The 944 was always a tough, responsive driver’s car, its Weissach axle weight distribution giving it enormous poise and surefootedness. It was also one equally able to take on the commute or the supermarket run as easily as it could the Nurburgring. 

The turbocharged version was able to do all that, but now took its performance deep into 911 territory. Even after 30 years, the ‘junior’ Eighties Porsche still has the power to thrill with its acceleration and delight in its B-road balance. And... it still has a hatchback. 

The Porsche has led a pretty relaxed life in recent times, covering fewer than 1500 miles in the last five years. With a relatively low 74,238 miles showing on the odometer – pretty low for one of these easy-to-live-with GTs – it’s also worth noting that the car had a cambelt change at 73000 miles (in 2017). This is noted in the car’s service book, along with all other significant services.

There isn’t a lot of other documentation as this very neat, un-messed about with example hasn’t needed any renovation. One interesting ‘document’ of note is a copy of Modern Classics Magazine from December 2018. And yes, the yellow 944 on the cover is this one.

Porsche had always used durable quality material in its interiors, and the cabin of this 944 remains in excellent condition. The light colour of the leather and carpets give the interior a great airiness. Also, the electric sunroof can be totally removed giving a more open-topped feel.

The high-backed sports seats retain all of their shape and support, the leather remaining clean and the stitching tight. 

Understandably, the driver’s seat shows a little more creasing. The beautifully sculptured set in the rear looking virtually unused.  The leather of the lower door panels is similarly good, while the black Rhinoceros hide-style plastic door caps remain sharp looking. The same can be said of the rest of the dash; a good deep colour, no signs of warping, and all switches and controls securely fixed in place. Both the trademark Porsche steering wheel and gear stick are free from scratches or ring marks, and the gear stick gaiter is clean and supple. 

 Carpets are clean – that goes for door bottoms and the transmission tunnel too, with only one or two rounded edges of small inconsistencies. Driving mats are good, as is the carpet in the boot space. 
 

Altogether, a good space that helps you stay both calm and alert.

Well, that bright yellow might not be everyone’s choice, but you’ll certainly never lose it in a car park. The paintwork is in very good condition, maintaining a good deep gloss across the whole of the car. Colour is uniform across all materials and the beltline protection mouldings are straight and firmly mounted. 

This goes for the large rear spoiler, which, like the rubber door seals, remains supple, free if cracks and a deep shade of black. There is no chrome on the Porsche, but the metal window frames – yes, black again and very neat – are all rust-free.

The panels of the bodywork itself appear corrosion and dent free. Shut lines are narrpw and the flanks and bonnet smooth. When shut, the big sunroof fits totally flush to the bodywork, as do the headlights, which pop up and down smoothly and quickly.

The engine bay of the 944 appears to be very neat and very standard. There are no signs of leaks, heat damage, or accumulated crud in nooks and crannies. The wiring is neatly channelled and tethered (and again doesn’t appear to have hardened from high temperatures), and hoses and leads appear supple and of a good colour – no cracks or perishing. Suspension towers are solid and the engine bay itself rust free.

The underside of the car looks very robust, with no signs of significant corrosion or damage from road debris. There is good weathersealing, and, commendably, all the original weather protection strips are still intact. The wrap-around underside rear spoiler/defuser is also in excellent condition. All suspension parts appear to be in very good order, as does the stainless steel exhaust, which is quite a recent addition. The underside of the vehicle has also been sealed for extra peace of mind. 

Although not the original issue, the Porsche Cup style alloy wheels suit the car well. They show no significant blemishes and are shod with good tyres.

The abilities of the 944 Turbo haven’t really diminished over time. It still handles beautifully, its quick, and it’s practical. It can be your shopping car (if you really must), your B-road blaster, or county-cum-continental tourer. And with everything these days being so big, it feels smaller and nippier than it ever did.

Equally important, this is a straight, un-messed about with car – no modifications (save for newer wheels), no remapping and no extra boost. The big sunroof (which doesn’t leak) is a nice addition, and the sensible mileage an added bonus. Just a sweet car.