Lot 204: 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo Coupé

Introduced in 1985, the turbocharged version of the Porsche 944 represented a welcome improvement to an already much admired model. The 944 was the third of Porsche’s family of front-engined sports cars and had been launched in normally aspirated form in 1981; it was closely related to the first of the line - the 924 – and constructed along similar lines. Beneath the bodywork (50mm wider than the 924's) was a 2.5-litre, 163bhp overhead-camshaft 'four' - in effect half of the 928's V8 bored out - fitted with twin balancer shafts. The rear transaxle - a five-speed unit this time - was retained, while the 924-type running gear was suitably up-rated to cope with the 944's superior performance.
In appearance the Turbo did not look that different from the original 944, Porsche limiting the styling revisions to a new front end and flush-fitting windscreen, changes which, together with a rear under-tray, brought about improved aerodynamics. The engine was strengthened to cope with the extra power generated by the KKK turbocharger and produced 220bhp – some 35% more than the un-blown unit – which was good enough for a top speed of over 150mph, matching the performance of the 3.2-litre 911 Carrera. Appropriate upgrades were made to the gearbox, differential, suspension, wheels and brakes, while power-assisted steering and the 928-type instrumentation were standardised. 944 Turbo production ceased in 1991, by which time around 51,000 had been made.
Finished in red with black leather interior, this original, right-hand drive example has enjoyed only four owner’s from new - two of them ladies - and for the past 12 years has been driven by the vendor’s wife. Regularly maintained and presented in good condition throughout, it benefits from a recent major service that included a change of cam belt and new tyres (invoice available). The vehicle is freshly MoT’d, taxed for six months and comes with Swansea V5 registration document.