1990 Porsche 944 Turbo

We are delighted to be offering for sale a mighty fine example of the 944, a 1990 Turbo no less. Our seller, a confirmed petrol head from an early age, was lucky enough to own a 944 aged just 19. Not bad when most were running around in bargain basement old bangers.

Fast forward a number of years and the opportunity presented itself to once again become a 944 owner. Once our seller Adrian had viewed the car, a deal was quickly done, and four years of turbocharged loveliness lay ahead.

Being a perfectionist, much work has been done to the car over the ownership period and there would seem little left for a new owner to do other than have some fun and make motoring memories.

Dry stored when not in use, the 944 is being sold along with Adrian’s other collector cars in order to fund his next purchase, a 911. You see, Porsche ownership gets under the skin and once you’ve been bitten..

Resplendent in ‘Panther Black’, could there be a better colour to show off the 944’s graceful lines?

One of Adrian’s good friends owns a long-established bodyshop and he took full advantage of their skills. The sills were replaced, the MoT test having picked up some signs of corrosion. Whilst the work was being done, all small cosmetic issues were addressed and the car properly detailed.

What we now have is a car that is in remarkable condition considering it is 32 years young. Yes, you will spot a few marks here and there, such as on the front edge of the passenger door, but overall, it’s a looker without a doubt.

The five-spoke alloy wheels look oh so smart and each is fitted with a premium Bridgestone Potenza tyre. We are of the opinion that care taken with tyre choice is usually a good indication of fastidious classic car ownership.

The observant will have noticed that this 944 does not come with the factory sunroof. Wind in the hair motoring might be missing but as they are notoriously leaky, we think the car is better without.

Contrasting rather nicely with the exterior hue is the linen leather interior. Up front, the sports seats really are as comfortable as they look, with support in all the right places.

The driver’s seat shows some signs of a life well lived, with some wear to the offside bolster and some cracking to the base. A good trimmer should be able to restore if these things matter. The passenger seat is in much better condition.

Being a practical Porsche, there are of course a couple of rear seats. Children will fit, and probably enjoy the experience. They are easy to fold flat to increase the capacity of the luggage compartment. The latter, accessed by the lift-up glass hatch, is surprisingly commodious making the 944 an ideal car for long weekends away.

The boot carpet shows some signs of wear but is quite clean and tidy. The space-saver spare is present and correct along with the car’s tool kit. And you will spy the Bosch battery, fitted just last year.

We are told that everything works as one would expect and climbing behind the wheel is an absolute delight. You sit low, legs outstretched, and once that powerful engine fires up, a quick flick into first with the stubby lever and you are ready for an exciting drive.

It is easy to get carried away with a shiny car, but it’s the hidden bits that should draw one’s attention. That is why we always include plenty of photographs of a car’s underside. So, pause and while and take in this 944’s tidy underbelly.

When Adrian had the sills done, the car was properly cleaned and undersealed. Since then, little use and careful storage have helped preserve the good condition.

It should come as no surprise to find that the engine bay is extremely clean and presentable. The 944 has a detailed history and has been properly maintained by a series of enthusiast owners.

Adrian reports that the car drives really well, pulling strongly through the gears. And this is a fast car, even by today’s standards. In its day, road testers reported a 0-60mph sprint time of around six seconds and should you find yourself on a deserted runway, or derestricted autobahn, 150mph should be achievable.

Accompanying the 944, and viewable in our picture gallery, is a vast array of paperwork which we always like to see. Old MoT certificates help corroborate the car’s mileage.

The latest test, carried out earlier this month, was passed with just an advisory for cracks in the tyre tread. Overly keen in our opinion, as these premium tyres are relatively new and have covered few miles. With some regular use, Adrian reckons these cracks will disappear.

The 2021 MoT test was passed with no advisories, and we can see just 21 miles covered between tests.

So, what work has been done to this piece of German turbocharged loveliness? We note that in 2013 the cam and balance belts were replaced along with the balance roller and tensioner. A new alternator was fitted too.

Fast forward to our seller’s ownership and in August 2018 the suspension received a makeover with Spax coilovers fitted. The same month a new water pump was installed and as well as front and rear discs and pads.

In 2019, the bodywork issues were addressed, with work to the sills, jacking points etc being done. An invoice for £2,337.88 is included detailing the work.

A year later an air conditioning re-gas took place and the tracking checked.

A new Bosch battery last year rounds out the significant recent work, but if you choose to inspect the car in person, our knowledgeable seller will be able to give you chapter and verse.

We think the Porsche 944 may well be the sweet spot of the classic car world. It is old enough to be granted classic status, yet still feels modern to drive and is simple enough to repair should the need arise.

Subject to a great amount of expense over the last decade, all that remains is for the car’s next owner is to tax and insure it and have fun.

The 944 is undoubtedly one of the great driver’s cars from Porsche and offers much more predictable handling than 911s of the same ilk. Oh, and prices are far more affordable than 911s too, though for how much longer we wonder. Surely now is the time to buy.

We estimate that the car will sell for between £15,000 and £20,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us the seller. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.