Porsche’s 968 is a somewhat of a red-headed stepchild in the company’s North American lineup, featuring a front-mounted four-cylinder engine instead of the traditional rear-engined flat six. Despite this, the car delivered excellent handling characteristics and remains quite rare today, making this 1994 model here on Gunter Mercedes’ website an intriguing buy at $5,900 despite its need for a whole-body respray. 

The seller notes that the clear coat has disappeared after being painted then parked outside for eight years. Other damage to the surface panels is evident as well, but it’s hard to tell what the additional blemishes are from. The shame of it is that a car should conceivably be able to sit outside without too much cosmetic damage, but poor prep work in this case likely doomed the 968’s paint job from the start.

The interior is a bit confusing, as I don’t believe the black bucket sears or rear seat backs are correct. I rarely see contrasting colors in 968 interiors like this, as tradition would hold that the seats should be a matching tan leather to the door panel decor. Perhaps a previous owner didn’t like the tan buckets, or maybe this was a special order 968 from the factory. Either way, I’d swap in a set of tan buckets and rear seat backs ASAP.

These were big engines for a four-cylinder, clocking in at a healthy 3.0L; in fact, it was the world’s largest four-cylinder for a spell. The 968 incorporates multiple generations of Porsche styling, such as the 928 headlights and 944’s classic coupe shape. The example seen here looks like a potential bargain, as auction prices have begun to rise and the looming paint job may scare off potential bidders. Would you take a chance on restoring this classic Porsche 968?