In 1990, shortly after the 944 S2’s introduction, Porsche engineers began development of the final iteration of the perfectly balanced front-engine sports car. Initially dubbed the 944 S3, they soon realized that over 80 percent of the proposed mechanical improvements had either been significantly redeveloped or completely replaced, leaving little of the 944 in its 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 pound-feet of torque. Further changes included an all-new six-speed manual transaxle, an improvement over the previous five-speed, as well as an innovative, continuously variable valve-adjustment system called VarioCam. Production began in September 1991 and would continue until October 1994.

The 968 offered here is one of just 27 North American market Cabriolets finished in Cobalt Blue Metallic paint. A well-specified example, the engaging powertrain is controlled through a standard six-speed manual transaxle while the window sticker on file details a radio cassette player and, importantly, a limited-slip differential as options.

Originally delivered to Massachusetts according to a Carfax Report on file, the 968 Cabriolet would remain in the Bay State with a couple of subsequent owners until the current owner, noted Porsche collector Todd Blue, acquired the car and brought it to Texas. Upon entering his LAPIS Collection, it was sent to Porsche customization specialist Arling Wang’s Rstrada in Torrance, California for a three-year-long interior restoration. Wang and his team have become famous in Porsche circles for their uncanny ability to execute projects to such a high quality and precise aesthetic as to fit perfectly into the look and overall zeitgeist of the Porsche ecosystem. If Rstrada’s involvement with a car were not known, onlookers would easily presume that the work was done by Porsche Exclusive in Stuttgart. The company’s waitlist—solely for a consultation—is reported to be over a year long. Rather notably, this 968 is the only car which Mr. Blue has ever had customized from its original specification to his own.

Some years ago, Mr. Blue was introduced to Arling Wang via racecar driver Cort Wagner and the Ruf family, for whom Rstrada is the West Coast authorized agent. Using a stunning combination of Nappa leather and eye-catching blue Pascha cloth, the cabin has been entirely transformed with over $60,000 of hand-tailoring into a luxurious, yet bespoke creation. A leather-wrapped Atiwe Cup steering wheel and a modern Porsche head unit further serve to improve the functionality of this Cabriolet and blend with Rstrada’s over-the-top customizations for the LAPIS Collection’s especially discerning owner.

Invoices on file confirm that Porsche North Houston performed a belt replacement and air conditioning service in May 2021 at a cost of $9,477. Later, they also clad the 16-inch Porsche Cup wheels in Cobalt Blue Metallic, a lavish but worthwhile cosmetic expenditure which truly sets off the car’s outrageous aesthetic.

This eye-grabbing Cabriolet offers the rare opportunity to secure an excellent 968 with a custom interior furnished by one of the premier and most in-demand Porsche aftermarket specialists, without having to wait years to get it.