blue44

nice write-up - http://thesportscarguys.com/2013/07/...3-porsche-968/

Donn

RL911

Thanks for sharing the link. Two issues I have with it are "desirability" and the 10-20k price range. Rare yes, desirable is questionable. I'd love to see his sales data used to make that claim. eBay auctions I've seen end with the reserve not being met and bids ending in the 5-8 range. Disappointing because I'm trying to sell mine toward the bottom end of the article's range and hits are weak (not a pitch, mod)

odurandina

993s, 996s, and 968s (in no particular order) for the win.

jeff968

Preaching to the choir! Good to see others saying the same thing.

docmirror

I'm-a skeered. Hope he's right.

RajDatta

I do think these cars will start inching up in value soon. Which is why it is important to keep your example either as close to stock as possible or at least have the parts ready to turn them back to stock.

flwbyu

I would love to see our cars get more recognition. People notice mine where ever I go. I'm still not sold on the idea that the 968's will gain much in value. You think about how long the 951's or 944's have been around and they are still pretty low in price. Once in a while you will see a pristine example, whether it be an oem factory version or tricked out tuner car that goes for a good price. I guess I'm overly pessimistic when it comes to this issue. I own the car because it is a true love hate relationship. Money is just part of it.

ramius665

Have you guys looked around lately for good 968 coupes? They're getting really hard to find. I search CL weekly across all of the metro areas and right now cabriolets outnumber coupes almost 3:1. I guess the years of parting out coupes is starting to take it's toll. It's just a matter of time before the value of these cars starts to climb as acceptable examples become scarce.

jeff968

I love 944s and 951s. I owned one myself before my 968s. But the 968 has the following advantages over the 944 which will help make it a collectable:

Rarity - The production numbers are amazingly low. Due to the recession and the vehicle cost brought on by the fact that 968s were still be hand built the production numbers were very low. My cab was over $60K in 1992 dollars. This resulted in only 4,242 North American 968s produced in 4 years!

Evolution - The 968 was the final version of the successful front-engine Porsche line and represents all they learn resulting in a solid vehicle with the latest technology and all the weak points of the model line addressed. I've owned them for 17 years and never had one break down.

Advanced engineering - Because of its advanced engineering the 968 is still pretty much up to date from a technology perspective. An economical and responsive 4 cylinder engine, a 6 speed transmission mounted in the rear for a 50/50 weight ratio, variable valves, ABS, airbags. It sounds like today’s latest offerings.

Timeless looks and style - Subjective but the 968 looks great today. I'm often asked if it is a new model. I like the interior as well.

Pedigree/Heritage - all 968s were built in Stuttgart, 944s were built elsewhere (Neckarsulm). The 968 did limited racing and did well when it did. The racing 968s are even rarer and have commanded huge collector dollars. One of the 968 RS cars sold for close to $350K earlier this year.

Unique vehicles - As if the low production wasn't enough, Porsche was starting to do much vehicle customization with the introduction of the 968. Over 30 exterior colors, 100 different interiors styles/colors, and 100s of custom options made for a number of unique cars even within the small number produced. Uniqueness is one of the primary drivers for collectability.

IMHO
Jeff

RajDatta

Well put Jeff. To add another example, I was in LRP a few weeks back in my turbo. You should have seen how many people flocked to my car compared to dozens of 911's in different iterations. It made me realize how special our cars are. I understand its not a stock 968, but still.

I was on the fence on maybe going f430 spider in a yr, but after looking at the response, I know what I have is very special and the crowd showed that.

Regards

odurandina

944s were built by the same folks who produced some of the most disastrous cars of the 1980s.

and while the 944s echoe this rather loudly, the real irony is that they're basically the only '80s Audis still on the road.

flwbyu

Jeff, you have some valid points. I always forget that the 968's where hand built in Stuttgart. I agree, they are definitely unique.

Jacks911

"944s were built by the same folks who produced some of the most disastrous cars of the 1980s.

and while the 944s echoe this rather loudly, the real irony is that they're basically the only '80s Audis still on the road. "

As an AUDI owner I think you know very little about the Audi brand and the ISSUES for the early Audi's. And you know very little about 944's as they are just as much a Porsche as the 968 - just built BY Porsche in another plant ... like the Carrera GT ... and Boxster... All Porsche - are still Porsche!

I love my 968, but I do not need to trash other cars to enjoy it.

odurandina

my first 4 cars were;

1. Audi 80 (best car evaar). took that thing on endless road trips all over America with friends to party with Mick and the Stones, spring break when spring break still mattered... surfing everywhere and finally, ice skating (which totaled the car).

2. turbo Buick (bgn) loved it. blew it up and put in a lovely sbc. got 130 mph @ 4,000 rpm out of her courtesy of the 2:56:1 rear end and 245-70-15 donuts.

3. Chevy Malibu. blew that engine up and replaced it with a 440 out of grandfather's New Yorker w/ only 17 k miles. installed long highway gears (2.29:1 in the rear end and you could drive it all day at 125 mph). sold it to a friend who offered his sister as ransom.

4. Porsche 944. which ran perfect for 99k miles until my own negligence brought about it's demise w/116 k miles on the clock. took that car on about 30 surf trips to Hatteras, California.... but, I blew it up (after a not keeping up with a slow oil leak) still running the original timing/bs belts, pullies, tensioner etc. *(had to sell it because spare engines were expensive in 1994).

total maintenance for that car during the 5 years I had it consisted of: changing the oil. adding coolant and ps fluid once in a blue moon, brake pads, a set of tires and a fan relay.


I'd like to believe I trash all brands w/ equal devotion and enthusiasm.

RajDatta

Jacks, you will learn soon enough which posts to ignore...