Although I’ve never felt a genuine passion for Porsches, I have long admired the company’s engineering prowess. Their racing models often produce staggering horsepower, but most road cars fall in the modest category. That it can extract impressive performance from those vehicles is a testament to its meticulous approach to vehicle design. Our feature car is a 1986 944 Turbo that presents well for its age. Recent mechanical work means it is in excellent health, and legendary reliability should ensure it provides years of satisfying classic motoring to its new owner. It is listed here on eBay in Colchester, Connecticut. The seller set a BIN of $29,500 with the option to make an offer.

Porsche offered 944 buyers in 1986 five standard colors from which to choose, as well as nine special shades. This car wears sinister Black, and combined with the low ride height and distinctive “pumped” fenders, it gives this car a genuine sense of purpose. I’m generally not a fan of Black vehicles, although it is excellent at exposing panel issues or damage. This car is as straight as an arrow, with panel gaps as tight and consistent as it is fair to expect with any vehicle from this manufacturer. It is rust-free, with the underside said to be as clean as the exterior. The seller recently treated it to a professional buff, removing the years of typical accumulated paint swirls and marks. There are a few tiny chips in the paint, mainly on the front bumper. However, the overall presentation is well above average for a car with thirty-six years under its belt. The trim and glass are excellent, as are the factory 16″ Phone Dial wheels. For those wishing to add a distinctive touch, the seller includes a set of spotless Fuchs wheels with good tires.

The drivetrain configuration of this Porsche demonstrates why I will always afford the company total respect. The engine bay houses a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 217hp. Porsche strived for ideal weight distribution, sending the engine’s power to a rear-mounted five-speed manual transaxle. Compared to many performance models, it would be fair to describe the 944 as having modest engine power. However, by focusing on weight minimization and aerodynamic efficiency, this beauty should cover the ¼-mile in 14.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 152mph. The seller claims it has a genuine 85,000 miles on its odometer, and given they hold a collection of original documentation and comprehensive service records, the claim appears verifiable. They replaced the turbocharger at 80,000 miles and recently performed a thorough service. It is unsurprising that it runs, drives, and stops perfectly. The new owner could fly in and build a relationship with this 944 by driving it home.

If the 944 has a genuine weakness, it is common for many classics from this era. Upholstery and plastic are prone to UV damage and deterioration, and interiors often look tired and worn. There are no such problems here beyond a couple of marks on the carpet’s outer edge on the driver’s side. The leather trim and other upholstered surfaces are excellent, as are the dash and console. There are no aftermarket additions, with this car remaining as it left the factory. For those seeking creature comforts, there is air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player.

If a high-performance European sports car has been on your radar, it would be hard to go past this 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo. Its presentation is above average for its age, it is in sound mechanical health, and the odometer reading is low for its age. The 944 Turbo is one of a group of classics with values climbing faster than the market average. It is always hard to determine whether such increases are sustainable or if the bubble could burst without warning. However, that is a danger an enthusiast faces with almost any classic purchase. The BIN figure is realistic, and I won’t be surprised if it heads to a new home before the listing is due to end.