One to Buy: 1992 Porsche 968 Turbo S Prototype
Porsche created two new models for the burgeoning early ‘90s GT racing scene: the Flat 6 normally aspirated 964-based 911 Carrera RSR and the forced induction inline four cylinder 968 Turbo RS.
Given its stellar racing credentials, the 911 RSR inevitably proved the more popular: 51 were built compared to a batch of just four of the turbocharged 968 Renn Sports.
At the time, homologation requirements had been slashed to just a single road-going base car from which the competition variant had to be derived. However, having incurred the expense to develop each base car, Porsche decided to offer both the resultant 911 Carrera RS 3.8 and 968 Turbo S to their customers.
14 examples of the 968 Turbo S were ultimately completed, one of which served as the factory prototype followed by a further 13 customer cars.
That prototype 968 Turbo S, chassis 800412, will be going under the hammer with RM Sotheby’s at their Monterey auction on August 18th.
Completed in late 1992 and finished in Paint to Sample Speed Yellow, chassis 800412 served as Porsche’s press car and was thus used in all of Porsche’s publicity shots for the 968 Turbo S.
It was subsequently sold to Sven Quandt whose father Herbert had rescued BMW from the edge of bankruptcy in 1959. Sven Quandt retained chassis 800412 for the next three decades and today the car remains in excellent, largely original condition having covered a little over 122,000km from new.
Reprinted below is RM Sotheby’s decription for this most significant 968 Turbo S:
Estimate: USD $600,000 to $800,000
Chassis No. WP0ZZZ96ZPS800412
The only factory prototype 968 Turbo S
One of 14 examples built between 1992 and 1994—one of the most limited model series in Porsche history
Under single ownership by Sven Quandt for approximately three decades
Accompanied by comprehensive documentation, service book, warranty and maintenance book, operating manual, and tool kit
The Porsche 968 Turbo S represents the ultimate evolution of the Stuttgart firm’s front-engine, water-cooled four-cylinder platform, which first began as the humble 924 back in the late 1970s. A limited-production model for the Kundensport program exclusive to the European market, just 14 examples were built between 1992 and 1994.
Engineered for high performance, the Turbo S, as the name implies, features a 3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft under the hood, producing a thoroughly impressive 304 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. At the time, only the 911 Turbo 3.6 produced more torque within the Porsche lineup. This engine is connected to a reinforced six-speed gearbox and fed into a Torsen limited-slip differential, allowing for sub-5-second sprints to 60 mph.
As standard, the Turbo S is fitted with the Sport Chassis pack and shares brakes with the 911 Turbo 3.6. The exterior features its original three-piece lightweight Speedline wheels and unique bodywork modifications including twin hood scoops, larger front air intake, a chin spoiler, and larger adjustable rear wing. Inside, lightweight bucket seats provide the cabin with a purposeful and sporty look, befitting a car with such high levels of performance.
Developed and appraised by Porsche legends Jürgen Barth and Gerd Schmid, originally 100 examples were planned, but due to the high price the program was stopped in 1994 after Porsche had sold only 13 series cars plus the prototype. This makes the 968 Turbo S one of the most limited, and rarest, Porsche model series in existence.
The 1992 968 Turbo S on offer is a one-of-a-kind example possessing unique significance within the history of the Porsche brand. Bearing the digits 800412 in the VIN, this example is the only prototype Turbo S in existence, and it was used to homologate the model for series production.
Finished in Speed Yellow over a black cloth interior, the car remained with Porsche through the development period and eventually served as a press car with the license plate “BB-PW221.” The unique code tag confirms the equipment 030, Sport Chassis, and 220, the limited-slip differential, and is distinctly lacking in more lavish features like a power roof or windows. Additionally, the tag displays paint-to-sample code 98, as the color Speed Yellow did not become available to series-production cars until 1994.
Once Porsche completed the Turbo S program, this prototype car was sold to Sven Quandt, a son of the man who helped save BMW in the 1950s, Herbert Quandt. Distinguished in his own right, Sven is the owner of the successful X-Raid rally team which has multiple Dakar victories. Its rarity was confirmed by the head of the Kundensport development at Weissach himself, Gerd Schmid, in the delivery papers.
Mr. Quandt remained the sole owner of the 968 Turbo S for roughly three decades and used the car initially for personal transportation. Eventually, as the need to preserve such a special vehicle became apparent, it was deregistered and stored inside as the centerpiece of the entranceway of his mansion. During his ownership, the car was serviced exclusively at Porsche dealerships as shown on invoices within the history file. Thanks to this level of care, this 968 Turbo S has remained in largely original condition with only minor areas of the exterior receiving re-sprays due to road use.
The car comes on its rare original Speedline wheels and is accompanied by a service book, warranty and maintenance book, operating manual, and tool kit. This service book is neatly filled with stamps confirming coolant changes, brake fluid changes, belt tension checks, and general maintenance performed since the 1990s. In addition, a large collection of documents are present within the file that confirm this Porsche’s unique prototype status, its history, and its mileage. This paperwork includes the initial purchase contract, delivery receipts, technical inspections, and the aforementioned invoices, as well as magazine articles about this example and a rare copy of the original appraisal of the 968 Turbo S series.
A truly unique and special Porsche, the sale of this 968 Turbo S Prototype presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase one of the rarest cars ever to leave the brand’s factory floor.
