It was shortly after the 944 S2 production that Porsche’s engineers began development of the final iteration of their perfectly balanced front-engined sports car. Initially dubbed the “S3,” they soon realized that over 80 percent of the proposed mechanical improvements had either been extremely developed or completely replaced, leaving little of the 944 in the original concept. Furthermore, the styling was to feature design elements from its new upscale sibling, the 993-generation 911.

Now with its own model number, the new 968 featured an enlarged 3.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which produced an impressive 236 horsepower and 225 foot-pounds of torque. Among further changes, the 968 featured an all-new six-speed manual transmission, a pleasant improvement over the previous five-speed, as well as an innovative and continuous valve-adjustment system called VarioCam. Production began in September 1991 and would continue until October 1994. After its four-year run, only 2,234 coupes were built for North America.

Among those examples produced, few feature the rare and highly attractive color combination such as this 968. The car was originally finished in the striking and unusual shade of Amethyst Metallic over a light grey-and-magenta interior, one of only 19 coupes finished in that color. The interior is unusually trimmed with light grey “Porsche” script fabric that features on the front and rear seats as well as across the doors. The seats also feature contrasting magenta piping that matches the dash, steering wheel, shift knob, and carpeting. Let alone the rare color specification, the exterior, interior, and undercarriage all present in supremely original condition today, culminating in an extraordinarily attractive and unique 968.

Offered with only 8,189 original miles, this 968 is an exceptional testament to Porsche’s front-engined sports car and would be a fine addition to any collection of Stuttgart’s finest.