Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Auburn Fall event, September 1-4, 2016.
Chassis No.
WP0AA0948FN474622
Estimate:
$ 18,000 - $ 24,000 US
The Porsche 944, the evolution of Porsche’s front engine, water cooled, four-cylinder production car, the 924. The 924 was a joint venture between Porsche and Volkswagen to provide a small two-seater sports car with an engine up front and drive going to the rear. Volkswagen ended up pulling out of further development of the 924 but Porsche saw potential in the design and decided to pursue it. They purchased the rights to the design of the car and continued refining the car until it made its first appearance in 1975 at La Grande Motte, Camargue. The car went over well, people liked the look of the car but not its 2.0-liter Audi powerplant. The Porsche enthusiasts scolded the car for having sourced an engine from Audi, saying that it was not a genuine Porsche. Porsche took this into consideration as they continued developing the car into its next evolution, the 944. They ditched the 2.0iliter straight four-cylinder, replacing it with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder derived from the 5.0-liter V-8 Porsche was building for the 928. The fuel injection system was more refined, the wheel arches were widened, as well as the suspension and brake systems improved. In combination with those items, the 944 was much better equipped and more comfortable to drive than its 924 predecessor. In 1985, the 944 underwent further refinement which resulted in a new dash, upgraded alternator, cast alloy control arms and larger fuel tank.
Available for purchase is a 1985 Porsche 944 chassis number WP0AA0948FN474622, special ordered in Graphite Metallic (color code LB7V), having travelled sparingly from new. This example comes equipped with a host of rare options including factory leather sport seats (409), limited-slip differential (220), lightweight Fuchs metal wheels (401), sport shock absorbers and stabilizers (456), electric sunroof (650), and it also happens to be an interim model (715). This car was bought new by the original owner in New York where it resided from 1985 until sometime during the late '90s where the owner appeared to have relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina. Then the owner at the time seemed to have relocated once more to the Ohio area where the car stayed with him until 2010 when there was a change in ownership. The second owner purchased the car in November, 2010 whom ended up moving to Arizona. From there, it was then discovered by the current owner.
From the exterior it is considerably apparent that this example was well-cared-for. The original Graphite Metallic paint has been artfully preserved, with a deep shine free of any significant flaws. The front bumper has been resprayed in 2003 and the rest of the car is believed to be original paint. The panel gaps are "spot on and do not raise any quarrels whatsoever." The original Fuchs wheels are in spectacular condition, free of curb rash or flaws. The trim items, headlamps, taillamps, and rubber bumperettes show like-new from the factory, reflecting the superior quality of this 944, as these are some of the first items to be found inadequate on most of these cars. The glass on the car is also free of any issues and appears to be the original glass throughout.
The door jams reflect the originality of the car with no blemishes and remarkably excellent. The factory sport seats give the interior a unique character, complemented by the brown piping which matches the dash, optional on 944s. The seats have developed a slight patina on the side bolsters, which is a common area of wear, but consistent with the mileage. The rear seats most likely have never been sat in and show as such, free of any tears, cracking, or wrinkling of the leather. The rugs and door panels have been well-cared-for and would impress most enthusiasts.
The engine bay shows very well possessing many original factory markings. It is evident that the car was well maintained with all hoses looking supple, wiring fresh, engine components relatively clean, and no evidence of careless work. An inspection of the undercarriage will reveal various factory markings, similar to the engine bay, and boasts a consistency in terms of quality, matching the great condition of the remainder of the car. It is absent of any rust and evidence of damage with no abnormalities or inconsistencies to note.
The drivability of this car is one unique to the 944 and this example is properly dialed in. Since 2003, about $10,000 worth of service (according to receipts) have been invested into the mechanics of this car, leaving no system unattended. The timing belt, engine mounts, brakes, injectors, water pump, thermostat, miscellaneous seals, fuel filter, radiator, hoses, and air conditioning compressor have all been either been replaced, repaired, bled, and or serviced which translates to a 944 that is completely turn-key. The engine starts easily and quickly settles down to a comfortable idle. The steering is precise and feels solid giving the user the confidence to engage in some more spirited driving and really get into the corners and the gear changes are crisp and sharp.
As a whole, this 944 is certainly one example that the owner feels "would be difficult to surpass." It retains a variety of unique qualities and features that are not only rare for Porsches of the era but especially a 944. The special ordered Graphite Metallic paint is absolutely stunning to admire especially in its original condition. The interior, preserved in its original state adds to the "cool factor" of this car with the sport seats being a great option. Its history has been well documented with an extensive amount of service records that show this example has been well-kept since new. This is an investment grade example to welcome into any collection. The 944 is a Porsche that offers a much different and invigorating driving experience as opposed to the 911. It is a Porsche that is very distinct in its appearance and performance, leaving this truly exceptional example difficult for any enthusiast to pass up. Offered with the sale of this car are the books, tools, spare, jack, compressor, clean Carfax, and thorough records.
