Vehicle Description
Name another 30-year-old car that can still run with the big dogs
both on the street and on the track like this 1987 Porsche 944
Turbo. Few cars represent bigger bang for the buck, and this
lightly modified Turbo still commands respect wherever it goes,
never mind the fact that it's also a blast to drive.
Maybe some 911 guys look down at the front-engined, water-cooled
944, but one drive will convince anyone that this is a serious
driver's car. The glossy black bodywork is low key but still looks
fantastic, a testament to Porsche's quality and the care it has
received for the past few decades. There's no evidence that it was
ever raced or abused, and unlike many of its siblings, it hasn't
been chopped and gutted to make a track day special. The Turbo's
special front fascia carries large fog lamps and extra cooling
ducts, but no scuffs or cracks from steep driveways. Fit and finish
are typically Porsche excellent and even the black rubber trim like
the rear spoiler and weather stripping is smooth and supple. There
are a few signs of use, but you need to look pretty hard to find
demerits on this car. Check out the overall condition then look at
the price and be prepared to be impressed.
The tan leather interior is as pure a driving environment as you'll
find. Designed by the same guys who win at Lemans, it avoids the
quirks of the 911 and delivers all the gear you need to get the
most out of the hardware. Supportive leather buckets are grippy but
all-day comfortable, and the textured surface is holding up pretty
well, although they do show the usual signs of use and age. Clear
analog gauges put function over style and the 5-speed shifter is
the best one this side of a Mazda Miata's joystick. Just about
everything was standard (this IS a Porsche, after all) including
A/C, power windows and locks, and cruise control. The original 80s
vintage stereo has been replaced by a great-sounding JVC AM/FM/CD
head unit and there's a color-matched steering wheel cover, but
otherwise it's as the factory built it. The 944 is also practical,
with a large hatch area and two rear seats that are useful in a
pinch.
The 944's turbocharged inline-four cranked out a robust 217
horsepower from just 2.5 liters. Canted over at an angle for a
lower center of gravity, it makes big torque at low speeds, yet its
light weight means that the car has almost ideal 50/50 weight
distribution. It's mostly stock save for a custom tune that
generates a bit more boost than stock (20 psi), and given Porsche's
impressive durability it should continue to run for years and
years. The 5-speed manual transmission has its own oil cooler for
track use, and the fully independent suspension is race-bred yet
supple and everyone knows Porsche's binders are legendary.
Long-term maintenance means that it's turn-key ready, and the
impressively clean undercarriage is more proof that this car has
led an easy life as a fair-weather toy. Wheels are custom BBS
alloys with black centers, which is still a fantastic look on a car
like this, and they carry staggered 205/55/16 front and 245/50/16
rear performance radials.
Go ahead, give this one a try. At 32 years old, it's still
impressive on the road and it should be no surprise that these are
still incredibly popular track day toys. This one is so clean and
well-maintained, there's still a lot of fun awaiting its new owner.
Call today!