NEW! Award 75: 1995 Porsche 968 Cabriolet – Sold?

July 30, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this overpriced Porsche “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

July 2, 2021 Update – Just one week after initially listing their Speed Yellow Porsche 968 for an eye-watering $49,500, the private seller lowered their expectation by $3,600 down to  $45,900. We are confident this 968 will remain unsold until the seller brings their asking price closer to $40,000.

Porsche, like so many other European marques, makes a lot of money by selling models with special colors. While BMW has its “Individual” color packages, Porsche simply decides to make a handful of cars one particularly loud color, and everyone goes nuts. The Porsche 968 was not immune from this phenomenon despite playing at the lower end of the P-car food chain, like this gorgeous and rare Speed Yellow 1995 Porsche 968 Cabriolet originally listed in July 2021 on Craigslist in Princeton Junction, New Jersey goes to show us. The seller is now asking $45,900 (down from $49,500) for this one-of-ten cabriolet, which is also a final year model and in excellent condition with 56,400 original miles.   Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool reveals this private seller is placing a lot of value on the color scheme, as a “Concours” model is valued at $39,800! Classic.com, the self-described analytics and search engine of the classic car market, confirms the asking price is at best optimistic:

Consequently, we’re awarding this seller our first of two “NEW!” (short for “No Effin Way!) Awards for transaxle era Porsches for this week’s Sports Car Saturday features.

The 968 has been a red-headed stepchild of sorts in Porsche’s lineup since its inception. Despite the 924 and 944 paving the way for a front-engined, rear-drive model, the 968 didn’t achieve the same sort of connection with buyers as the earlier models did. The 968 featured a powerful four-cylinder engine, good for 236 horsepower and capable of a run to 60 miles per hour in six seconds flat. Looks are subjective, but the 968 was nothing if not striking, with its pop-up headlights reminiscent of what the last iteration of the 928’s nose resembled. The 968 was also water-cooled, which has always led to models being less-than-loved by the Porsche faithful. Interiors were a hold-over from the 944, but the drivetrain represented a step forward as it was one of the largest four-cylinders ever offered and featured a new six-speed manual gearbox along with the VarioCam timing system.

Potential buyers of a 968 are likely well-versed in the features of Porsche’s last front-engine model before the introduction of the Cayenne, as it’s obscure enough that casual buyers will most likely know nothing about it. Even though it doesn’t make the same sort of noises or deliver the sensory experience of an air-cooled 911, the 968 is pure Porsche underneath. The seller of this rare Speed Yellow-over-black example certainly knows this, as he and the two previous owners have made upkeep a priority along with keeping the striking cosmetics in good order. The paintwork is in beautiful shape, as is the black leather cabin and matching original black soft top. The seller promises it will come with a robust maintenance history, which includes a cam chain and tensioner pad service performed at 27,000 miles, and the timing/balance shaft belts and rollers and accessory belts replaced in the past two years. Aside from the sterling upkeep, the main reason to buy this 968 is for the exceedingly rare color, and if this were a hardtop coupe, it’d likely be sold already. Good luck with the purchase if you pursue this striking 968 Cabriolet.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Presenting this 1995 Porsche 968 Cabriolet 6-speed finished in an incredibly rare combination of Speed Yellow over black leather interior. One of only 10 Cabriolet examples factory finished in Speed Yellow, this example being #10, it was one of the last cabriolets produced. Having just 3 owners, the car spent its life in New Jersey, Virginia, and back to New Jersey. This 968 was purchased by its current (3rd) owner 14 years ago, and now shows just 56k miles on the odometer. This stunning 968 remains in excellent condition ready to be enjoyed by a new owner.

The rarely seen Speed Yellow finish is in great condition. Exterior features include an electrically operated convertible top and pop-up headlights. Top is original, with a clear rear plastic window, both in excellent condition with no holes, fading, stains, stitching problems. This 968 rides on it’s original 16” Cup 5-spoke alloy wheels which come dressed in brand new Continental Extreme Contact tires.

Inside, this 968 features a black leather interior. The cabin is in great shape, with the dashboard showing no cracks. A fully functional aftermarket head unit is installed, all other gauges, electrical components and accessories remain fully functional.

The naturally aspirated 3.0 L inline 4-cylinder engine sends 236 HP to the rear wheels by way of a desirable 6-speed manual transmission making for a 0-60 time of approximately 6 seconds. The car has a meticulous maintenance history by very careful owners throughout it’s life including a cam chain and tensioner pad service performed at 27k miles. The timing/balance shaft belts and rollers, accessory belts were also replaced in the past 2 years.

Additional maintenance in preparation for sale includes new front brake rotors, brake lines and brake sensors that were installed along with an oil change, brake fluid flush, and wheel alignment last month. With the important maintenance items already addressed, this 968 should give many trouble-free miles. With the exception of the radio, the car is in completely un-molested, showroom stock condition with NO aftermarket modifications.

The sale of this 968 will include two master key, service records, the original books, tools, jack, and spare tire. Presented in an extremely rare and desirable color combination, this 968 is sure to intrigue any avid Porsche enthusiast. Many additional pictures are available and the seller will gladly answer any specific questions or take additional pictures of the requested areas.“

Do you have a Porsche 968 story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!