Before SUVs bore the Porsche badge and water cooling became standard, there was a front-engine coupé that proved Porsche could produce more than just 911s. However, the 944 Turbo did not come out of nowhere; it had a older sibling the 924 that taught it the basics of being different.
By the time Porsche released the 944 Turbo in 1985, it had certainly learned a thing or two, boasting sharper styling, flared arches and a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine capable of delivering impressive performance figures. It produced around 220 hp (later 250 hp in the Turbo S), which doesn't sound impressive today, but back then it was enough to make Ferrari drivers nervous.
Fun fact: the 944 Turbo once outperformed the Ferrari 328 and the Corvette C4 in road tests. And yes, it did so with pop-up headlights. That's how you win with style!
It wasn't just the speed that made it special, it was the balance. With near-perfect weight distribution, pop-up headlights and a cockpit that resembled an '80s fighter jet, it became a favourite among drivers who actually drove their cars.
And here’s the kicker: the 944 Turbo wasn’t an unusual Porsche. It was a smart Porsche. It was reasonably affordable and reliable, and handled like a dream. It was the perfect choice for enthusiasts who wanted performance without the rear-engine learning curve.
Nowadays, it has become a cult classic. This is not just because of its balanced driving dynamics, but also because of the “wait, this is a Porsche?” factor at car meets. Enthusiasts love its underdog charm, not to mention the fact that it's slightly easier on the wallet to maintain than its pricier siblings.
So, if you've got one of these gems sitting pretty in your garage - or looking a little dusty - it might be time to pass the torch.
Thinking of selling yours?
List it for free on Breaqs. Chances are, someone out there is dreaming of the turbocharged '80s icon that you already own.
