The Porsche 944 – A Classic on the Edge
Posted on 03. Jul, 2009 by PB in Boxster
If you were a fan of the 1980’s television show Miami Vice, you saw the Porsche 944 featured over and over. It was an iconic image of style, power and wealth. It has returned with a vengeance and now is considered an emerging classic and retro.
The Porsche 944 was designed and built following the usual Porsche formula of state of the art engineering mixed with unabashed luxury. This formula has worked well for Porsche and seems to be one that they will thankfully never change.
The difference is that now you can purchase a Porsche 944 for much less than ever before. It’s possible to get a Porsche 944 at rock bottom prices because their status as a retro classic hasn’t yet been solidified. When that happens, I reckon the value of the 944 is going rise. Looking at the second hand prices, you could buy one right now, then sell it in a year for at least the same money. At a time where second hand prices are dropping like crazy this is definitely food for thought.
If you have ever wanted to own a Porsche, or are a collector of vintage Porsche cars, you are going to want to pick one of these up as soon as possible. If you want the best deal, try and get one that needs a bit of bodywork completed on it. You can easily and inexpensively have minor work done to restore your new 944 to its original pristine beauty. For bodywork you will want to be sure that you stick to the original paint colors and even formula if you want the car to be considered a true classic. Of course if you aren’t worried about that, have a blast doing it your way! Low mileage, and owners club registered are always great plus points. The scarcer models will also be more likely to increase in value.
The total production of the Porsche 944, including all styles, was under 160,000. That makes it a rare car from the outset. Remove from that all of those used and destroyed in movies, television series and out in the real world population, and you have a rare car indeed.
The Porsche 944 was originally intended to be produced into the 1990’s. Because of production and design changes there was a dramatic difference between the 944 and the car that followed it, the Porsche 968. As a result, the Porsche 944 ceased production in 1991.
There were several versions of the 944 produced and all are on the verge of greatly increasing in value. The coupe should increase in value faster than the convertible. Such is the nature of convertibles.
The best deal you are going to get on a Porsche 944 is right now. Buying an older Porsche and watching the value of the automobile increase is quite fulfilling. You should give it a try!
| Manufacturer | Porsche |
|---|---|
| Production | 1982–1991 |
| Assembly | Stuttgart, Germany |
| Predecessor | Porsche 924 |
| Successor | Porsche 968 |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style(s) | 2-door coupe 2-door convertible |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine(s) | 2.5 L I4 2.7 L I4 3.0 L I4 |
| Transmission(s) | 3-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 94.5 in (2400 mm) |
| Length | 1986-88: 170.0 in (4318 mm) Turbo: 168.8 in (4288 mm) 1989-1991: 168.9 in (4290 mm) |
| Width | 68.3 in (1735 mm) |
| Height | 50.2 in (1275 mm) |
| Curb weight | pre-85.5: 1180 kg (2601 lb) 85.5+: 1330 kg (2932 lb) |
Check out this small selection of 944's, then view our full listings.
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1989 PORSCHE 944 BLACK no reserve | 8 Bids | £770.00 | 8h 46m |
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1989 PORSCHE 944 S2 COUPE MANUAL S2 FH 22 | £4,995.00 | 8h 47m |
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1990 G Porsche 944 30 S2 16v Cabriolet | £5,995.00 | 9h 17m |
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1987 PORSCHE 944 TURBO |  |
3 Bids | £2,700.00 | 9h 35m |
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1991 Porsche 944 S2 BALTIC BLUE | £4,995.00 | 9h 46m |
5 Responses to “The Porsche 944 – A Classic on the Edge”
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Jon
15. Aug, 2009
The 944 is a truly underrated sports car in almost every sense of the word.
Having owned a 1986 944 and now a 1989 944 Turbo S, I can say first-hand that if you are looking for a car that can perform with some of the best modern sports cars, then the 944 series (especially the Turbo models) are worth considering.
I know of few cars from the 1980s that can consistently embarrass the best engineering efforts of modern sports car makers. The 944 Turbo is certainly one of those cars.
PB
15. Aug, 2009
Spot on Jon – the 944 is a classic. I think the looks are really coming into their own as well. It looks very modern for being around 25 years old.
I was looking online recently and couldn’t believe some of the prices good, clean models were going for, and as you said, the Turbos are very much able to keep up with most cars 25 years younger!
Was checking out your Flikr stream there (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28755573@N06/) – very nice, you have the Turbo S in my favorite color as well
Looks like a fantastic example.
mark
21. Aug, 2009
I recently paid £4200 for a very well kept 1990 944 S2, top of the market price for a lovely car. I use it as everyday transport and can say it’s a pleasure to run and in comparison with other so called sports cars is even frugal when it comes to the pump. Build quality is exceptional even over engineered in some areas.
I love the way that after a week away from it I can come back and once again be blown away with the way it corners, most cars I have driven after a while just become routine, even after a little time away from them.
It doesn’t drive like a modern car tho and requires some application to get the best from the controls which by modern standards are very heavy.
I have found though that with a little concentration even my S2 with ONLY 211 hp can be a very quick point to point machine on the twisties leaving modern hot hatches searching for grip and balance.
You can really spend some time enjoying the B roads too as with the standard wheels even premium tyres are cheap in comparison to the now seeming ly standard 18” wheels.
I really hope the prices do start to climb, it would help preserve the best of these cars, some of which I think will begin to fall into disrepair just because the buy em cheap brigade will not be able to justify things like £1k ish clutch replacement bills for a car they bought so cheaply.
Max
03. Sep, 2009
The front engine Porsches really are the most practical sports cars they ever built. True sports car performance that really can be used every day. Can you think of any other Porsche coupe where you can fit a couple of cases into the boot, some golf clubs and all of the wifes’ shoes for a weekend away?
PB
03. Sep, 2009