Is It Just Us Or Did 944 Turbo Prices Jump Overnight?
In a resent search of classic car marketplaces, we’ve seen 944 Turbo models with suspiciously high asking prices.
At Rennlist, we always have a fascination with Porsche values. In recent years we have seen air-cooled prices on the rise, while 996 models continue to be value bargains. But one car that continues to be a bargain is the 944. Well some of them. If you’re looking for a 944 Turbo, be prepared for a substantially higher price tag.
This red 944 Turbo S has a list price of $42,500 on Hemmings, and is one of the cheaper ones listed. Two others — both in Silver Rose — are $48,900 and $58,900 respectively. Topping off the price range is a white 1989 model going for a staggering $65,000 dollars. Granted the white one has 17,000 miles.
This price increase all seemed to happen recently, as evidenced by a Road & Track article we spotted while researching price trends. Published just three years ago, the article contains a premonition: “it’s still not too late to buy one before prices rise too much.” Clearly over just that span of time, that opportunity may have come and gone.
We’re happy about the uptick in price. And we have a theory behind it. Porsche has increased the number of Cayenne and Macan models on offer. While they are amazing vehicles, a rear-wheel-drive coupe does a better job of fitting the Porsche ethos than an SUV. While the 944 and its S2 variants, especially the turbo models, have always been great vehicles, perhaps now they are getting the credit they deserve. A wonderfully balanced chassis was praised by Motorsport Magazine as “instantly obedient to small steering movements.” Perhaps now they can be seen as a complement to a 911 Turbo, rather than a disruption.
The “Radwood effect” also has younger enthusiasts interested in performance cars from the ’80s. While the Italian supercars of the era are widely remembered, approachable cars like the 944 Turbo are gaining admiration. Enter the theory of supply and demand.
Still, non-turbo 944‘s are a relative bargain and offer a lot of the cool-factor that a Turbo model does, albeit minus the extra thrust. Scroll downward in price and plenty of clean 944 models are under the $10,000 mark. That’s still a whole lot of car for the money.
Photos: Hemmings
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