Porsche 968 Clubsport is a Svelte, Track Focused Star
Stripped down Porsche 968 Clubsport has lots of charm and many quirks, says DeMuro.
Enthusiasts perpetually covet factory models oriented towards utmost performance. Porsche certainly indulged us over the years, with many different variants of the GT3. However, the 911 didn’t always boast a track oriented variant. Before the first GT3, there was the 968 Clubsport. And it was a very special car.
That’s exactly what professional automotive enthusiast Doug DeMuro realized once he experienced one for himself. In a video recently posted to YouTube, the influencer celebrated the uniqueness of the 968 Clubsport. Additionally, he thoroughly chronicled why it may be the most interesting 968 variant ever produced by Porsche.
Porsche 968 Clubsport 101
If you’re from the United States and never heard of the Clubsport, don’t despair. While several regions got the special 968, Porsche opted not to sell it in North or South America. Regardless, it was extremely rare, with only about 2,000 actually produced. The Clubsport model augmented the Porsche lineup as an entry level, racing focused model for those looking for a Porsche on a budget. Although it didn’t pack many features, the trim is noted for its color-matched alloy rims. Those are, in fact, stock. “It has kind of become a signifying element of the 968 Clubsport. And frankly, I think it looks kind of weird but kind of cool, and definitely distinctive,” says DeMuro. Painted alloy rims seem like more of an aftermarket thing, but it’s a neat feature on the Clubsport and a nice piece of trivia for Porsche enthusiasts.
Elsewhere on the exterior, DeMuro found other things that make the the 968 Clubsport quite unique. For starters, the trim’s name isn’t even fully spelled out on the rear hatch. “Porsche either didn’t want to or didn’t have the room to actually write out the words ‘Clubsport.’ Kind of strange. Not too often you see an automaker name a car something then abbreviate the name that they themselves game it,” says DeMuro. Porsche probably thought the two letters by themselves looked cool. And they do, although a fully spelled out name might have been the better choice.
Saving Weight
Speaking of things that were omitted, Porsche deleted the 968’s rear seats on the Clubsport. Unlike other features that were omitted, there is actually a pretty noticeable advantage to having only two seats. As DeMuro notes, cargo capacity increased by a decent margin, and the automaker was smart enough to extend the rear shelf out to give owners a bit more room to work with. Unfortunately, Porsche opted for simple plastic hole fillers for the absent rear wiper and trunk key receptacle, which cheapens the overall aesthetic of the 968.
Even more weight reduction took place inside the 968 Clubsport’s cabin. There is no radio or armrest. The steering wheel does not tilt or telescope. Additionally, the Clubsport lacked a sunroof. Porsche switched out the seats too, but in that case they installed different seats for their aggressive side bolstering, not necessarily because of their lighter weight. But perhaps the most notable interior feature is the trip odometer reset button. For some reason, Porsche decided to essentially integrate the button as part of the central air vents. “I have never before seen a car where the trip odometer reset button is intended to blend in with the climate vents. But this is such a car,” says DeMuro. That particular decision makes the 968 genuinely weird.
Spartan Car, Sophisticated Ride
While the 968 Clubsport may lack pretty much any amenity, it offers a visceral driving experience. DeMuro found it to to be an excellent companion on the road. “It has the same great transmission that other Porsche models of this era had, with a great, smooth, easy clutch. Really good shift lever. It just makes you feel like you want to shift gears,” says DeMuro. Overall, he thinks the Clubsport’s driving dynamics are superior to the regular 968. “The steering definitely feels tighter. And the car definitely feels like it changes directions a little quicker. That being said, he’s not sure the 968 Clubsport is a good value on the used car market, as they’re currently going for around $70,000. That’s vintage 911 money.
Ultimately, DeMuro loved the 968 Clubsport due to its unique position in 90s Porsche history and its relationship to the broader 968 lineup. Make sure to check out the whole video to view all the things Porsche removed from the Clubsport and to hear DeMuro’s thorough assessment on the car.