Highlights
- One of only 625 Turbo Cabrios built, and one of only 100 with right-hand drive
- 2.5L Turbo I4 engine with five-speed manual transmission
- Impressive history file
- Valid MOT until September 2024
The Appeal
The 1980s were a challenging time for Porsche as it sought to restructure its range for the ever-changing nature of the sports car market. Some viewed the flagship 928 as expensive and complex, while at the other end of the range, the 924 was never truly accepted as a 'proper' Porsche due to its ties with Volkswagen.
Thankfully, challenging times breed innovation and creativity - which is what led to the remarkable 944. With sharp styling, levels of performance one expects from a Porsche, solid build quality and of course, that '80s staple, pop-up headlights, the 944 became their best-selling car.
Thankfully, challenging times breed innovation and creativity - which is what led to the remarkable 944. With sharp styling, levels of performance one expects from a Porsche, solid build quality and of course, that '80s staple, pop-up headlights, the 944 became their best-selling car.
Owing to strong sales figures, a turbocharged version was developed and launched in 1986, boasting a remarkable 250 horsepower and exceptional styling. With its sculptural, quintessentially retro aesthetic, these cars are perhaps some of the finest convertibles to ever roll out of Europe, let alone Stuttgart.
This rare Turbo Cabrio comes to us in excellent order, with a plentiful service history and a clean bill of health. Only 625 Turbo Cabrios were built, and one of only 100 were in right-hand drive, making this a very rare car indeed.
The History and Paperwork
- A very late example from the last year of 944 production
- One of only 100 built with RHD - of which only 50 were reportedly sent to the UK
- First registered in the UK in August 1992
- The DVLA records seven former registered keepers
- Currently indicates 108,908 miles
- From 2008 to 2018 the car appears to have been off the road
- By 2018, the car had undergone some restoration to return to the road
- In current ownership since January 2022
- According to the MOT History, the car has under 3,000 miles since September 2008
- Current owner is a member of the Porsche Great Britain Club (PCGB)
The paperwork file includes:
- A stock of invoices
- A selection of MOT certificates going back to the 90s
- V5c document
The Condition
- Distinctive '80s styling penned by Harm Lagaay
- The soft top is in good condition and the vendor demonstrates that it operates correctly
- The bodywork is free of dents and dings with a good, tight panel fit
- The paintwork is in good order with only light wear
- The glasswork and lenses are free of chips and cracks
- The chromework and branding are all present and correct with signature Turbo script
- Black soft top is in excellent order with no rips or tears, and very little creasing
- The car is sat on its original branded alloys shod in Potenza tyres
- Some surface corrosion to the underside, though nothing severe
- Impressive black interior in original condition
- Leather sports seats in very good order with no rips or tears
- All instruments are clean and well-presented with no issues
- The music system has been replaced with a modern unit
- Carpets in good order with no rips or tears we can discern
- Round the back, the boot is in good, solid order with clean carpets
With its impressive, sculpted bodywork, the 944 is an attractive swathe of sharp angles running alongside smooth, subtle curves. It’s a real looker, a car that represents the best of Stuttgart’s design team with - of course - those ever-essential pop-up headlights. This example has been beautifully cared for, with very little signifying its advancing years.
The cabin of this 944 Turbo looks fantastic. The upholstery has clearly been cossetted - we can spot very little sign of wear and no significant damage across the interior. Perfectly comfortable and cossetting, the car is a wonderful place to be for both passenger and driver.
The Mechanics
- 2.5L 2.5 L M44/52 turbocharged I4 powerplant
- Five-speed manual transmission
- One of only 35 known RHD manual examples in the UK
- Beautifully presented engine compartment
- We’ve no reports of any leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke
- The car is reportedly starting first time with the turbo working as expected
- Recently serviced
- The mechanical history proves that the car has wanted for nothing over its life
- We understand the car is ready and waiting to be driven away
With plenty of paperwork backing a consistent routine of care and servicing, the car’s life has been a quiet and uneventful one. With a clean MOT until September 2024, this example is practically as good as it can get - and should prove to be a very reliable companion out on the roads.
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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.
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.
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