1986 Porsche 944 Turbo Coupé

Following the international success of their nimble 924, Porsche designed an all-alloy, 2.5-litre inline-four for their new 944 which they planned to introduce in 1982. Their talented engineers were able to produce a very smooth running four-cylinder engine by utilising two counter-rotating balance shafts running at twice engine speed. The result is a large four-cylinder engine that feels as turbine-smooth as a six.

Cosmetically, the 944's bodywork was revised with wider wheel arches (similar to that of the 924 Carrera GT), a fresh interior and upgrades to the brakes and suspension. With greater visual presence and the performance to match, better handling, stopping power and more creature comforts, the 944 was a natural step forward.

A 'turbo' version of the 944 was always on the cards, and for the 1985 model year, Porsche introduced the 944 Turbo, known internally as the 951. Forced induction boosted the 2.5-litre engine by a healthy 60bhp, up to 217 bhp, with the clutch and gearbox uprated to suit. The Turbo also featured several other changes, such as improved aerodynamics, notably an integrated front bumper, standard external oil coolers for both the engine and transmission, standard 16-inch wheels (optional forged Fuchs alloys), and a slightly stiffer suspension set-up. The Turbo's front and rear brakes were borrowed from the Porsche 911, with Brembo 4-piston fixed calipers and 12-inch discs and ABS was also standard.

The car presented here is a 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo Coupé, and is a C16 (UK-supplied) RHD example. Finished in the classic Porsche colour combination of Guards Red with a Black leather interior, this car has been very well cared for and has been the recipient of much expenditure over the last four years, with many parts having been either replaced or fully reconditioned. The result of all this work means this enthusiast-owned car has won two Concours d'Elegance trophies for "Best Sports Car" in 2015 and the 2nd place at a Porsche Owners" Club competition in August 2017. This show-winning standard really belies the indicated mileage of 110,000, aided further by the reassuring presence of a fully stamped-up service booklet, a large file of invoices, and its original jack and tool-roll – small but important details that point to dutiful ownership.

This is a simply lovely example of one of the most sought-after Porsches from the 1990s. The 944, the 968 and even the 928 are seeing their values rise in the wake of the '911 explosion' and front-engined Porsches are having the renaissance they richly deserve. This prize-winning example is very competitively guided and could open the door into a very exclusive club.