Garage Find: 1984 Porsche 944
There was once a time when Porsche contemplated the unthinkable. It began developing a range of front-engined models, planning to retire its iconic rear-engined 911 model. Buyer reception for the new offerings was generally positive, but the backlash that ensued when plans for the 911’s demise surfaced provided a stay of execution. This 1984 Porsche 944 is a tired garage find that desperately needs love, although many will view it as beyond the point of no return. However, if the bidding remains modest, it could represent an excellent source of original parts for another build. The seller has listed the 944 here on eBay in Savannah, Georgia. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $640, although the interest has been relatively high.
The history of this Porsche is unclear, but it appears it may have been years since this Light Bronze beauty last saw active duty. It carries a heavy dust coating, but not heavy enough to confirm that the paint is tired and baked. Any respectable restoration will probably entail stripping the panels to bare metal. The new owner could complete the task in a home workshop, and although it will be labor intensive, it should prove inexpensive. The panels are pretty straight, with only the occasional bump or bruise. However, there is no evidence or mention of rust, which is a crucial point. Returning the paint to a high standard is not difficult, but quality rust repairs aren’t as straightforward. The plastic and glass seem okay, and the car features a factory sunroof. It rolls on Fuchs wheels that are dirty. That isn’t the end of the world, because they look restorable. As the seller rightly points out, the value of those items alone could make this classic worth closer consideration as a potential donor.
Porsche envisaged the 944 as its mid-range offering once the 911 was placed out to pasture, with the 924 as the entry-level model and the 928 as its premium badge. All used different engines, with the 944 receiving a 2.5-liter DOHC four producing 143hp and 137 ft/lbs of torque. To improve weight distribution, the power was fed to a rear-mounted five-speed manual transaxle. The 944 was more an open-road cruiser than a drag strip contender, with the factory quoting a top speed of 130mph. There are few places beyond the German Autobahns where it is legal to travel that fast, but these classics will cruise comfortably all day at 70mph. The seller is unsure when this Porsche last fired a shot in anger, although the 2016 date code on the battery may provide a clue. It doesn’t run, but the engine turns freely. Coaxing it back to life might be possible, but budgeting for a rebuild might be wise if restoration is the goal.
There’s no gentle way to say this; The 944’s interior is toast. Nearly four decades have passed since this car rolled off the showroom floor, with time and UV rays exacting a high toll on the plastic and upholstery. A complete retrim would seem the only solution, and this won’t be cheap. A brief online search unearthed a complete carpet set for $820, with a full set of seatcovers adding $835. Even a casual glance at the supplied photos confirms that the new owner must add door trims, a center armrest, a dash pad, and many small parts to the shopping list. However, as a donor, there are plenty of parts that someone could transfer from this car to another 944.
I would like to think that somebody will grab this 1984 Porsche 944 and return it to its former glory. I find these cars the most attractive produced by this manufacturer, with the bulging fenders adding a sense of purpose that is missing from the 924 and 928. The sticking point with this car is its potential value. The market is flooded with tidy examples for under $15,000, while $20,000 will secure an enthusiast an absolute gem from this model year. Unless someone already has the components squirreled away awaiting a potential project candidate, I believe the fate of this Porsche will be as a parts car. Do you agree?
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Comments
As a parts car I would say the complete body is a part in itself. These cars had the dipped galvanized bodies that are pretty much rust proof. If you have a wreck with a good power train then this car is worth something to you. I agree that it’s too expensive to restore in this condition. Too bad. These are fun to drive.
gut the whole thing and do an LS swap.. it would make a cool drag car
Guy on Street Outlaws did that with a ’72 240 Z. Very fast.
And the 240Z builder died in a crash with it in filming of the series near Las Vegas.
No matter what your gender identity is, drag or straight, lots of dads had this car because it offered more convenience with the hatch and kiddie back seat . Those kids remember that, and will want it running like the great car it was, not to hope some boys will want to fawn over a V8 swap. Chicks not interested in big motor swaps, so why go there? The mechanicals are actually fantastic in working condition on the 944. It’s a legitimate rally car. I have seen the rear hatch made of metal in same shape at a rally with a small glass window. The big rear glass always hurt the 924 & 944, not the running gear and suspension. Compared to 928, these are actually more practical to drive just focusing on suspension and drivetrain. Once that’s done, driving it will give ideas what to do next. 30mpg highway cruiser with Porsche prestige is always going to be a niche.
That car had a lot of mold on the interior they cleaned up almost $7k and still hasn’t hit the reserve Would be fun just to get it running and driving again
I like it . Pull the motor and trans . Drop in a 355 small block or a 6.2 and a six speed out a wrecked vette . Pull the seats and replace with a late model set . Clean the exterior and put a wrap on it . You’re not stuck with a Chevy motor . There’s plenty of wrecked hellcats out there .
Stuffing a rear transaxle, drive tube, and axels that could handle a LS or Hellcat V8 would be a very costly undertaking.
Cheaper route would be upgrading rods and pistons, basic turbo, creating a 944 Turbo clone-ish car. The engine is based on the 928, so whatever aftermarket for it would also be your piston and rod source.
I think the regular 944 is now the low man on the totem pole along with the 924. I think you can do just about anything to it and nobody will care.
The mechanicals are actually fantastic in working condition on the 944. It’s a legitimate rally car. I have seen the rear hatch made of metal in same shape at a rally with a small glass window. The big rear glass always hurt the 924 & 944, not the running gear and suspension. Compared to 928, these are actually more practical to drive just focusing on suspension and drivetrain. Once that’s done, driving it will give ideas what to do next. 30mpg highway cruiser with Porsche prestige is always going to be a niche.
This car as original is an excellent blend of performance and economy. Well balanced and aerodynamic. I see comments fawning over old American muscle car V8 tubs of rust and rodents, yet this is always going to have actual legitimacy at any Porsche club meet returned to the road. Drove one of these for a week when it had about 60k miles. The clutch linkage was out of adjustment but could finagle it. The handling and balance of power and feel on the road really stood out. I never liked all that glass in back. That could easily turn into a metal panel with minimal glass strip, rear camera and dash monitor screen. Have an old rusty Alfa GTV last gen I am thinking that’s the solution. 1 hour in Texas sun any large horizontal glass is a problem.
I always wanted to learn how to race cars on road track. I like light weight cars but I am 6’4′ tall and do not fit in most sports cars. German cars are made for tall people.
I bought an 85 model for $500 in very similar condition. Spent about $7000 updating the suspension to race spec, heathers, modern mas, chip. Removed 600 lbs of un needed interior, heater AC, trim. Carpet, sound deadening material. Added roll bar and race seats.
Best handling track car I have ever driven. Perfect square setup with 50 50 balance.
If you’re looking for a car to LS swap or better drop in a 1.8T think again. Look for a turbo model in the same condition. The non turbo model just does not have enough strength in the spindles, brakes or transmission to handle that much power.
For me, learning to race, she is perfect for learning the racing line, heal toe, and Apex. All at a much lower cost than all of the cars I pass.
Like the way you think Mike. Engine swap OK but you have to remember the transmission is in the rear and it requires a ton of metal work to get a front one mounted into it. The ’85s on had bigger engines with a turbo option available.
The DOHC 944S didn’t debut until 1987.
This 1984 has a SOHC 8 valve engine, the 143 hp is correct.
Those who have never driven one of these have no idea how wonderfully balanced and fun they are bone stock. Nuff said.
This one looks like a good body to put a good interior and drivetrain into.
Screw an engine swap. Buy a muscle car if you want to drag race or go drifting.
I’m with Geoff C.,these are pretty pokey off the line, but through corners and curves not much can keep up.
Decently reliable when looked after and like any other Porsche, designed to be driven like you stole it!
I could be wrong, but the sand on the wheels?….in coastal Savannah, GA? Has it been in a flood?