Back in the day, Porsche always had an entry level car to get people into the family at an affordable price. Someone might really want a 911, but could only afford something at a lower price. It didn’t give them their “dream car,” however it allowed them to still own a Porsche. I don’t know what happened, but Porsche seems to have abandoned this strategy and have moved in an almost Ferrari market strategy where all their cars are quite expensive.
This is sad as some of those affordable cars like the original Boxster, the 914, 912, and 924/944 cars were not only fun to drive but were incredibly well built. They were a great entry point for many to the brand.
A case in point for this is our Pick of the Day, this 1987 Porsche 944S featured on ClassicCars.com.
The 944S was the second step of affordable Porsche cars in the 1980s. It was the standard 944 car, however, instead of the usual 147 hp 2.5-liter inline-4 under the hood, it added a twin cam cylinder head which translated to an increase to 187 hp, giving the already great chassis more power to work with boosting 0-60 performance and top speed.
This example is one of those improved cars, and I think it’s a sweet spot for the entire 944 series.
The seller describes this 944S as in excellent condition. they state that the odometer stopped working Feb. 1, 2022, at 84,970 miles, a common issue with these cars but one that is easily rectified. They go on to say that they have put another 1,500-2,000 miles on it.
This example is equipped with a sunroof, leather interior in remarkable condition, no dash cracks (another common 944 issue), and a replacement Pioneer receiver with the original radio still available.
They go on to say that the original burgundy paint is in excellent condition, with only a couple of very small touch-up places, and no dings. They also state that they are just starting to see some delamination in the windshield and rear window (another common issue).
What I like most about this 944S is the service history. The owner states in May 2021 this car received a new timing belt, water pump, valve cover gasket, tires, battery, oil sender, oil pressure relief valve converted to R134, and plugs wires. In March 2022 the car received new motor mounts, AC condenser, and auxiliary belt tensioner.
This is, in my opinion, a 944 to buy. I say this as many of these cars have been run into the ground, but this one looks to be an excellent example.
A few years ago I drove a low mileage 944 from Connecticut to Monterey Car Week with my best friend, Trent, and experienced no issues with the car whatsoever. The car was extremely fun to drive, fast enough for some high speed fun, and was considerably more comfortable than any 911 I have ever owned. If you have wanted to own a classic Porsche this 944 is a great way to start. With a price of only $21,500, it is a great deal on a very nice Porsche GT car. Sure, you can get a Boxster or a 914, but these classic Porsche transaxle cars are truly something special that the company is never likely to build again. Remember what Joel Goodson said in Risky Business, “Porsche: there’s no substitute.”
Click here to view the listing for this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com.
Source: www.classiccars.com