Enthusiasts Blogging Our Favorite Classifieds
A few weeks ago, I took a look at a trio of Porsche 968 6-speeds. One was a rare 1995 model; only 259 were sold from that model year. As is often the case with 968 Coupe 6-speeds, the asking prices of two of the three were quite high and they still linger on the market, unsurprisingly. Well, today we have another double take of ’95 specific 6-speeds – how do they measure up to the last three we looked at?
The Porsche 968 Coupe 6-speed is a fairly infrequently seen package, but one that is generally considered to be the “ultimate development” of the water-cooled transaxle 4-cylinder models. Only about half of the cars that were imported to the U.S. were Coupes (4,242 sent to North America, 2,234 of which were Coupes), and when equipped with the 6-speed manual the number dwindles to just 1,811. That puts production of these models on par with the E28 M5 in terms of rarity, and the group of enthusiasts who enjoy them are about as avid if not moreso. However, they also often overvalue their cars in the marketplace, making them expensive options relative to the performance on tap.
Today I have a group of no less than three 968 Coupe 6-speeds for sale – a rare Christmas treat to see. Which is the winner of the group?
For those who like interesting, and perhaps obscure, exterior colors on their cars Porsches of the early ’90s provide quite a few possibilities. Last week we saw a Mint Green 964; we have on a few occasions featured a Rubystone Red 964, which might be the most divisive color in the Porsche catalog. And there are plenty more. Porsche has long been known for offering a wide variety of colors to go along with the much more standard slew of red, black, white, and silver, but it seems like the early ’90s were when things got a little experimental. I’m totally here for it. I don’t always like these colors, but many of them I do and whether I like them or not I’m very glad they exist. Whether you like them because they allow you to stand out or whether they simply fit your particular preferences – other people’s preferences be damned! – they make the automotive world just that bit more interesting. Our passion for cars stems from the way they stimulate our senses and color plays a role nearly as much as the smell, sound, and feel. This all brings us to the car we see here: a 1992 Porsche 968 Cabriolet, located in California, with 140,695 miles on it. It isn’t unusual to find a 968 in a rare color but, in truth, I don’t even know what color this is. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it and the seller reveals neither its name nor the paint code. It is, however, said to be original to the car. Any ideas?
I was pleased to see Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car prominently featured the transaxle Porsches in their latest issue. These are sports cars which are finally getting their day both in the Porsche and general collector circles. With increased respect comes an increase in values, of course. However, many of these cars are still within reach of the more modest collector, such as this 968 Cabriolet for sale in New Jersey. With well over 100,000 miles, you wouldn’t have to worry about using this Porsche as intended. Tired of the usual 911 Cabriolet? This might be the cure.
As a kid, the Porsche 911 was one of those cars that I always lusted after but for some reason, the thrill of that sports car has faded with me over the years. A combination of steep cost of entry and a bit of ubiquity have left me longing for a more uncommon option. One car which has always been on my radar is the Porsche 968. These cars are more rare than the 911, and the combination of the transaxle layout, big four-cylinder engine and practicality are too enticing to ignore. This 968 for sale in Northern Virginia has just crossed 100,000 miles. For those looking for a driver rather than a show queen, this car is a good option.
