1991 Porsche 944 Turbo Coupé

Following the international success of the 924, a more powerful Porsche-designed all-alloy, 2.5-litre inline-four, producing 163 bhp, was introduced in 1982 for the 944. Porsche engineers were able to produce a very smooth running four-cylinder engine by utilising two counter-rotating balance shafts running at twice engine speed. These carry eccentric weights which produce inertial forces that balance out the unbalanced secondary forces, making a four-cylinder engine feel as smooth as a six.

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

A turbo version of the 944 was always on the cards, and it boosted the 2.5-litre engine by nearly 60bhp, whilst both the clutch and gearbox were uprated to suit. The chassis was beefed up and thicker anti-roll bars and four-pot brake callipers were fitted. A smooth nose panel and a larger rear spoiler distinguished it from its lesser siblings. For 1988, a Turbo SE was offered with 250bhp thanks to a larger turbocharger, the transmission was again upgraded, and a limited slip diff was fitted along with uprated brakes and Koni dampers. From 1989-1991 the 'SE' specification was adopted for the standard 944 Turbo making it somewhat of a sleeping giant.

The car presented here is something very special. It is one of the best 944 examples we have seen and it is a privilege to represent it.

Porsche Centre Sutton Coldfield painstakingly restored this 944 Turbo for its inclusion in the 2014 "Porsche Classic Restoration Competition". The basis for this restoration was an original UK right-hand drive 1991, 944 Turbo, which had been well-known to the Porsche Centre for the previous 11 years, having been regularly serviced by them. The car was the perfect candidate, with the Porsche Centre mechanics knowing this genuine car boasted an excellent engine and gearbox, being accompanied by an original and fully stamped-up service book and an impressive history file including a wealth of invoices. The team removed the motor and transmission and set about a full re-commissioning and servicing process, replacing parts where needed including all the suspension"s perishables (springs, dampers and bushes), as well as the engine mounts. The receipts for the replacements parts alone total circa £12,500, without the labour at Porsche rates!.

This ambitious restoration saw the Porsche Centre team focus on the mechanical components, whilst the rolling shell was entrusted to nearby Porsche-approved prestige body-shop, Shorade. While Shorade worked their magic on the 944 Turbo"s bodywork – including a 400-hour painting process in the iconic Porsche hue of Guards Red - Castle Vale-based Bespoke Leathering revamped the car"s leather upholstery, door-cards, headlining and carpets. All this work culminating in an award presented by Dr Wolfgang Porsche at the 2014 Porsche Festival at Brand Hatch.

The car comes with all its receipts, a complete Porsche book-pack, a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and a specially printed, hardcover, photo catalogue documenting the Porsche restoration process from start to finish. This is a rare opportunity to purchase one of only a few cars that have ever been restored by an official Porsche Centre. This car offers the best-of-both-worlds, coming with a documented service history whilst also having been completely refreshed at the hands of experts.

The 944, the 968 and even the 928 are seeing their values rise in the wake of the '911 explosion'. Front-engined Porsches are having the renaissance they richly deserve, and this exceptional example, whilst being competitively guided, opens the door into a very exclusive club of Porsche ownership. Now ready to be enjoyed by a new owner, this is one not to be missed and has the potential to be a shrewd investment.