This Porsche 944 Turbo is a highly modified and prize-winning example of the desirable modern classic trans-axle sports car, offered from long-term ownership and now fitted with an LT1 V8 engine.
* Under the bonnet sits a Chevrolet Corvette-sourced 5. 7-litre naturally aspirated LT1 V8 controlled by Omex electronic engine management, which sends around 330bhp to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual trans-axle gearbox located at the rear of the car.
* The engine conversion has had no effect on the vehicle’s weight, and so the car retains its original 50:50 weight distribution and weighs only 1, 374 kg (see scale photo).
* This original UK-market example was first registered in January 1989, and has been in my ownership for 18 years.
* Within the last 12 months the car has won three prizes.
* The odometer shows 168, 127 miles from new, but the car has only covered around 14, 000 miles over the last 18 years, due to the conversion work being carried out, and it being driven mainly on dry weekends.
EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES
• This 944 Turbo has been professionally upgraded with a rebuilt 5. 7-litre LT1 V8 engine sourced from a 1995 Chevrolet Corvette, as well as a custom radiator, fixed-position twin headlight units that provide superior light beams, Koni M030 suspension components, quick-release bonnet catches, a small bonnet scoop, clear front indicator lenses, and a custom exhaust system.
• This example is finished in the classic Porsche hue of Guards Red over a Linen leather-trimmed interior, featuring contrasting red stitching, embroidered ‘Porsche’ text on the front headrests, and a contrasting black upper dashboard and door card tops.
• It rides on a set of 17-inch Boxster five-spoke alloy wheels finished in gloss black, which are shod in recently fitted Toyo Proxes Sport tyres.
• Equipment includes a top-tinted windscreen, a removable sunroof and storage bag, a rear screen wiper, a VDO analogue clock, separate oil and water temperature gauges, front and rear fog lights, independently folding rear seats, and electrically adjustable front seats.
• The car comes with a 15-inch space-saver spare wheel, the Porsche-branded tyre compressor, a jack, the V5C, the toolkit, the owner’s manuals in a red plastic wallet, the stamped service booklet, a ‘948’ badge, and four A4 folders containing a substantial amount of maintenance invoices and conversion information.
• There is also has a set of clear headlight covers/ protectors, which will be included in the sale should you wish to fit them.
• Please note: the appropriate private plate ‘POR 948V’ will be sold with the car.
More information and photos at porschevy. co. uk.
CONDITION
• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• The whole car has been resprayed to improve appearance and to cut out and repair small areas of rust. The front seats have been retrimmed in new leather with red top stitching and the PORSCHE logo, a new rear luggage cover was manufactured, and there are small cracks on the dashboard top typical of this age of Porsche.
• There is a slight buzz on the gearstick when accelerating hard, possibly due to harmonics, and the heater control became unreliable, so a simple on-off control has been fitted. The air conditioning system could be reinstalled if desired, as the matrix remains in-situ.
HISTORY
• The car is due a service this year.
• This 944’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in June 2022 at 165, 591 miles by Hills Garage Limited, which consisted of an engine oil and filter change, and an exhaust leak investigated and rectified.
• Prior to this, an engine service was performed in March 2020, which included an engine oil and filter change, new gauges fitted, the numberplates replaced, a new wideband lambda sensor, a rolling road test, and a remap.
• The engine was fully stripped, rebored with new oversize pistons and heads skimmed and rebuilt in January 2019. New internals were also fitted as necessary. The engine has only completed only 6, 000 miles since this rebuild.
• Other notable maintenance includes a new clutch and flywheel being fitted at the time of the rebuild, the new custom exhaust system fitted, new Brembo brake discs and pads, new rear shock absorbers, refurbished front shock absorbers and springs fitted, the alloy wheels replaced, new wheel bearings installed, and new and stronger front lower suspension brackets being fitted.
• It is also noted that in 2023, new tyres were fitted, and the steering rack was fully refurbished and refitted with electro-hydraulic power steering, and the underbody has been fully cleaned and treated with a protective coating.
SUMMARY
This Porsche 944 Turbo is a highly modified and prize-winning example of the stylish modern classic trans-axle sports car, which is offered from long-term ownership. Presented with an iconic Guards Red finish, a number of discerning cosmetic upgrades, and now boasting a powerful 5. 7-litre Corvette-sourced LT1 V8 engine coupled to an engaging five-speed manual gearbox, it would make a very exciting companion for weekend drives, classic car show visits, and road trips alike.
