Highlights

Classic early 944 Turbo in great order
Owned by last owner since 1989
Completely original low mileage car
Huge file of history including original bill of sale
Targa roof

The Appeal

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 220bhp, a 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds and a 162mph top speed. It was edging on supercar territory.

This particular example is a terrific example – the seminal 944 from the first year of production, presented in oh-so-Eighties Alpine White with rare and unusual Pearl White leather trim.

It was supplied new in 1986 as a company car to a branch manager for National Westminster Bank, before it’s long-term second owner bought the car in 1989 and kept it until his death last year. There’s a third owner on the logbook, who is the executor of his will. The car comes with an incredible service history right back to the original bill of sale and has never been restored.

There simply won’t be another very early Turbo with such a heritage. 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 with the kind of provenance you can’t buy – what’s not to like?

The History and Paperwork

First registered on August 6, 1986, making this one of the very first 944 Turbos
UK V5C in the name of the previous owner’s executor – bereavement sale
MOT August 2024
Genuine mileage
Original bill of sale from Charles Follet of Barbican, London, supplied to NatWest Bank
Original handbook and service book, stamped to 1994
Folder of invoices since, arranged in date order right through to 2024
Huge pile of invoices and receipts going back to day one
Several old MOT certificates
Copy of old Used Vehicle Warranty from supplying dealer
Original Porsche tools and tool roll
Targa roof bag

The Condition

Original Alpine White paint – very good finish overall with some minor blemishes
Appears to be in good order underneath
No major dents or damage
Very slight corrosion to front wing bottoms, beneath paint
Minor rust bubbles to one sill
Minor marks and dents commensurate with age but still presents very well
Rare tilt-slid-removeable sunroof with original storage bag
Excellent factory alloys
Pop-up headlamps
Blemish-free glass tailgate
All original badges and trim in very good order
Rear boot spoiler and lower diffuser
Original stickers from second supplying dealer – Pillings of Cheltenham
Ultra-rare Pearl White leather sports seats in fabulous condition
Electrically adjustable driver’s and passenger’s seats
2+2 formation with rear bucket seats
Superb condition cabin with barely any wear
Electric windows
Electrically adjustable mirrors
Carpets, door cards and headlining in very good order
Original Panasonic radio-cassette player with operation manual

The Mechanics

2.5-litre 4cyl turbo
Five-speed manual transmission
Carefully maintained and annually serviced under previous ownership
Starts and drives without fault – reported by the vendor to be in very good running order with no known issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]