Low Mileage Survivor! 1987 Porsche 944

This story is about the 944, I promise. But first, we have to talk about the 924, because it was important to the later car’s story. The 924 was a front-engined, water-cooled, four-cylinder car, designed to replace the 912 and the 914. But it was never a sensational product. It sold well enough: once Porsche broke the rear-engine, flat-six, air-cooled mold, it also gained new customers. While these folks were not horrified by the breach of tradition, they did know enough to expect performance from Porsche. With the base 924 generating only around 100 hp, improvements were needed. The 924 Turbo and the “S” model helped, but the 944 offered an even better solution. It arrived with an all-new, Porsche-engineered, 2.5-liter alloy four capable of about 140 hp in US trim. Today’s example has clocked only 33,500 miles from new under two owners and retains many of its factory-supplied bits of equipment. The seller acquired it post-auction in a negotiated transaction during 2021. He now wants to “thin out the stable”, making this car available to a prospective third owner. Thanks once again to Mitchell G, who has been working overtime to spot great cars for us to cover here at Barn Finds!

Porsche’s 924 was saddled with a Volkswagen/Audi engine at its introduction; and the gearbox was an Audi-supplied unit reconfigured as a transaxle. Early cars received a disc front/rear drum brake set. None of these items endeared the car to automotive journalists or drivers accustomed to the 911. Fortunately, many of these sins were rectified when the 944 arrived. The Porsche-designed four used an early version of the company’s Motronic EMS. Balance shafts reduced vibration, and the horsepower gain was significant. (This same engine, slightly detuned, was installed in the 924S, but by then the 944 was on the ground, cannibalizing sales of the earlier model.) Suspension and brakes were upgraded, and the nifty almost 50/50 front/rear weight distribution was retained. This car has received a new balance shaft belt, timing belt, water pump, oil pressure sensor, and tires, as well as fresh tune-up items. Enhancing the underhood appearance is brand-new insulation.

Porsche facelifted the 944’s interior in 1985, with a reconfigured dash and door panels, and optional heated seats. Changes in currency values drove some of these improvements, as Porsche needed to move upscale to justify its high selling prices. It couldn’t afford to send cheap cars to America any longer. This car is equipped with air conditioning, which has been converted to R134a but doesn’t blow perfectly cold. The seller notes that the car has new OEM floor mats.

Just about every inch of this car radiates quality and care. Of course, the price needs to be just as agreeable to attract a buyer. This car is advertised on craigslist for $29,500. For a base model 944 (non Turbo), that’s on the high side. If you are tempted, it’s located in Ghent, New York. How would you value this car’s pristine condition, low mileage, and factory accouterments?