’d rather have a 968 with a few flaws so I wouldn’t feel guilty about using it. These cars are all about pure driving thrills. Given their relatively low cost of entry, now is as good a time as ever to experience this track day hero.
-Paul
Both of these cars seem in really good shape. I love the amazon green, but couldn’t handle that magenta interior. My wife said “It’d make a good summer car — like a watermelon”.
White 968s are always classy. I almost bought one myself, but didn’t get to it in time.
In early 1997 I looked for an M030 968 for months but could not find one for sale anywhere. I ended up with an immaculate white regular 968 with just under 12K miles. It had the 16″ wheels but I really wanted the 17″ wheel setup. My father bought a non-M030 968 just before I bought mine and his had the 17″ wheels and the difference in ride quality was incredible. Mine was a great daily driver, dealing with rough roads quite nicely. My father’s car, on the other hand, had a pretty rough ride and he even thought of swapping wheels with my car. Since my car was a DD I passed, my desire for the 17s faded after a few trips in his car. If the M030 rides even rougher then it’s definitely a track toy but one I would love to own. I really miss my 968, it was such a fun ride.
I love to see the rare, unusual color combinations on Porsches.
While I would not have ordered a green/purple combo had I bought new, I would love to have it now.
Great find.
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