1986 PORSCHE 944 TURBO

This 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo is a smart example of an eminently usable modern classic, which has been well maintained throughout its life, presenting in original and unmodified condition. It is powered by the 2.5-litre M44/51 turbocharged inline-four, which sends 217bhp to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 112,640 miles from new.

First registered on 1 January 1986, this car is understood to have been one of the first 944 Turbos in the UK, having spent its first six months as a demonstrator for dealer JCT 600 of Bradford. There are nine previous registered keepers on the log book. It was acquired by the current owner just over five years ago, who has driven the car sparingly since then.

The sleek, stylish bodywork is in great shape, with impressive shut lines and panel gaps throughout. The seller notes that the car has absolutely no signs of any prior damage, with the only marks being a small dent on the bonnet, one on the offside rear quarter panel near the bumper, and one to the nearside of the roof – though they appear to be good candidates for paintless dent removal.

The Porsche signature Guards Red paint is in good condition overall, save for some stone chips to the headlight covers and bonnet, which is also slightly faded. The car’s ‘Turbo’ script decal is also still present on the driver’s side front wing, adding an extra touch of 1980s flair. The car sits on an original set of 16-inch ‘tele-dial’ wheels – a smart optional upgrade over the standard 15-inch items – which are in great shape, with only minor bubbling to the silver paint at their centres.

Inside the car, the seats are upholstered in grey pinstriped fabric as per the original build specification, with black vinyl side bolsters and backings. The driver’s seat has recently had a brand new genuine Porsche foam base fitted by a professional coachtrimmer, so the seats are very firm and comfortable, and are in superb order, with only the slightest wear marks on the driver’s side bolster. The rest of the trim is also in great shape, with no damage or defects to the dashboard, headlining, rear luggage cover, or the boot lining.

Elsewhere, the floor and lower door cards are overlaid with cream carpeting, which is presented in excellent condition – and virtually as-new under the floor mats. The car’s black dashboard is also free of any cracks or sun damage, and the gear knob and leather gaiter have been replaced with new, genuine Porsche items. This 944 Turbo also features a factory-fitted removable sunroof, bringing fresh air into the cabin during warm-weather drives. The Pioneer radio cassette deck appears to be the original period-correct stereo.

The seller notes that all of the car’s buttons, switches and electrical items function as they should. The original LCD clock, often prone to failure in older cars, has been treated to a new high-temperature LCD foil, and looks as good as new. The speakers have also been replaced with high-quality Alpine units, which enhance the stereo’s sound without requiring the original speaker grills to be replaced.

Its last routine maintenance was carried out by the seller in November 2019, consisting of an oil and filter change, replacement of the spark plugs and the fitment of a new battery. Prior to this the seller also carried out a service in 2016 when a number of fresh items were fitted, including OEM Porsche engine mounts, a Dansk exhaust system, front ball joints, a new rear fuel pipe, brake lines and pipes, plus new rear Boge shock absorbers and a replacement cam belt.

The original service book presents a good record of the maintenance from new, with the first 10 services carried out by Porsche main dealers, and the next seven in the book by independent Porsche specialists. Its last MOT test was carried out on 29 October 2019 at 112,624 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories.

The car is accompanied by all of the originally supplied handbooks and the stamped maintenance record, as well as a vast history file containing lots of receipts and invoice for previous work, as well as 28 MOT certificates that document the mileage from new. The two original keys are still present, along with tools and the spare wheel. Furthermore, it will remain on its cherished registration of ‘C944 DNA’ for the next owner.

No longer in the shadow of its stablemates, the Porsche 944 Turbo combines smart styling and exciting performance with surprising levels of practicality. An original and well-maintained exampled with an extensive service history, this particular car is also in excellent mechanical condition and is ready to enjoy on the open road.

Summary of service history:

• 9 Jan 1986 – 703 miles
• 10 Mar 1986 – 2,850 miles
• 14 Jul 1986 – 6,532 miles
• 26 Oct 1988 – 16,447 miles
• 8 May 1989 – 17,209 miles
• 27 Mar 1990 – ~21,000 miles
• 14 May 1991 – 27,990 miles
• 20 Jan 1992 – 34,274 miles
• 21 Jan 1993 – 40,691 miles
• 9 May 1994 – 50,555 miles
• 10 Dec 1994 – 56,155 miles
• 11 Aug 1995 – 59,549 miles
• 9 May 2009 – 74,596 miles
• 1 Mar 2010 - ~85,000 miles
• 29 Jul 2010 - ~88,000 miles
• 13 May 2011 – 100,715 miles
• 28 Jun 2012 – 104,860 miles
• 2016 – ~112,530 miles
• Nov 2019 – ~112,620 miles

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.