1991 Porsche 944 Turbo

This particular example is a post-1989 model - boasting all the aforementioned ’Turbo S’ improvements as standard, and was first registered in 1991, finished in the attractive scheme of Titanium Metallic over a Marine Blue interior.

Purchased by our vendor as an addition to their 12-strong collection of classic and retro cars - all of which are maintained and kept to the highest standard - the car was immediately shipped off to Autofarm in Bicester, who are arguably the UK’s leading experts on classic Porsches, where the car was given a thorough going-over by Mark, who is - in the words of Porsche enthusiast circles - the ‘leading authority’ on the 944.

As you’ll see on the paperwork from the visit, this example was so good, that Mark stated it was “one of the best 944’s [he] has seen” which speaks volumes to both the car’s condition, and the level of care it has enjoyed throughout its lifetime.

In total, around £10,000 has been spent getting this already excellent example of the 944 Turbo to near-concours level, including removal of the often controversial ‘booster modification’ and an in-depth health check, which identified numerous minor issues and advisory items, which have been methodically worked through by Autofarm’s skilled technicians regardless of cost.

The result of this work is a 944 Turbo that is not only in fabulous aesthetic condition (no doubt helped by its dry-stored nature and fastidious ownership) but also mechanically outstanding, with a feeling of freshness and ‘tightness’ that is often absent in Porsches of this era by this point.

Resplendent in Titanium Metallic, this 944 is every inch the 80s/90s poster car, and still turns plenty of heads to this day, even receiving thumbs up and a nod of approval from a driver of a passing 993 Turbo that we encountered during our photo shoot!

Looking along the wonderfully boxy lines of this turbocharged star, we could find no evidence of any mis-aligned panels, dents or signs of impact damage, with these classic Stuttgart lines remaining untroubled by time or outside influence.

The paintwork is of a similarly excellent nature, with only the most minor of stone chips noted to the front end and exposed edges, along with a small mark on the front bumper, a minor scratch / large chip on the rear bumper in the centre of the upper edge, and a tiny patch of corrosion around the boot close.

Elsewhere various seals, trims and badges on the car are all in great condition - with the sunroof seal having been recently replaced - and the wheels also present wonderfully, being wrapped in matching nearly-new Pirelli rubber which was applied during April 2021.

Importantly, the iconic pop-up headlights are in full working order with no hesitation or issues noted, and the wonderful full-width sunroof is also working as Porsche intended, though we noted the new seal is very tight indeed, most notably when closing.

As impressive as the exterior is, it was the cabin of this 944 that really blew away our photographer and writer, as the overall condition is so good he had to double-check the mileage on the odometer.

For starters, the plastics and touch-points scattered throughout the car are barely marked. Then there’s the seats, which are not only free of damage, but are wonderfully supportive and comfortable, with virtually no signs of wear even to the usual areas such as the outer bolsters and fabric centres.

The door cards are in equally excellent condition, as are the inner sunroof lining, floor mats, dashboard and centre console, with all systems working as intended as far as we could tell, and no signs of any strange behaviours or warning lights.

The only modification our vendor is aware of is the upgraded retro-look PCM module, which is an OE Porsche item and a very popular upgrade for classic Porsche owners, allowing smartphone connectivity without distracting from the original design of the cabin.

In the rear, the luggage compartment presents very well indeed, and the spare, tool kit and other miscellaneous items are all present and complete - a very rare sight indeed, and another point of praise from Autofarm during the post-purchase inspection.

Starting with ease and settling almost instantly into a happy idle, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the front of this 944 Turbo appears to be in rude mechanical health, having been given extensive treatment by Autofarm in recent years, and plenty of care, attention and servicing by the former keepers.

Out on the road, the overall feeling of freshness from the steering inputs, suspension responses, clutch and gearbox action completely blew us away. There was no ‘slop’ from the gear selectors, the clutch was direct and the steering was fantastic, even at lower speeds and on shorter journeys - we can only imagine what it would be like to get this ‘Turbo on a ‘proper’ road where it can exploit its handling prowess.

During our test drive, we noted no untoward noises from the suspension, no issues from the cooling system, and no strange noises from the engine. The cooling fans cut in-and-out as they should, and the car was happy to re-start numerous times when hot and cold.

The engine, its ancillaries and ‘dress up’ covers all present wonderfully - in line with the rest of the car’s condition - and there are no concerning signs, leaks or issues that we can see.

Underneath, the story is very much the same, and once again we can find nothing that sets off any alarm bells for us.

The most recent MoT exam - dated 04 February 2022 - shows a first-time pass, with only a minor advisory for an intermittent offside washer.

As if the condition of this 944 Turbo wasn’t enough to show the fastidious level of ownership it has enjoyed over the years, there are over 100 documents, invoices and items of paperwork - all of which have been photographed below - to substantiate this level of care.

Naturally, we’d suggest working through these documents yourself prior to bidding to satisfy yourself with the no-holds-barred expenditure it has enjoyed - along with a detailed breakdown and condition report from Autofarm - but you may want to pop the kettle on, as there’s plenty of paperwork to look through.

Highlights include the V5 - showing 8 former keepers - the stamped service book, extensive MoT history, the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity confirming its factory-correct specification, extensive invoicing from Autofarm and other Porsche specialists, and much, much more.

The 944 was the first of the ‘truly Porsche’ transaxle cars for many enthusiasts, and it doesn’t get much better than the full-fat Turbo model, especially one in such fantastic condition as this.

Being a later model, it also boasts the full range of ’S’ enhancements that were bequeathed to later Turbo cars, and - in our opinion - it is all the better for it.

Presented in outstanding condition both mechanically and aesthetically, and benefitting from recent expenditure and work at the hands of Autofarm, this is a true enthusiast’s car, and which would take pride-of-place in any Porsche enthusiast’s garage or collection.

Given the car’s excellent condition and rich history, we estimate a value in the region of £20,000 to £25,000.

Viewing is always encouraged. This particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays between 9am-5pm, 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’.