Unveiled in 1982 to fit between the 924 and 928 in Porsche’s transaxle model range, the 944 was based largely upon the 924 in terms of running gear, but boasted upgraded brakes, enhanced suspension, a more luxurious and well-equipped cabin, and a ‘proper’ Porsche-designed, all-alloy 2.5-litre inline-four engine.

Alongside its Porsche-engineered engine (which, in the most basic sense, was essentially a 928 V8 engine cut in two) the 944 also boasted near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution (50.7 front 49.3% rear) and respectable performance for a mid-range vehicle, capable of completing the 0-62 sprint in under 10 seconds.

First registered in 1983 in California, this early-model 944 (often referred to as a ‘lux’ model) spent the vast majority of its lifetime in the sunshine state, enjoying a lovely, dry existence and racking up an impressive 91,000 miles during this time, although we cannot verify this.

Specified from the factory in a delightful bronze-over-chocolate colour scheme, this 944 also boasts the early-style ‘targa’ sunroof, where the entire panel comes out rather than simply being a hinged sunroof as per later models.

In addition to the unusual but desirable colour scheme, the car also boasts the ‘cookie cutter’ alloy wheels, sports seats and sports suspension. Being an early example, the car also does not have power-assisted steering, making this a true ‘enthusiast’ or collector example.

Unfortunately, other than a clean CA title, little is known about its life in California. Since being imported into the UK by the vendor - a serial importer of California cars, so this is far from his first rodeo - the car has been checked-over, and all NOVA import duties have been paid, meaning it is ready for the winning bidder to register and use as they wish.

Included with the vehicle is a clean California title, the original sales invoice (which along with the original service pack is almost unique for a 40 year old car), stamped service record, owners manuals, stereo handbook and numerous invoices from its time in California, including its original service invoice.

All NOVA and import duties have been paid.

On the inside, the chocolate-coloured interior complements the bronze bodywork fantastically, and is wonderfully 80s in its nature, in the absolute best-possible way. 

Naturally, for a vehicle that has seemingly been stood for a number of years, the cabin shows some signs of wear-and-tear, including a cracked dashboard (common on Porsche’s of this era, due to the intense Californian sun) some ruffling to the carpets and seat centres, and typical wear to the high-traffic areas such as the door cards, handles and switchgear dotted throughout the car. 

That said, other than some commensurate wear, everything looks to be present and correct, and - thanks to coming from a dry state - there doesn’t appear to be any signs of damp or mildew that would be commonly associated with a restoration-ready vehicle sourced from the UK. The sunroof panel is also water-tight as far as the vendor is aware, with no reported issues.

The seats are also in particularly good condition, with no signs of any major damage, rips, or tears that we’ve seen, and only some light scuffs and typical wear as you’d expect from a near-40 year old car. 

Of note are the presence of the original tool-roll, ‘targa’ panel cover/bag, and the fact that the interior remains largely original, other than a more modern stereo unit, as seen in the photographs. 

Externally, it is clear that this example of the squared-off transaxle Porsche will need some serious TLC and restoration if the next owner wishes to restore it to concours standard, but otherwise wears a wonderful - and genuine - California patina, which we’d be tempted to retain and enjoy as it sits. 

According to the vendor, there is “no rust anywhere on the vehicle being a Californian import” which makes this example a fantastic candidate to simply recommission mechanically, and use as it sits with a wonderful aged appearance.

Naturally, there are plenty of blemishes, scratches and light marks, but no signs of any major impact damage that we can see, which - coupled with the clean CA title - suggests no major issues endured during the car’s history. 

While the paintwork is clean but not immaculate if, it would benefit from a repaint but is very presentable as it is. Although there are some more notable issues on the rear bumper (between the ‘impact’ panels mandated by US federal safety guides), some damage to the door handle trim on the driver’s door, some scuffs to the lower front bumper lip, and some more visible larger stone-chips.

The now-iconic ‘Cookie Cutter’ wheels look to be in good condition with no major damage that we’ve seen, though there are a few kerb marks and some lacquer peel. All four wheels are shod with Fulda which is a German manufacturer whose tyres were a common fitment to the 944. It is also worth noting that all four tyres are matching as well with 7mm+ of tread left. 

Mechanically, the vendor reports that the 2.5-litre engine up front starts well, and the car will drive, turn and stop as it should, though it would benefit from a full and thorough mechanical recommissioning and overhaul - such as new belts, water pump and a general major service - due to its extended period of being laid-up.

However, there are no reported missing parts from the engine, no major oil or fluid leaks, and no reported corrosion issues from underneath the car. 

Ripe for restoration, whether a full all-out concours- standard restoration or a ‘sympathetic’ restoration that restores the vehicle mechanically and retains its wonderful hard-earned patina, this early-model 1983 Porsche 944 boasts a strong factory specification, numerous desirable options and a clean California title, and is ready to register and enjoy in the UK for the next owner to put their own stamp on it. If you’re looking for a solid, running summer project, this is it!