We're overlooking the obvious - that until the 986, 996 era, Porschephiles were "air-cooled 6" snobs (and likely still are adhering to such thinking)!
I remember instantly falling for the "boy-racer" fendered 944 in the 80s (as well as the similar fenders of BMW's E30 M3); and at the time-of-introduction, approving of the "evolved" 968.
HOWEVER, I also clearly recall (while standing in Porsche Dealerships in front of both the 944 and later 968; and yes, the 928), comments of pure disgust that Porsche was offering a "water pumper!!!!!!"
Also, especially during MY 1992-1995, for a sports car over $20,000, buyers wanted/demanded a minimum of six cylinders. So there the 968 sat with two firm strikes against it:
1. it was a water cooled Porsche - OMG!!!
2. it only had 4-cylinders - OMG!!!!
and the third strike: "price / sticker shock!!!" OMG!!!! Porsche wants how much for that red-headed-step-child water-cooled 4-banger!!! and the potential buyers walked.....
From what I saw (and experienced), Porsche Dealers resorted to selling new 968s for MASSIVE discounts to move em.
Am I surprised that 930s (early thru 1989), continue to draw significant $$$ by collectors? Not in the least......Porsche and turbo 911s have always been (and in my opinion), always will be considered collectible by Porsche enthusiasts.
As for the 968 Turbo and 968 Turbo S....the future will likely be very bright!!!!
Porsche
