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39K Mile Barn Find: 1985 Porsche 944

This 1985 Porsche 944 is described as a barn find, but it doesn’t present like one. It has under 40,000 original miles with what looks like good paint and a decent interior, and it even runs and drives. The 944 is the naturally aspirated model, and while the turbo is the ultimate spec, a non-turbo like this one is also a touch easier to maintain. 944s still carry with them the penalty of having to pay Porsche part prices, but it’s no 911 when it comes to using one as a weekend driver. While prices have been creeping upwards, driver-quality examples like this one here on eBay are still largely affordable.

Bidding on this car is up to $4,100 with no reserve. It’s hard to tell from the photos whether it is silver or pewter in color, but in either case, the paint presents well. The 944 always looks good from this angle because its flared fenders really poke out, and it’s a shame this one has the base model cookie cutter wheels. Find yourself a set of the optional staggered Fuchs wheels and its looks will significantly improve. Every 944 came with the black foam spoiler over the back glass, and it can break down if left to bake in the sun for years; that doesn’t appear to be a problem here, lending credence to the barn find claims.

The 944 is located in Longwood, Florida which can go either way when it comes to cars that are stored long term. Most Florida finds are rust-free, but there’s always the occasional outlier that was parked too close to the ocean. Not a problem here, as the interior isn’t blown apart due to sun-cracking, with the bucket seats looking quite nice along with the dash. The 944 does have an aftermarket Momo-style three-spoke steering wheel, which is a popular upgrade among owers who take their 944s autocrossing or to track days; while this 944 otherwise appears to remain in stock condition, perhaps there’s some chassis upgrades as well.

The 944 does have some abrasions along the front valence / bumper area on the driver’s side, but it doesn’t appear significant. The 944 would clean up nicely with some silver-painted Fuchs, lowered suspension, and a set of optional sport bucket seats. The cheap price at the moment leaves lots of room for improvements, while the low mileage is a clear sign this 944 is worth throwing some money at given how much purists love low-mileage survivors like this with easily reversible modifications. How would you treat this “barn find” 944 if it found its way into your garage?

Comments

  1. Avatar alphasud Member

    This is a pre mid year refresh model. The Porsche crowd denotes a post year 944 as a 85-1/2. Being a low miles a example helps on this one but usually hold out for the 85-1/2 and newer models. The refresh got you aluminum front and rear control arms with revised geometry, better electrics, better interior. First order of business if the seller has not done is the timing and balance belts, rollers, and seals. Really nice driving cars. A little low on power as compared to today’s cars but the gearing is matched to the engine torque curve making for a pleasant driving experience.

    Like 10
  2. Avatar Moparman Member

    Talk about deceptive advertising! If you look through the full size pictures, you will see dents, scrapes, poor touchups that the dealer describes as: “Paint looks fantastic and shows very well” The interior sports holes in the “leather” seats (looks like cloth inserts) and could use detailing. I would have serious doubts concerning the 39K w/o documentation; as well as any statements concerning the status of the running gear. Killed my interest in this one quickly. Just my opinions! :-)

    Like 15
  3. Avatar Bakyrdhero Member

    Those base rims look fine to me considering what the likely cost Is for the upgraded ones.

    Like 3
  4. Avatar bobhess Member

    Agree Bakyrdhero. We used them on our race cars because they are light and strong with good ventilation for the brakes. Needed at least 8 wheels for a race car so cost overall was a consideration. On the surface this car looks good but Moparman makes good points about it’s condition.

    Like 5
  5. Avatar DayDreamBeliever

    The site cropped your photo a bit…
    Love the 914, bobhess. Got a laugh our of the graphics on the front!

    Like 4
  6. Avatar bobhess Member

    Thanks. You can click on the picture and it will come up a full picture. Need to put in a centered picture in the file… this is a page with two more pictures on it. As for the graphics, sometimes you just have to do it.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Pat

    Sold $5,800

    Like 2
  8. Avatar UK Paul

    Shame it’s not an oval dash. Vastly underrated cars these.
    I miss mine.

    Like 3
  9. Avatar Arguendo
    • Avatar DayDreamBeliever

      Nice job researching.

      Definitely an improperly represented car.
      I hope the buyer had eyes wide open… A Caveat Emptor situation for sure.

      Like 1
  10. Avatar its1969ok

    Rear bumper is way out of whack. Driver side door gaps not good. I wonder if the Rube Goldberg cable/pully system for the roof panel vent still work.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar t-bone BOB

    Ended: Apr 25, 2021 , 11:46AM
    Winning bid:US $5,800.00
    [ 56 bids ]

    Item location:Longwood, Florida

    Like 0
  12. Avatar greg

    Luv the radio screw

    Like 1
  13. Avatar araknid78

    Ended: Apr 25, 2021 , 11:46AM
    Winning bid:US $5,800.00
    [ 56 bids ]

    Item location:Longwood, Florida

    Like 0
  14. Avatar ricky Whiting Member

    Sales manager to lot boy……”Hey Cliff. Don’t worry about cleaning up that Porsche, just make sure to put plenty of ArmoorAll on the tires.”

    Like 2
  15. Avatar douglas hunt

    i always wanted one of these, but i am hip deep in VW and Audi turbo cars at the moment, and looking at those ebay pics it was a bit ruff

    Like 0
  16. Avatar mrgreenjeans

    I have been dealing in these cars since buying my first in ’84. New.
    That said, I have seen a quite a few in this condition. Seen much worse as well….. for my 2 cents, this would be a ‘pass’ at $1800.00. Certainly is not a nearly 6 thousand dollar car. Look close and the rust appearing on the bottom of the fenders, seen on those ‘below pics’ is a hint at what will be creeping forth shortly. The ill fitting dash cap, the cruddy paint and poor fitting bumpers along with the sun faded interior speak of life at least once around the odo, maybe more. Sadly little in the commentary is helping with a discerning attitude for potential buyers to have when approaching these. The black paint on the rockers is wrong (hiding rust ?), the momo wheel is a wrong move and is par for the course when noting the black plastic tape on the seat bolster. For this money, there are FAR better 944s to be had….. I have several zermatt painted 944s and it’s a great color if cared for. Sadly, this one has not been loved the way a Porsche should have been )-;

    Like 1
  17. Avatar Chuck Foster

    I’d name him Fido, he’s ruff ruff. My 1st 944 was a fun 88 5 spd $900 fixer upper car, traded for a Crossfire. My 2nd $700 85.5 AT with Fuchs is sitting like all my projects, has fake Turbo letters on the back, but uncracked dash and nice interior, was a ladies car. Going to pick up my third Tuesday, slap my butt and call me Lucky, nice triple black 82k mi 922 S2 Cabriolet for 10 times the 2nd one, what a deal Lucille.

    Like 0

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