BaT Auction Success Story: An “Awards Red” Porsche 968

This Success Story comes from BaT member RRawpower, who provided an update on this 1994 Porsche 968 coupe that he won from BaT seller and Local Partner the_patina_group back in March 2024.

He writes:

When I first got the car, my red 968 appeared to be the only one around at the few PCA-LA region events and PCA-OCR Concours events I attended. But so much has happened since then, culminating with my first long-distance drive from Los Angeles to Monterey for the annual PCA Werks Reunion, followed by BaT’s Alumni Gathering at Laguna Seca Raceway in 2024.

First, I displayed it at the non-judged Werks Corral, where there were actually a handful of other 968s and some 928s. No 968s were entered in the transaxle judged competition, so I expect to have plenty of time to enter it next year.

These were a few notable cars in the winners’ circle, as seen above.

At the 2024 BaT Monterey Alumni Gathering at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, I was parked right next to this blue IROC replica, which had just won a first-place blue ribbon in the PCA Werks Reunion tribute category the day before.

There was an extraordinary smattering of BaT vehicles at the event.

I had been thoroughly enjoying driving the 968 in and around the greater LA area. For obvious reasons, I never risked getting a speeding ticket in such a bright red sports car that’s so easily spotted a mile away. Still, most cars drive well over the 65 to 70 limit for hundreds of miles on fairly vast stretches of California’s highways through the famous central farmlands. So I safely exercised the car up to 80 mph or so for an extended number of miles, just to hear a perceptible difference in the engine sound, and experience the 968’s renowned balance and handling. To be sure, it’s not remotely comparable to running a car on a track. I dropped any intention of racing it once I recognized its extraordinary showroom condition. It was “just too nice to track,” a direct quote I included in the placard that I designed and printed to display at both shows, giving everyone their due credit for preserving the car so well over so many years.

Frankly, I could not believe my fortune in being the highest bidder after a year-long search, especially considering the remarkably low number of 968s in North America. Even better, it is a manual transmission coupe. I also cannot say enough about how thoroughly professional and helpful Patrick at The Patina Group was in coordinating a smooth and satisfactory transaction. Between their extensive history on Bring a Trailer and the credible write-up backed up with ample photos and full service records, I was reassured that I was not taking any undue risk without a pre-purchase inspection, which I had never dreamed of foregoing in any other circumstance for any other car.

While I was certainly not looking for or expecting a fully loaded example like this, I can appreciate it being one of only 99 North American cars produced with the M030 sport suspension package. As a designer myself, its sleek appearance, 928-like cues between the front and rear end, and the relatively unusual and distinctive red stitching on the leather seats and door panels were most appealing to me. I am absolutely determined to keep it pristine, as it has been well-maintained for so long. If not as a caretaker or a collector, then suitably as a conscientious Porsche owner and PCA member.

Through my search, I relied on the indispensable experience and advice of a friend who’s owned an even rarer ’73 911RS. My friend recommended that I invest in an assortment of detailing supplies and an excellent English soft Lycra car cover (a deal at half-price on eBay). I must concede that I had to make one particular modification—replacing the original OEM CR-1 cassette radio, which was understandably in a state of disrepair after 30 years. I would have sought a new touchscreen head unit in any event, but that proved somewhat challenging without sacrificing the center console to a typical double-DIN model or spoiling the interior with an outsized Tesla-type panel. But I happened upon a Pioneer unit with a compact 6.8” display, which was connected by cable to a single-DIN chassis. All it took was a metal plate with some corner angles, and it was mounted as discreetly as possible in place of the stock unit while retaining full access to both the cabin temperature controls as well as the clock and cubby below.

After the 968 came off the trailer, my Porsche service shop identified just a few immediate needs, installed a new set of Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 tires, and replaced the right window power switch, both clutch cylinders, and the odometer gear (they get notoriously brittle after so much time and mine apparently broke as soon as I tried resetting the trip odometer). I was prepared to cover these items, as with any used vehicle purchase. Still, not bad! For about $3k altogether, I took care of service needs for a while.

Thank you again to the previous owner for the letter and the keys. Now the ignition key can actually lock the fuel cap, rather than the oddly shaped silver one as thought. According to the owner’s manual, that one was apparently for wheel locks. And thank you for all the other welcome extras that were generously sent along, from the original sunroof cover, the tool kit roll, and the air compressor to the essential service records, the model history binder, owner’s manuals, and even your own original event placard. I could not appreciate it more, all in all.

Given the previous owner’s extraordinary care of this Porsche 968, and its unusually low mileage (showing only 71k miles now), I tell more than a few concours judges that I genuinely feel such appreciation as its caretaker. All the more, I spruced it up just enough to earn three awards in the Detail & Shine at the four events I entered it in between June and October: first in class at both PCA Orange Coast Region and PCA San Gabriel Valley Region, and second in class at the major PCA Werks Reunion in Monterey.

If you have a Success Story about a car you’ve bought or sold on BaT, please send a few lines and pictures (or a video) to community.content@bringatrailer.com, and we’ll send you a $50 credit to the BaT Gear Store when your story posts to the site.

We love to hear from satisfied BaT buyers and sellers, and a Success Story feature is a great addition to any car’s history when you’re ready to sell.