Registration: F87 EMR
Chassis: WP0ZZZ94ZJN421372
Odometer: 189,697
Transmission: Manual
MOT: February 2027
- Major body restoration and repainting completed
- Original Porsche Club Sport steering wheel
- Huge accompanying history file
Few sports cars better represent Porsche’s wonderfully balanced transaxle era than the 944. Combining near-perfect weight distribution, timeless 1980s styling and genuine everyday usability, the 944 has become one of the marque’s most appreciated modern classics, with good manual examples now increasingly sought after by enthusiasts who value analogue driving character and robust engineering.
Offered here is a particularly honest and extensively improved 1988 Porsche 944 Lux manual, finished in the highly attractive and rare Nautic Blue Metallic, a colour produced for just a single model year. Presented with an enormous accompanying history file and evidence of over £35,000 expenditure during current ownership since July 2020, this example stands apart thanks to the sheer extent of mechanical and cosmetic restoration work carried out in recent years.
This UK-supplied right-hand drive car has covered an indicated 189,697 miles, although the engine, braking system, steering components and substantial areas of the bodywork have been comprehensively rebuilt and refurbished from approximately 185,567 miles onward. The result is a car which presents and reportedly drives exceptionally well, benefitting from major preventative and restorative expenditure that far exceeds the value of many standard examples.
Visually, the car presents extremely well in the photographs. The paintwork retains a deep gloss finish and suits the crisp lines of the 944 perfectly. The body appears notably straight and clean throughout, while the classic Porsche “teledial” alloy wheels remain fitted and present well overall with only light age-related marks visible.
Importantly, substantial corrosion repair and repainting work was undertaken at 185,567 miles, including repairs to both front and rear lower sills on each side of the vehicle. At the same time, the nearside, offside, bonnet, roof and lower front and rear panels were professionally prepared and repainted. Additional cosmetic restoration included new door mirror seals, refurbished boot hinges, replacement boot motor and linkage, new Porsche-supplied Stabilus gas struts and re-bonding of the rear glass to the aluminium frame, all common weak points on ageing 944s.
The interior remains highly original and very well preserved for the age and mileage. The desirable cream leather cabin presents attractively with pleasing patina throughout, while the dashboard, switchgear and trim retain a notably clean appearance. There is some age-related wear visible to the driver’s seat bolster, though entirely consistent with careful long-term use rather than neglect.
Of particular note, the car is fitted with an original Porsche Club Sport steering wheel, a sought-after and desirable factory item which subtly enhances the already driver-focused cockpit. The carpets, headlining and interior trim all appear to remain in strong condition overall, helping reinforce the impression of a cherished enthusiast-owned example.
Mechanically, the car has benefited from extraordinarily comprehensive work in recent years. At approximately 185,567 miles, the front subframe and steering rack were removed to facilitate replacement of the big end bearings, while extensive engine work included renewal of the oil pump drive gear, oil pump seals, thrust washer, sump gaskets, oil level sender and front engine seals.
The timing and balance shaft systems were also comprehensively refreshed with new cam belt, balance shaft belt, rollers, guides and tensioners fitted. Further work included replacement auxiliary belts, coolant pump renewal, coolant system pressure testing, oil cooler gasket replacement and complete coolant and oil system flushes with fresh fluids and filters installed throughout.
Brake system refurbishment was equally extensive, including replacement front brake calipers, discs, pads and hoses, rebuilt rear calipers and renewed handbrake shoes. The clutch hydraulics were also renewed with a new clutch master cylinder and hydraulic lines fitted.
Additional later expenditure included:
- Refurbished steering shaft
- New throttle body
- New clutch slave cylinder
- Replacement head gasket
- Pressure testing and skimming of the engine block
- Further replacement cam belt and balance shaft belts
- New water pump, thermostat, rollers and tensioners
- New rear wheel bearings
- New power steering pump and belts
- New passenger window motor
- New DME relay
Compression testing carried out during the rebuild showed impressively even cylinder readings across all four cylinders, further supporting the strength of the engine.
The accompanying history file is substantial and contains invoices, servicing documentation, old MOT certificates and the original Porsche book pack, all helping document the remarkable level of expenditure invested into the car over recent years.
The vendor reports that the Porsche runs and drives very well, with the car benefitting from a current MOT valid until February 2027. The sunroof and pop-up headlamps are both demonstrated as functioning correctly.
Increasingly appreciated as one of Porsche’s finest analogue driver’s cars, the 944 offers a uniquely usable classic sports car experience, blending sharp handling, practical touring ability and unmistakable period styling. Examples benefitting from this level of recent expenditure are becoming exceptionally difficult to replicate today.
