1993 Porsche 968 Club Sport

The Porsche (project no.) 968 made its debut in 1991 and was effectively, the last gasp for the long-lived 924 line. Originally mooted as the 944S3, the new number was probably more a result of pressure from the marketing department, but it was right for recessionary Porsche wrestling with struggling sales.The 968 was well regarded and received excellent reviews, even if the UK market had to wait almost a year from launch to get it (blame the slow 944 sales for that). It was powered by the 944 S2's 3.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 225lb ft of torque and 240bhp. but with variable valve timing to improve power, torque, fuel economy, and most importantly, drivability. Visually, it was the biggest step forward since the launch of the original 944 in 1981, with only the doors, roof and tailgate being carried over from the 944. The new front-end with 928 style pop-up headlamps did bring a touch of modernity.The interior trim was standardised with the 911 and 928, justifying the inflated list price, but not enough as sales were rather slow, however, all that changed in 1993 when the stripped-out, back-to-basics 'Clubsport' (Vereinssport) was launched at £7,000 less. Not only was it cheaper, but the CS was also inspirationally good to drive. Porsche had set their sights on creating a car tailored for the driving enthusiast and, in particular, one with competition potential.

This was achieved by removing all luxury-orientated equipment from the basic build specification, for example, less sound deadening material was used and the electric windows were replaced with hand wound units. In addition, Porsche installed manually adjustable, lightweight Recaro racing seats rather than the standard power-operated, leather buckets, and revised suspension optimized and lowered by 20mm, with 17-inch wheels also helped the quest for lightness and crisp handling. With the no-frills approach, less weight, and clever suspension, Porsche could now focus media attention on the Club Sport's fast road and track abilities, and the CS achieved a 'Performance Car Of The Year' award in 1993 from Performance Car magazine in the UK. In total, just 1,923 units were produced, of which only 179 were right-hand drive, making the Club Sport a very rare Porsche indeed.

This original, UK supplied, 1993, 968 Club Sport finished in Maritime Blue, is quite rare in that the original concept of saving weight hasn't been watered down by the addition of items from the extensive CS option list, and in fact, the only nod to driver comforts are carpets and an 'Alpine' CD-player. The interior of this car is purposeful and devoid of any distractions and features the original and rare hard back seats in Nomex with Maritime Blue painted backs, a colour matched bolted-in rollcage fitted with removable front sections, and a plumbed-in fire system.

The car's track focus has been enhanced with KW suspension, an SS exhaust system, larger 'Big Red' brakes all round, a 'KAAZ' LSD, and an adjustable, 968 Turbo rear spoiler.

Sympathetically refreshed in the last two years, mainly addressing common mechanical items including a gearbox overhaul along with a new LSD, clutch, rear bushes, and brake and fuel lines, and the overall cosmetic appearance has benefited from a full respray in its original colour of Maritime Blue. Showing just shy of 100,000 miles, with an extensive Porsche and Specialist service history, this 'pure' CS has been developed into a perfect blend of a usable fast road and occasional track-day car.

The 968 Club Sport was, and still is, one of the best handling cars of modern times and with rarity is now increasing in value. Having enjoyed one of these cars on winding country roads, this consigner can confirm that the 968CS is one of the most well-balanced, and rewarding driving experiences money can buy.