Name another 30-year-old car that can still run with the big dogs both on the street and on the track like this 1987 Porsche 944 Turbo. Few cars represent bigger bang for the buck, and this lightly modified Turbo still commands respect wherever it goes, never mind the fact that it's also a blast to drive. Maybe some 911 guys look down at the front-engined, water-cooled 944, but one drive will convince anyone that this is... a serious driver's car. The glossy black bodywork is low key but still looks fantastic, a testament to Porsche's quality and the care it has received for the past few decades. There's no evidence that it was ever raced or abused, and unlike many of its siblings, it hasn't been chopped and gutted to make a track day special. The Turbo's special front fascia carries large fog lamps and extra cooling ducts, but no scuffs or cracks from steep driveways. Fit and finish are typically Porsche excellent and even the black rubber trim like the rear spoiler and weather stripping is smooth and supple. There are a few signs of use, but you need to look pretty hard to find demerits on this car. Check out the overall condition then look at the price and be prepared to be impressed. The tan leather interior is as pure a driving environment as you'll find. Designed by the same guys who win at Lemans, it avoids the quirks of the 911 and delivers all the gear you need to get the most out of the hardware. Supportive leather buckets are grippy but all-day comfortable, and the textured surface is holding up pretty well, although they do show the usual signs of use and age. Clear analog gauges put function over style and the 5-speed shifter is the best one this side of a Mazda Miata's joystick. Just about everything was standard (this IS a Porsche, after all) including A/C, power windows and locks, and cruise control. The original 80s vintage stereo has been replaced by a great-sounding JVC AM/FM/CD head unit and there's a color-matched steering wheel cover, but otherwise it's as the factory built it. The 944 is also practical, with a large hatch area and two rear seats that are useful in a pinch. The 944's turbocharged inline-four cranked out a robust 217 horsepower from just 2.5 liters. Canted over at an angle for a lower center of gravity, it makes big torque at low speeds, yet its light weight means that the car has almost ideal 50/50 weight distribution. It's mostly stock save for a custom tune that generates a bit more boost than stock (20 psi), and given Porsche's impressive durability it should continue to run for years and years. The 5-speed manual transmission has its own oil cooler for track use, and the fully independent suspension is race-bred yet supple and everyone knows Porsche's binders are legendary. Long-term maintenance means that it's turn-key ready, and the impressively clean undercarriage is more proof that this car has led an easy life as a fair-weather toy. Wheels are custom BBS alloys with black centers, which is still a fantastic look on a car like this, and they carry staggered 205/55/16 front and 245/50/16 rear performance radials. Go ahead, give this one a try. At 32 years old, it's still impressive on the road and it should be no surprise that these are still incredibly popular track day toys. This one is so clean and well-maintained, there's still a lot of fun awaiting its new owner. Call today!
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