5 Reasons Why Front-Engine Porsches Are Future Collectibles

Looking Ahead

These days, finding any kind of nice 911 for a reasonable price is not terribly easy to do, save for the somewhat unloved 996 generation, at least. Otherwise, most older Porsche models are worth a literal fortune - at least those that have engines mounted out back. However, there are several reasons why front-engine Porsches look like future collectibles, making them potentially viable targets for those willing to take that gamble. 

Photos: Porsche

Underrated

For many years, front-engine Porsches like the 924, 928, 944, and 968 have been underrated by enthusiasts in general, largely because the 911 is such a beloved icon. This essentially doomed the front-engine models from the start, as they were always destined to live in the shadow of the 911 - no matter how well-received they were by critics. 

Photos: Porsche

Undervalued

As a result - with a few exceptions pertaining to rare models - these front-end Porsches are arguably undervalued, making them ripe for the picking for those with a bit of forward vision. Rising tides lift all boats, as they say, and we've seen this happen time and time again the automotive world. In fact, it wasn't that long ago when safety bumper-era 911s were selling for reasonable money, but that's no longer the case. 

Photos: Porsche

Historically Significant

At the same time, the front-engine Porsches are innovative machines that in some cases marked breakthroughs for the automaker that have helped it become what it is today. It was an era when Porsche was experimenting and trying to find its way, and in fact, when the 924 debuted in 1976, it was a pretty novel concept at the time as the brand's very first water-cooled engine-powered car, too.

Photos: Porsche

Supercar Performance

Though the 924 was initially a Volkswagen concept marketed as a "family sports station wagon," the 928 that followed added V8 power and became an enticing machine given its supercar-like performance in a practical package. It remained in production for almost 20 years, though amazingly, the 968 - which bowed out of the lineup after 1995 - was the last front-engine vehicle Porsche built until the Cayenne came along in 2003. 

Photos: Porsche

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, all of these front-engine Porsches - with the exception of a few coveted variants - are arguably under-appreciated and underrated, though that may not be the case forever. We've seen this type of phenomenon over and over again through the course of history, and we wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see front-engine Porsche values soar in the coming years. 

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about front-engine Porsches right here at Rennlist.com.

>>For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section.