951 Deal of the Year: 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo
The Porsche 944 was first released in 1982 riding on an upgrade Porsche 924 platform, but the car really didn’t come into its own until the 1985 release of the Turbo (aka 951) spec. It transformed the lithe corner carver into something that could run toe-to-toe with a contemporary 911, at least the naturally aspirated version. Finding a nice 944 Turbo for cheap isn’t something you see often, but today’s example looks like a deal. Find this 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo offered for $5,000 in Cincinnati, OH via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.
The Porsche 944 Turbo was powered by a 2.5 liter version of the basic
944 engine that has been turbocharged and intercooled to produce 217
horsepower (up from 143 hp) and 243 ft-lbs of torque. The turbo also added a revised
front fascia, bigger brakes all around, stiffer suspension and a
strengthened gearbox. It was really something special for the time and in time the 951 will be collectible.
See a better turbocharged 80s classic for about $5k? Probably not. But if you do, send us a link: tips@dailyturismo.com
The problem with these is that when they go wrong, they cost big money to fix. A clutch job on one of these takes 24 hours book labor, and last I checked the clutch kit is around 800 bucks. An LS swap makes a case for itself just in simple economics. I got one of these with a spun bearing nearly free. Then I discovered why the PO was so eager to trade. 2 years later, it's still sitting without much having been done to it. One of these days I'll get around to fixing it via LS3.
This sure looks like a nice one. Not the typical CL ad / seller. The story is interesting as well. Wish I was closer to this one to see if it's for real. I've always liked these even with the mentioned possible issues and expenses
And when the repair cost is almost that of an LS swap you'll have the platform you already know your way around a bit.
And when the repair cost is almost that of an LS swap you'll have the platform you already know your way around a bit.
This sure looks like a nice one. Not the typical CL ad / seller. The story is interesting as well. Wish I was closer to this one to see if it's for real. I've always liked these even with the mentioned possible issues and expenses
The owner seems aware of the current market for a good 951. So something doesn't add up. Makes me think there's more to the story on his low price than just his "I got a deal so you get a deal", "pay it forward" type of charity. Why would he leave a few grand on the table here? That's money he should be banking for the next time his '88 Carrera breaks.
This is odd…
The listing above disappeared.
But this one is currently live (and is different):
cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/5238006503.html
Something seems odd about the way the wheels sit in so deep in the fenders on that second car. Given the details/condition on this one, the price seems reasonable. More of what I would expect vs. the original listing above which seems too cheap.
Deep wheels: Koni adjustable shocks can do that.