1984 Porsche 944

Highlights

• Front-engined classic Porsche

• Porsche script interior

• 2.5-litre, four-cylinder

• Five-speed manual

• Tax and MOT exempt

• Long ownership

• Running and driving example that could benefit from some mechanical TLC

Overview

Produced from 1982 to 1991, the Porsche 944 represented the natural evolution of the 924, a car that laid the foundations for one of the most iconic sports coupés of the 1980s. Retaining the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, the 944 delivered superb handling thanks to its near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, a trait that made it one of the best-balanced cars of its era.

Visually, the 944 carried the spirit of the 924 but turned up the presence. The trademark - and must-have for the ’80s on any sports car - pop-up headlights remained, but the widened arches, flared wings, and sculpted quarter panels gave it a far more muscular and purposeful stance. It was the epitome of 1980s cool and the sort of car that turned heads outside wine bars and along winding country roads alike, combining Porsche precision with unmistakable period style.

This 1985 Porsche 944 comes from seven years of ownership, during which the owner carried out routine maintenance and addressed some minor corrosion issues where necessary, as documented in the paperwork. The 944 is perfect for the enthusiast who enjoys tinkering at the weekend before going out to enjoy what the classic trans-axle Porsche is well known for, its handling, which is excellent and offers a very rewarding driving experience.

History and Documentation

• V5C present and in the vendor’s name

• Registered 25th January 1985

• Four former keepers

• Original owner’s handbook

• Original service book

• Services carried out at the following intervals: Feb 1985 @ 934 miles, Apr 1985 @ 8,137 miles, Jul 1985 @ 8,226 miles, Mar 1988 @ 35,961 miles, Jun 2016 @ 57,939 miles (timing belt replaced), Feb 2019 @ 62,483 miles, Oct 2024 @ 68,086 miles, 

• Over £2,700 spent in Oct 2024

• Some additional invoices included show further servicing work

• Two keys present; please note the fuel cap lock does not work

• HPI clear

Interior

• Black Porsche script seats

• Seats have been replaced at some point with the desirable Porsche script fabric, which is in good condition at the front and rear

• Both door cards are in good condition, with just a few minor scuff marks on the driver’s side panel

• As is typical on early 944s, the dashboard has unfortunately split in a couple of places

• Original four-spoke steering wheel in good condition

• Yellow-needled instruments

• Odometer reads 68,351 miles

• The rev-counter and temperature gauge do not work; the issues have not been investigated

• Electric window motors work, but the switches are a little temperamental (common for this age of 944)

• The electric aerial has stopped working

• The rest of the switchgear shows a small amount of patina on the lettering

• Some age-related wear to the leather gear knob

• Aftermarket Sony CD head unit installed

• Black headlining in good condition

• Cream carpets are generally in good order with minimal signs of wear

• Pull-out roller shelf in good condition

• Spare wheel and jack present

• Original factory sticker on the back panel

Exterior

• Finished in classic Guards Red

• Some panels have been repainted over the years by a previous keeper

• Panel gaps around doors and bonnet appear equal

• A couple of minor age-related dings and scratches

• Small areas of corrosion were noted at the bottom of the wings

• Light lenses in good condition, with no splits or cracks

• A couple of cracks around the indicator surrounds

• Removable sunroof in excellent condition

• Windows in good order, with only minor age-related marks

• Window rubbers are in good condition with no significant signs of perishing

• Porsche ‘Cookie Cutter’ alloy wheels finished in black and silver

• Minor kerb marks on wheels, easily refurbished

• Pirelli P6000 tyres fitted all round with good tread remaining

• Underside shows some corrosion on the floor, but with treatment, this could be prevented from worsening

Mechanical

• The seller reports an intermittent misfire that he has been unable to resolve; this would need attention from the buyer

• 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine

• Approximately 150 bhp and 142 lb-ft of torque

• 0–60 mph in around 8 seconds

• The engine starts without hesitation

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Trans-axle Porsche delivers excellent handling thanks to its 50/50 weight distribution

• Suspension reported free of knocks or bangs

• Service carried out at 68,086 miles where the brakes were also overhauled

Summary

It’s a 1985 Porsche 944 in Guards Red, with just four former keepers. Black Porsche script seats, cream carpets, and ‘Cookie Cutter’ alloys. Powered by a 2.5-litre 150 bhp engine with a five-speed manual, serviced at 68,086 miles with brakes overhauled. Original service book and handbook included. Some age-related wear, minor corrosion, and an intermittent misfire make it ideal for a winter’s evening tinkering in the garage.

Mechanically sound, the classic trans-axle Porsche has been well preserved. With a recent service, it is ready to go, providing an excellent driving experience in an affordable classic Porsche

To arrange a viewing, click the ‘Book Viewing’ button located under the ‘Place Bid’ button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to ‘Contact Seller’ for further enquiries. This seller is located in Bristol.