The three-liter powerplant in this Nice Price or No Dice 968 stands as the biggest four-cylinder engine Porsche has ever sold to buyers. Production lasted only briefly, positioning this example among the scarcest entries in the 924/944/968 family. The key question centers on whether its listed price aligns with that heritage.

The concept of a pickup serving as an everyday versatile vehicle instead of a basic work tool traces back to the 1950s and the debut of the Chevy Cameo Carrier mid-decade. Modern trucks now include comfort and convenience items that match many luxury automobiles. All those additions bring extra complexity, expense, and mass, which made the simpler 1977 GMC Sierra Grande 2500 standard cab we reviewed on Tuesday feel refreshing by comparison.

Low mileage and a showroom-fresh appearance cast our GMC candidate as a display piece. Its seller faced disappointment, however, as most voters rejected the $21,500 figure, resulting in a decisive 90 percent No Dice outcome.

Front-Engine Focus

Yesterday's GMC and the 1994 Porsche 968 Cabriolet share one trait: both place the engine up front to power the rear wheels. Similarities largely stop there, yet the layout carries special weight for the Porsche. This model closed out front-engine sports cars from the brand after 1995. Porsche then shifted exclusively to mid- and rear-engine designs for sports cars, reserving the front-engine setup for crossovers and the Panamera.

Launched in 1991, the 968 delivered the full promise of the platform that began as the 924 in the 1970s. The 1980s brought the tougher, more sought-after 944, which led to the 968 with roughly 80 percent fresh or updated components while preserving the family look. Reviewers praised the 968 at launch as Porsche's best-handling sports car to date and noted its record-setting four-cylinder displacement.

Large Displacement Engine

The engine displaces 2990cc with dual overhead cams. Porsche's Variocam variable valve timing helps generate 240 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque over a wide rpm band. The sizable four-cylinder uses a pair of balance shafts to maintain smoothness and avoid excessive vibration. A Getrag six-speed manual transaxle handles the output.

The seller reports that the balance-shaft belts and timing belt were renewed two years ago, a welcome note given the cost of that service. Additional attention includes a full fuel-system overhaul from pump through injectors, fresh brake pads and rotors, new spark plugs and leads, and complete fluid changes. The owner also removed the intake manifold and walnut-blasted carbon deposits from the valve surfaces.

Further upgrades include a Koni shock conversion that swaps the sealed factory front struts for serviceable Koni cartridges. Overall, the car reflects substantial investment and careful maintenance.

Documentation and Condition

All service work is backed by receipts, according to the seller. That documentation covers replacement of the convertible top, which appears well preserved with clear rear-window plastic. The power-top mechanism has also been restored to proper function.

Such upkeep is typical for a classic sports car of this vintage. With 147,000 miles recorded, the level of care stands out. Paint remains in strong condition, and the seller states that all systems, including the sometimes temperamental pop-up headlights, operate correctly.

Minor issues include a tear in the dash cap and a small oil seep from the lower balance-shaft cover. The seller purchased sealant for the leak but reports that other priorities delayed the repair, leaving it as a straightforward task for the next owner. A clean title supports confident future work.

Value Considerations

The 968 enjoyed the briefest production run among the 924/944/968 series. Consequently, certain parts such as the distinctive headlamps, bumper caps, or taillight lenses prove harder to source and more costly than equivalent items for the more common 944.

Still, rarity carries its own appeal. Owners encounter fewer identical cars at Porsche gatherings, and Porsche enthusiasts do tend to meet regularly. The broader Porsche market has seen strong price growth, particularly for 911 models, yet the 968 continues to offer an attainable entry point for informed buyers.

The central question remains how the $18,000 asking price measures up against the car's condition and service history. Does the presentation and prior care justify the figure, or do the mileage and limited production numbers weigh against it?

Cast your vote!

Denver, Colorado, Craigslist listing.

Thanks to Ben G. for the lead.

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