My brother owns a Porsche 944 Turbo, and throughout the years he’s had to field plenty of condescending commentary regarding the vehicle, including remarks that it’s “a poor man’s Porsche,” and also that “it’s not a real Porsche” because it has a water-cooled powerplant with a front-engine, rear-drive layout. However, with excellent performance, near 50/50 weight distribution, and very attractive looks, these vehicles are rapidly increasing in value, and this first-year 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo that’s available here on eBay is a clean driver-quality example.
This Porsche is available in Punta Gorda, Florida with a clean title. The seller mentions that they purchased the vehicle from a Porsche specialty shop in Arizona, and they’ve performed plenty of maintenance during their ownership.
The exterior of this 944 Turbo is very clean, with no noticeable flaws in the pictures. It’s worth noting that this is a non-sunroof model, which is a desirable quality.
Inside the cabin, you’ll find a burgundy interior that’s extremely well preserved. I love how this color scheme looks, and it’s a bonus that the dashboard material has no cracks.
There’s a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine under the hood, which pairs to a 5-speed manual transmission to drive the rear wheels. The seller mentions that the engine features a new timing belt and water pump, a cooling system refresh, a fluid flush, a new starter and more. The engine has healthy compression figures and 73,740 miles, but that figure may increase slightly because it currently shares daily driving duties with the seller’s E46 M3.
At the time of publication, bidding for this Porsche is at $7,400 with the reserve not met. What do you think of this well-kept 944 Turbo?
Have owned 3 NA in the past. A ‘86,87 and 88 and loved all of them. My ‘86 had the same Burgundy interior.
One of my favourite cars I have owned. Wish I had a Turbo.
When I was 24 I bought an 85 1/2 944 non-turbo, white over black. To this day I remember it as the best-handling car I’ve ever driven, three speeding tickets in my first year of ownership did me in with the insurance company, though.
Well cared for car, every bit a Porsche.
My best friend owned an ’86 Non-Turbo. Didn’t matter. That car was incredible to drive, handled as well as any car I have driven, and the only car I’ve ever driven to 130mph. Great cars. But often victims of their own maintenance requirements (cost). This one looks very solid.
With 38 hours left bidding is up to $9,088.
Amazed how much I like this but I have always been a sucker for a red interior car – as long as it wasn’t crushed velour!
I was a porsche service advisor back in 1986 and got to drive this car new. it scared the be-jesus outta me at that time. I remember it vividly. I would certainly own it now if I had the room in the garage….oh well…..
I have never seen a ‘poor-man’ driving a Porsche of any kind. Even the 914 is costly to operate.
No it’s not.
I did not say expensive, costly indeed.
‘Not a real Porsche’?? My dad had a slew of Porches and BMWs in the ’80’s: his ’84-ish 944 was the best one of the lot(IMO). Great handling, more than enough power, comfortable seats…the one I wish he’d kept! Dark brown metallic paint/black leather interior, it was handsome too.
I think they have the best driving position of any car owned.
Low in the seat with short stubby gear knob up on the higher central console is so much fun.
Also it was a time when Porsches were built like tanks.
The thud of the door … the solid click of switches.
Proper cars!
Owned a ’77 924 with a ’78 European special edition engine in it. A few suspension adjustments and we had a race car for the street that was comfortable and great fun to drive. During this time our shop was specializing in in Porsches and had many chances to work on and drive the 944 Turbo. Quite simply, this is one of the finest cars Porsche ever built and yes, if my garage wasn’t full, we’d buy this car.
Punta Gorda. can you say multi-millionaire?
I imagine this looks great parked next to his
McClaren P1 and the Bugatti Veyron.
These are great cars. Had one in Germany
and loved the autobahn!
This was NOT referred to as a “poor man’s Porsche.” That was the 924. The 944 was well respected and the 928 was in the same league as the 911’s, thanks to movies like “Middle Age Crazy” and “Risky Business,” where only rich, middle aged men could afford them.
The 944 was bad-ass all through the 80’s. And it was whenever someone saw a 924 that someone would say that person wanted a 944, but couldn’t afford it. The 928’s, 911’s, and 930’s were just untouchable for most.
Failed to make the reserve, with the high bid reaching to just under $12K.
If someone wants it, contact the seller?