- Chassis # WP0ZZZ96ZPS815084
- 1 Of Just 1232 Produced Worldwide
- A German Market Example In Highly Original Condition
- Finished In Striking Maritime Blue With Color Matched Hard Back Sport Seats
- Properly Equipped From The Factory With A/C, LSD, Standard Hardback Seats, And No Sunroof
- Sale Includes Factory Books, Spare, Tools, Available Service Documents, And Porsche PPS
The Overview
The Porsche 968 was the last new front-engined Porsche until the Cayenne arrived in 2003 and the last in a line of water-cooled front-engine rear-wheel drive models that started with the 924 in 1976. The 968 was initially supposed to be a redesigned version of the then-contemporary 944, dubbed the S3. But when it arrived in 1991, so much was changed from the 944 that Porsche decided that creating an entirely new model would make more sense. The model was more streamlined and looked like a combination of the 928 front end and the 944 S2 interior and rear end, albeit redesigned with different tail lights and rear apron.
From October 1992 to 1995, a lightweight version of the 968 was introduced called the “Clubsport.” It did away with many of the luxury features in pursuit of performance. The 968 CS had less sound deadening, manual windows, manually adjustable lightweight Recaro racing seats, a revised and lowered suspension system, wider 17-inch wheels, a thicker, three-spoke sports steering wheel with no airbag, non-heated washer jets, no engine bay vanity covers, no rear wiper, no rear seats, and a smaller battery. 1993 Clubsport models were only available in Grand Prix White, Black, Speed Yellow, Guards Red, or Maritime Blue with matching seat backs. Clubsport decals were standard in either black, red, or white, but they could also be deleted if wanted.
Like all 968s, the 968 CS was also powered by the 3.0 L M44 I4 engine backed by either a 6-speed manual, which this one has, or 4-speed Tiptronic automatic. The 968 CS weighed 2,910 lb (1,320 kg), or around 220 lb (~100 kg) lighter than the regular 968. This gave it a 5.6-second 0-60 mph time and a top speed of 162 mph (260 km/h).
Clubsport models were only available in the UK, Europe, Japan, and Australia, and a total of approximately 1232 were produced over three years.
This particular example, Chassis # WP0ZZZ96ZPS815084, is a very honest and original example with many factory surfaces and finishes as well as paint meter readings that reflect an original paint example. This 968 Clubsport was delivered on the 21st of January, 1993, to the Porsche Zentrum Wiesbaden dealer in Wiesbaden, Germany. It was painted in Maritime Blue over a Black/Maritime Blue interior, the same color scheme it wears today. Optional equipment included a higher amperage battery, the rare limited-slip differential, air conditioning, and a Blaupunkt Paris RCR 42 cassette radio, according to the Porsche Production Specifications document. Another desirable feature to note on this example is the lack of a sunroof. It also features the “Clubsport” decal delete. This 968 received regular services at the Wiesbaden dealership until 1997, when it began being maintained by the Porsche specialists at Fa. Bubetz Oliver and other shops around Germany.
On June 22nd of, 2022, Küke Automobil Service in Essen, Germany, performed a timing belt service on the car that included a balance shaft belt and a water pump. All oil seals and sleeves on the timing chain side were also replaced along with spark plugs, valve cover gasket, ignition sensor, brake fluid, brake hoses, fuel and oil filter, battery, hood struts, air cleaner, and a resealed heat exchanger.
We imported the car from Germany in March of 2023 with 98,045 km (60,922.34 mi) on the odometer. In 2003, a maintenance booklet entry notates an odometer replacement at 74,800 Kilometers, so the current odometer reading is 23,XXX plus the 74,800 KM accumulated when the odometer was switched. This was due to the common broken gear issue, and rather than rebuild it, it was more cost-effective at the time to simply replace the whole unit. At the time of our purchase, we entrusted Asphalt Rebellen in Lohne (Oldenburg) with an inspection before bringing it stateside and having Autocar Bespoke in Philadelphia, PA detail the interior, exterior, undercarriage, and engine bay upon its arrival. In a testament to its careful ownership over the years, the service booklet is stamped with service entries from new through to 2005.
As it sits, the 968 Clubsport is the purest 968 experience one could get. It’s a raw vehicle with few frills and distractions that could get between you and the asphalt. They are limited-production, lightweight Porsches that were meant for weekend warriors looking for something that could hold its own on the track and be driven home afterward. They are currently the most affordable Porsche with the “Clubsport” moniker, but not for long! If you seek to shave seconds off lap times at your local track in style, the 968 Clubsport can make it happen. Upon purchase, the new owner will receive the original owner’s manual, the radio manual, factory brochures, German paperwork, the service receipts on file, and an extra set of keys.
The Details
exterior
body and paint
The Maritime blue paint is in excellent condition for being what we believe is all original paint. Paint meter readings for each metal panel read between 3.5 and 4.9 Mils indicating all original paint. As such, the paint does have typical blemishes that one would expect for original paint that is 30 years old, but we would suggest not touching it as the rarity of a Clubsport with original paint is worth the minor patina. The paint is consistent and shines well. The original clear bra behind the front wheels is slightly aged and yellowed. The body is straight down the sides, as is the top side. The shut gaps are spot on, as one would expect from an original car. There is one little ding on the driver’s side door and one on the fender close to the turn signal. Overall, the paint is very nice per the almost 95,000 KM that the car has clocked on the odometer, and the body is excellent and accident-free.
glass and trim
The glass appears to be all original, including the windshield with Sekurit etchings on each pane. The windshield has a fair amount of peppering. The driver’s side window has some verticle scratches, as does the passenger window though not as bad. Nothing that warrants changing but notable nonetheless. All of the trim is in good condition with some slight aging in areas, but the fitment is excellent, as one would expect from an original car. We had the rubber rocker trim replaced on both sides, as this is a common aging point to the 968s. The trim around the windows is nice and supple though the door seal trim on both sides is slightly aged. The rubber trim on the top corner of the rear hatch is slightly deformed but acceptable. There is some delaminating that is difficult to notice on the passenger side rear window trim. The headlights are correct Bosch Units and in good condition. Brake lights and turn signals are also original and correct. The turn signal lens, headlights, and fog lights all have heavier peppering commensurate with the mileage of the car and being original.
wheels
The wheels have all been refinished and present well, with only very small blemishes here and there upon very close inspection. Nothing that warrants any further attention. The brake caliper paint appears original and acceptable, with only minor chips.
notable flaws
The nose area of the car is heavily peppered from 92,000 miles of travel, but it is not terribly unsightly. There are touched-up areas on the nose and a few faint scuffs on the top of the front bumper. On top of the passenger fender and an area of the roof, there are a few spots of minor clear coat fade noticeable under certain lights. There is also a large, thin scratch that was touched up on the driver’s side quarter panel. On the trailing edge of the rear spoiler, there is a touched-up scratch about an inch long. On the passenger quarter panel just above the wheel, there is a small quarter-inch area of rub through and a small quarter-inch-sized scratch that was touched up. The passenger side rocker at the bottom (not noticeable unless the car is up on a lift) there is a cracked piece just in front of the rear wheel. Lastly, the front bumper has dark square blemishes due to the old mount grommets for the Euro front License Plate. See photos for additional clarity.
interior
seats and surfaces
The interior of the car is all original and in excellent condition. The dash is crack free, the gauge cluster is clear, and all the gauges work correctly. The steering wheel is in excellent original shape. The bucket seat material is excellent, save for some slight wear on driver's side bolster. The clock works and is clear. The carpets are all original and in excellent shape with amazing fit/finish. The door panels are in excellent original condition. The Headliner is nice, save a small area of sagging under the antenna area. The sun visors are excellent. The pedals show wear commensurate with the mileage, and the door jams present as all original, including a sticker in the passenger side jam. There is a small area of paint rubbed off towards the bottom from of the door jam from an old seal.
functionality and accessories
Everything appears to work in the interior. Dome light, gauge cluster dimmer, fog lights, normal lights, turn signals, brake lights, the radio turns on, heat, central locking system, and the A/C which was just serviced. The Blaupunkt Buenos Aries Radio and small tweeters speakers at the front of the A-pillars appear to be the only upgrade and perhaps may be originally dealer-installed.
engine bay and trunk
engine bay
The engine bay is very clean and tidy, with no obvious issues or unsightly blemishes. It appears to be extremely original and correct. Hood struts work well. All of the factory stickers are in place under the hood, and the correct cadmium finishes, factory inspection markings, and stickers are all excellent and further proof of this car’s original condition. Even the factory plastic strut tower caps are still in place.
trunk area
The trunk area is excellent, with the factory options code sticker still affixed to the rear of the trunk. The spare is intact, and there are no unsightly items to note. The hatch struts work well.
Underside
The underside reflects that of a good original driver with no serious issues or rust besides some minor surface corrosion on the nuts and bolts, as well as a few areas of the transaxle. The undersides of the Club Sports had less protective coatings from the factory, so they are susceptible to more aging. Overall, it is presentable, honest, and shows factory cosmoline coating. It would look even better with a dry ice blast detail. The period correct Cargraphic aftermarket exhaust is a nice sounding upgrade.
mechanicals
engine
The engine cold starts well and settles to a proper idle. There are no warning lights on the dash or issues to note with the health of the engine. It revs freely through the RPM range and makes excellent power. The Cargraphic exhaust adds a much need throatiness that the stock exhaust lacks and is a welcome upgrade in our opinion.
transmission
The clutch pedal is strong and engages lower in the pedal stroke. No slipping, grinding, or issues were noted. It shifts smoothly through each of the 6 gears.
brakes and suspension
The brakes bring the car to a quick stop, free from chattering or fade. The car does have a set of drilled rotors installed. The suspension feels firm, with no clunking sounds or issues. The car handles extremely well, tracking straight down the road with responsive steering.
tires
The tires are Pirelli PZeros all the way around. They are supple with nearly new tread life with 2021 date codes. They were installed in late 2022.
notable flaws
We believe there is a slight exhaust leak that we have noticed occasionally.
driving experience
The 968 Club Sport is a real treat to drive. Having been behind the wheel of a few of them, we can say that there is something special about these cars. This particular example takes it one step further because it is extremely original and not extensively modified or strayed from Porsche’s original intent with the Club Sport. Not only is it a rare car, but it also gives you the sense that you are in something truly special the moment you sit in the bucket seat and grip the thick three-spoke steering wheel. The car revs through the RPM range with power and ease. Turning into a corner, you can be confident as the car is so well balanced, firm in its turn-in, and assertive upon exit. The steering is responsive with just the right amount of power steering influence, and the brakes bring you to a quick and confident stop. The duality of this car allows it to be civil on public streets but with plenty of power and handling for the track, making it a weekend warrior’s weapon of choice.