1989 PORSCHE 944 TURBO M030 – 7,500 MILES

Surely one of the lowest mileage and most original examples on the market, this 1989 Porsche 944 Turbo was ordered new by the royal family of Brunei, and presents in exceptional condition today. It is powered by the 250hp 2.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, coupled to a five-speed manual transaxle. The odometer now shows just 7,552 miles from new.

Understood to have been delivered to Brunei in late 1988, this 944 Turbo was specified in metallic Velvet Red paired with an interior of black leatherette and Porsche script cloth. The same desirable features of the previous year’s ‘Turbo S’ were also fitted, including the M030 ‘Club Sport’ package, featuring stiffer suspension and uprated brakes, and the M220 limited-slip differential. Not only this, but it is a non-sunroof car, which further enhances its rarity.

The performance of these later 944 Turbo models remains impressive even by modern standards – 0-60mph in around 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 162mph. Further options specified on this car include the upgraded Hi-Fi system, automatic air-conditioning, ABS, and headlight washers and adjusters.

Paperwork in the history file shows the car was exported from Brunei in late 2017, after which it was shipped to the UK and re-registered in early 2018. It was acquired by the current owner two years ago, and since then it was been given a mechanical overhaul, and significant cosmetic attention.

Most notably, the car has recently been treated to a full glass-out respray in its original colour of metallic Velvet Red. Despite the car’s low mileage, it is very common for vehicles that have spent time in the tropical climate of Borneo to require this kind of refurbishment. During this work, the body panels were found to be in superb condition, and today the paintwork is deep and glossy, with the period-perfect ‘Turbo’ script emblazoned on the offside front wing.

Shut lines and panel gaps appear to be crisp and even, as one would expect from such an original example, and all of the light lenses and body trims are in great shape. The lightweight ‘Club Sport’ style forged alloy wheels present very well, with only very minor imperfections, and do not appear to have ever been refurbished.

Moving inside, the interior is original and in great condition. There is a small nick and some wear on the driver’s seat bolster – clearly shown in the photo gallery – but otherwise the upholstery appears to be unmarked. The factory-fitted Blaupunkt Toronto SQR 46 radio is still present, along with the remarkably rare Blaupunkt equalizer amplifier – though the latter is not currently working correctly. The seller also reports that the air-conditioning will require re-gassing should the next owner wish to use it.

New tailored mats have been fitted in the cabin, and the luggage cover has also been replaced. The boot lining is in excellent condition, and housed in the load bay is the original tool roll, space-saver spare wheel, jack, and air compressor.

Its last scheduled maintenance was carried out by specialist Hexagon Classics in late 2017, which comprised a major service, along with new spark plugs, replacement of the cambelt and water pump, and renewal of the brake fluid. During the seller’s ownership, the car has also received a new fuel tank filter, new thermostat, and replacement of all vacuum pipes and steering rack seals. The seller reports that the clutch pedal is slightly high, but says that it bites well, and notes that overall the car drives superbly on the road.

The most recent MOT test was on 6 February 2020 at 7,515 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. The wheels are fitted with Bridgestone S02 tyres, which have around 6mm of tread at the front and 5.5mm at the rear. Its front tyres are understood to have been fitted in 2011, while the rear tyres were new in 2016.

Accompanying the car is the original book wallet, housing the driver’s manual, guarantee and maintenance record, stereo manual, service directory, and a period brochure and price list. The history file also contains paperwork from Brunei customs and excise for the export process in 2017.

This is a very special example of the 944 Turbo, which boasts intriguing provenance, not to mention a superb factory specification. These transaxle Porsches have undoubtedly experienced a fresh surge in popularity in recent years, and this is certainly a collector-quality motor car. This represents a very rare opportunity to acquire a late model right-hand-drive 944 Turbo in genuinely remarkable condition.