1992 Porsche 968

History

Back in the late 80s, Porsche was not the sales juggernaut it is today. In fact, the automaker was struggling to sell their 944 S2 and in need of a new entry-level model. Introduced nearly 10 years earlier, the 944 was an evolution of the 924, which had kicked off a series of water-cooled, front-engined sports cars. Initially, executives planned to create a 944 S3. However, after 80 percent of the outgoing 944 components were modified or replaced during development, a new name was deemed necessary. And so, the 968 was born.

Produced from 1992 to 1995, the 968 was a relatively low-production vehicle with fewer than 5,000 coupes and convertibles sold in North America. Under the hood was the most powerful 4-cylinder at the time, a 3.0L example with VarioCam variable valve timing making 236 horsepower. Outside, it resembled a top-spec 928 with exposed pop-up headlights and integrated front bumper, a look that would eventually end up on the 993-generation 911. As the culmination of a vehicle line started nearly 20 years earlier, the 968 is a flat-out cool car with a great fastback profile and athletic stance.