All Photos: Rad For Sale / Lane Skelton
Porsche’s 944 Turbo is an icon of sports car performance for an entire generation of enthusiasts. While the 911 may have captured the headlines and secured its place in Porsche history, the 944 was the best selling Porsche of all time when it was new, and the 944 Turbo delivered levels of performance that couldn’t be matched by even the best street 911s. 1986 was a watershed moment for water-cooled Porsche performance because this transaxle platform — which launched a decade earlier with the first 924s — was developed into a world-beater. With 220 horsepower and a 0-60 time in just 6 seconds, the 944 Turbo was as quick as a Carrera in a straight line but offered better balance for cornering supremacy. There is an old saying that Porsche’s marketing department drove 911s in the eighties, while Porsche’s engineering department drove 944s. Never bet against a German engineer.
I happen to have a white 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo in my stable, but it’s in much worse condition than this gorgeous example. This beautiful driver-grade machine has been meticulously cared for in the last few years with the seller, and it’s ready for all the action you could throw at it. Up for bidding right now on Rad For Sale, this 944 displays 115,200 miles and tons of recent maintenance. The car has tons of recent receipts, too, documenting brand-new steering rack, control arms, fuel pressure damper, and clutch hydraulics.
This particular Turbo has enjoyed several 1000+ mile enthusiast rallies in recent years, and there’s no reason to believe the same could not be completed under your ownership. These cars are incredibly approachable and easy to drive incredibly quickly. Boost builds progressively and the chassis is compliant and easy to balance through corners. Unlike a 911 Turbo, which takes a deft hand and lots of practice to drive quickly, you can step onboard a 944 Turbo and be running at full tilt in complete comfort in no time at all.
These cars are appreciating rapidly, and this is your chance to get a nice known quantity car for years of weekend enjoyment. So head over to Rad For Sale and place your bid today, because you won’t find a car like this every day. Not only is it gorgeous, and well taken care of, but it’s a truly fun car for any Porsche enthusiast. If I didn’t already have one, I’d be bidding on it myself.
Here’s the full listing from Rad For Sale.
Here at RAD For Sale, we’re big fans of the 944 Turbo. And it’s not just because they’re great handling, underrated German sports cars. Maybe it’s the pop-up headlights. Maybe it’s the turbo. Maybe it’s the Martini stripes. Either way- 944’s are still approachable Porsche’s and very much Royalty worthy, especially this well loved example.
This 944 Turbo was purchased new in Michigan and remained there before being transferred to California, and it’s third and current owner, in 2018. This 951 Porsche is a very good “driver” example car and the operational odometer now shows 115,200 miles.
Cosmetically it presents nicely with good shut gaps and original glass all around. There are some minor rock chips and other blemishes reported but wear is better than the age and mileage of the car. The Grand Prix White paint appears to have been treated to a high quality respray at some point but no records detailing the paint work are available. While definitely a RAD and iconic Porsche look, the Martini stripes can be removed if desired.
The interior is believed to be all original and presents well with only minor wear. There is a small hole in the driver’s seat bolster and some cracks in the dash. The A/C has been converted to R134 and blows cold and the heater works well. Cruise control, power mirrors and the electric drivers seat adjustment work but the sunroof function is intermittent. Carpets are all in excellent condition as is the headliner. An aftermarket stereo with Bluetooth phone connection has been installed.
The seller has spared no expense maintaining the vehicle for the past 3 years with over $10k in receipts and recent work includes replacing the steering rack, control arms, fuel pressure damper and clutch hydraulics- just to name a few. Timing belt and water pump service was last completed at 103k miles and the engine bay appears clean, tidy and unmodified. The original spare tire, jack and tool kit are still present as are manuals, some records and original window sticker. A recent California smog certificate is included and CARFAX is light on details but shows no damage or issues reported.
Performance is said to be strong with good turbo boost and the suspension has been upgraded to Koni Sport shocks as well as Porsche M030 specification front and rear sway bars complete with corner balance. Pagid track brake pads are also installed and the 1986-only, staggered 16” Fuchs wheels, finished in white, remain.
This 944 Turbo is set up and well suited for spirited driving and has successfully completed several 1000-mile Driving While Awesome events in the past few years. It has always performed well and it’s now ready for the next adventure and the next owner.
Full disclosure: Rad For Sale is a subsidiary of Radwood, and co-owned by FlatSixes editor Bradley Brownell.