When Porsche revealed its first water-cooled car - the 924 - in 1976 it caused consternation among purist fans, who didn't like the fact that not only was it water-cooled but that the engine was in the front.
That's because the 924 was originally co-developed by Porsche for Volkswagen before the project was cancelled, but by 1982, the purists’ concerns were largely forgotten. The 924 was a strong seller, so to get it ready for the thrusting 1980s, Porsche gave it a few tweaks, with a new 2.5-litre engine.
The body was also widened at both ends to accommodate a broader track. The resultant 944 became one of the most desirable sports cars of the 1980s, highly popular among the young and upwardly mobile – and later on an icon of “yuppie” Britain.
But Porsche wasn’t done yet. In 1986, it introduced a 944 that was as fast and as agile as a 911. The 944 Turbo used forced induction to deliver 250 bhp with a 0-60mph in 5.7sec and top speed of 162 mph. It was edging on supercar territory.
This particular example is a terrific example of the 944 Turbo – impeccably well-maintained and garaged all its life, the car has been with its current owner for 23 years. There aren’t many in this kind of condition and with such pedigree.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
First registered on August 1, 1991 – the very first day of ‘J’ registrations
UK V5C
MOT July 2023, but new MOT will be provided for new buyer
Genuine mileage of 126,527 miles
Clutch replaced at 120,000 miles approx
Huge pile of invoices and receipts going back to the 1990s
Several old MOT certificates from the 1990s onward
Copy of old Used Vehicle Warranty from supplying dealer
Previous tax discs to 2001
Always garaged and kept MOT’d during current ownership
Oxblood sports seats with pinstripe velour facings
Electrically adjustable driver’s seat
2+2 formation with rear bucket seats
Matching Oxblood dash with black highlights
Superb condition – tiny amount of wear to driver’s side seat bolster
Electric windows and sunroof
Electrically adjustable mirrors
Carpets, door cards and headlining in very good order
Sony radio-cassette player with 10-CD changer
THE EXTERIOR
Original Zermatt Silver paint – excellent finish all over
Structurally excellent – never welded and said to be in superb order underneath
No major dents or damage
Very slight corrosion to back end of one rear wheelarch, beneath paint
Excellent factory alloys with Continental ContiSport Contact tyres
Pop-up headlamps
Blemish-free glass tailgate
All original badges and trim in very good order
Rear boot spoiler and lower diffuser
THE MECHANICS
2.5-litre 4cyl turbo
Low mileage service undertaken in July 2022
Five-speed manual transmission
Carefully maintained and annually serviced for at least the past 23 years
New clutch fitted circa 6,000 miles ago
Cam & balance belts replaced in 2017
The battery was replaced in 2019
DME module replaced in 2022
Reversing lights and bonnet struts repaired/replaced in 2022
Starts and drives without fault – reported by the vendor to be in exceptional running order and looked after by a specialist during his ownership
SUMMARY
This is a very smart and beautifully presented example of the 944 Turbo, wholly original, unrestored and in gorgeous condition, while the silver and maroon colour scheme is discreet, tasteful and undisputedly smart.
The 944 was a hugely desirable car when new, a popular and enjoyable one as a used car and has embraced becoming a classic at a time when Eighties and Nineties nostalgia has reached its zenith. A delightful, usable and collectable example of one of the best cars of its era – what’s not to like?
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
