To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The
Petersen Automotive Museum Auction event, 8 December 2018.
Estimate:
$25,000 - $30,000
- An '80s icon!
- Porsche's top-of-the-line 944
- Less than 39,000 original miles
- Known, well-documented history
A Guards Red Porsche with the cursive "turbo" script on its tail .
. . is there anything more iconic than that quintessential image of
'80s motoring excess? Certainly among the most famous and impactful
on the auto industry was the turbocharged variant of the legendary
Porsche 944 - the most successful model in the company's history to
date.
Utilizing a front-engined four-cylinder powerplant with 50/50
weight distribution, it represented a major break from Porsche's
air-cooled rear-engine tradition. Though exceedingly popular, of
the over 160,000 944s built, only about 15 percent were completed
as the top-of-the-line Type 951 "Turbo." The front-engined,
water-cooled coupe featured 220 hp and such improvements as a new
front apron, integrated fog lights, strengthened gearbox, and
stiffer suspension. In fact, for 1986, only 7,500 944 Turbos made
their way to the U.S., of which many suffered the indignities of
hard driving, high mileage, and aftermarket modification.
This is not one of those abused examples. Its condition and low
mileage are absolutely stunning. The Certificate of Authenticity on
file from Porsche confirms this 944 Turbo was delivered new exactly
as we see it today - in Guards Red over a partial black leather
interior with forged alloy wheels, and such options as an electric
sunroof, alarm system, cruise control, and side moldings. The
superb documentation on file clearly traces its ownership history
back to at least the late 1980s with copies of titles and extensive
service receipts going back well into the 1990s.
The Porsche was owned by two individuals in Illinois, both of whom
we understand were professors at the University of Illinois. By
2004 the car had only accumulated 34,000 miles, and the ownership
chain is clearly documented as the car had never left Illinois
until this point and was acquired by a couple in Michigan. The most
recent owner, in fact, actively used the car in Porsche Club of
America events and a local North Carolina Concours, still with very
low mileage and in superb original condition.
As the collector car hobby continues to evolve, a new generation is
taking note of the icons from their own youth, and the 944 Turbo is
at the very top of that list, catapulted by sexy good looks and a
thrilling and predictable driving experience the likes of which
only a front-engined turbocharged Porsche can deliver.
This low-mileage 951 is one of the very best!To view this car and
others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ca18.
