The Porsche 944 Turbo, known internally as the 951, arrived in 1986 and transformed the 944 platform into a genuine performance car. Its 2.5-liter inline-4 engine used a KKK turbocharger to produce 217 horsepower, a major jump from the naturally aspirated car. Combined with its rear-mounted transaxle that provided near 50/50 weight distribution, the 944 Turbo had the handling and speed to rival more expensive sports cars of the era.
Collectors appreciate the 944 Turbo for its blend of 1980s design, analog driving feel, and surprising practicality. The later Turbo S models, introduced in 1988 with 247 horsepower, are particularly sought after and became the standard configuration from 1989 onwards. The market has seen steady growth as enthusiasts priced out of air-cooled 911s discover the performance and value of Porsche's front-engine cars.
The current market is well-established, with an average price around $26,000 reflecting the cost of good, driver-quality cars. The wide sales range, from project cars under $6,000 to pristine examples exceeding $135,000, shows a strong demand for originality, low mileage, and extensive service histories. Cars with desirable options like the M030 sport suspension consistently command higher prices.
Buying Tips
- Insist on detailed service records. The timing belt, balance shaft belt, and water pump must be replaced every 3-5 years or 30,000-45,000 miles, and it's an expensive job.
- Check the clutch. It's a costly item to replace due to the transaxle layout. Feel for slipping under load or an unusually heavy pedal.
- Look for smoke from the exhaust. Blue smoke on startup or acceleration can indicate worn turbo seals or valve guides. Check for oil leaks around the turbo and its feed lines.
- Test all electronics. Power windows, sunroof, mirrors, and the digital dash clock are common failure points that can be tedious to fix.
- Inspect for rust and leaks. Check under the battery tray, around the rear hatch seal, and in the rocker panels, although the galvanized bodies hold up well.
Based on 434 recent sales, prices for the Porsche 944 Turbo range from $5,500 for project cars to $135,944 for pristine, low-mileage examples.
1,245 Porsche 944 Turbo vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 139 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
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