• Seller: Richard N epon (Contact)
• Location: Portland, Oregon
• Mileage: 70,000 Shown
• Chassis #: WP0AB0947HN471775
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 2.5L
• Transmission: Sportmatic

Here’s something you don’t see every day, a custom-built 1987 Porsche 944 that spent most of its life in the hands of a professional body shop owner, who modified it for his own personal use. Now offered as a Barn Finds Auction, this uniquely reimagined 944 blends classic Porsche engineering with one-off custom bodywork and a rare Sportmatic transmission. Located in Portland, Oregon, it shows just under 79,000 miles and carries a clean title.

The seller explains that the car was modified when it had around 40,000 miles. The transformation included a front clip change, removal of the roof, and the creation of a trunk and “concerto” area. The door window frames were altered, and a 1″ channel was added down each side—all performed by a professional shop. This wasn’t a backyard creation; the work was done by a craftsman for himself. The seller has provided photos of it when it was on the road and photos of it as it sits now.

The current owner has cared for the car for more than 20 years, purchasing it in 2004. Over that time, key maintenance items have been addressed, including the timing and water pump, fuel pump, and new tires installed in 2018. During ownership, approximately 30,000 miles were added. The 944 served as a daily driver until 2017, then again from 2018–2020 after a period of sitting due to illness. It spent eight years in Naples, Florida, before being transported to Oregon.

A new top was made in 2018, and the seat bottoms were refreshed at the same time. Most recently, in 2023, a new battery was installed and the car passed Oregon DEQ; however, the registration has since expired (7/25). It has been sitting again, and although the battery remains good, the seller notes that the starter would not engage on the last attempt. Due to that, it will likely need to be towed or transported by flatbed unless you’re familiar with Porsche systems.

The seller is transparent about areas needing attention: paint blistering from heat exposure, rust in the trunk bottom (not rusted through), a crease in the right-rear quarter, frozen HVAC controls, a hood release that works but isn’t mounted to the kick panel, and a heating/AC system that will need repair. The A/C had been functioning previously. Power accessories such as windows, steering, and brakes are operational. The seller also notes replacement of the large rubber flywheel component—costly and notoriously difficult to source—as well as new flywheel sensors and an official Porsche ground strap.

If you’ve been searching for a Porsche 944 that stands out from the crowd—and want the convenience of a Sportmatic paired with lively off-the-line performance—this could be the right one to revive. It’s a rare build with a personal history and decades of care.

Would you restore and preserve this one-off custom 944 as-is, or take it in your own direction?

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