We all know how desirable original cars can be. Often times, the cars and trucks we want the most are the ones most prone to being modified or over-restored. That’s certainly the case with a tuneable car like the Porsche 944 Turbo. Plenty of purists have taken these cars down to bare metal, or performed engine rebuilds just to avoid the sight of oil on their garage floor. This particular 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo listed here on eBay is chock-full of the vibes you want to find in a car like this, with no modifications and original details throughout.
Not only is it a largely original example, it is also incredibly well-optioned from the factory. The color-matched Fuchs alloy wheels, Grand Prix white paint, original Turbo-specific body kit, and a highly desirable limited-slip differential round out just some of the highlights captured in this 944 Turbo, otherwise known as a 951. The Martini-style decal kit is the one unknown for me in terms of whether this is a factory-applied option or a detail a previous owner added; hopefully, it is ever removed, the paint remains intact underneath.
As I’ve said many times before, the easiest way (in my opinion) to assess if a car has been loved is to inspect the interior. I can live with all manners of defects on the exposed surfaces, but if the cabin is mint, I generally feel quite good about how the car was looked after. The black leather interior on this 944 is in excellent condition, and with 120,000 miles on the clock, that’s no small feat. The only way to make it better is if this 944 was spec’d with sport seats from the factory, but that’s easily amended if you can find a used set on the classifieds market.
The 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder produces approximately 220 b.h.p. and 243 lb.-ft. of torque, with 0-60 happening in around six seconds. The seller is adamant there are no outstanding mechanical issues with this 944, and that it is effectively a turnkey driver. If this statement holds true, then it becomes even more apparent that this 944 Turbo has been in the hands of careful stewards from Day 1, and that is truly amazing. The 951 has never been handled quite as delicately as the 911, so to find one that has been loved is truly a find. This 944 Turbo is offered with no reserve, and bids currently sit at $7,208.
On Ebay, it looks like the catalytic converter may have been removed and replaced with a test pipe. Also it might have a N/A muffler. I currently own 1986 944 Turbo that I bought new and picked up at the factory in Zuffenhausen so I’m a little familiar with them. There is no problem with the converter being removed. It definitely results in giving the car some more power and better low end throttle response. They delivered the cars at the factory with the converter removed because unleaded gas was not generally available in Europe in 1986, specifically France and Italy. They replaced them when you brought the car back for shipping. These are great cars. I test drove both the 944T and a 1986 911 before I bought mine. I ordered the 944T and price was not a factor. In my opinion it was a more modern car with better handling, NVH, it was faster too, and had a lot more room inside. Unfortunately they sell for much, much less than a 911 of the same year in similar condition. That is my only regret for buying it instead of a 911.
Still a good decision I’ve feel in love with Porsche back in 1981 I was 10, and it was a 911 . But the 944 is an absolute beauty and 50/50 ratio amazing car!!
Americans we’re obsessed with decals and striping back in the 80s. Too bad Porsche obliged their tastes, as this is a sharp car otherwise. With no reserve, someone may get a real deal
True, but I like these on this car. Martini Racing vibes. I’ve never seen these.
Always performed better than you’d think
For those wondering, the car is located in Arizona.
I had an 87 in black and it didn’t have that goofy “Turbo” decal on the back and definitely not on the sides. Fugly!! But what a sweet ride that was my first of many Porsche’s.
I really like the wheels and really dislike the stripes. If in the market, I would bud on this car.
Nice 944!! Especially in white!!
Having never seen those 924 decals on a 944, we must remember that Porsche often modified new cars to suit buyers’ wishes–and this decorative change wouldn’t need further emissions or crash testing.
This car is for someone who wants to swim against the tide of $200.000 911s!
SOLD for $12100.
50 bids.