Tom R.

no. Seems like they had a surplus of red paint. probably 50% or more are guards red.

Todd951968

It seems like just a couple years ago nobody thought the 944 would ever be increasing in value. But, as others have said, all 944 series cars are looking to be on the upside now so you've already missed timing your purchase to get maximum "investment" benefits. Timing your eventual sell will be key in whatever you buy. Long term, both should increase, even if there is some instability in the market. I think purists already have their preferences between 944S2 and the Turbo and that will drive some of the market. But, speculators and people less knowledgeable will gravitate towards the "TURBO". All 944 look promising and one can drive the prices of the other. I'd surmise that their isn't enough difference in the cars to be the deciding factor, in terms of investment. Buy the car you LIKE best ASAP and sell at the right time to maximize your investment.

pcarfan944

If we had to nail down a model, I think the cachet of the turbo will always win out on two equal cars. The 951 had a much bigger impact on the automobile market when it debuted in 1986, where as the S2 came at the tail-end of 944 production with less fanfare. Personally, I love fuchs on a 951, but D90's on a black S2 are pretty hnnnng as well. Two very different cars down to personal preference. One of each please!

islaTurbine

I found a white 1986 951 with factory white Fuchs and an option code of M76. I can't seem to find any info as to what M76 is. Anyone here know?

Arominus

I'd grab the S2, mostly because the turbo is a lot of extra work to maintain and learn to work on. The S2 is no harder to maintain than an NA outside of the cam pads/chain. That said, don't discount the 968, the motor really is better than the S2 due to the variocam and other changes the factory made. You will feel just as 80's driving it as you will driving an S2 or a turbo and you'll get almost 30hp and 20ft lbs on the S2, an extra gear and the last round of refinements that went into the platform as its the 944.3 of sorts.

RJ80

I doubled my money on a very nice, three-owner, all stock S2 after two years and 3k miles of driving. Sold the car on BaT last Spring. Nice car with good power build quality, but too big and soft for my tastes plus a bland sounding engine.

jeff968

Of the two, I would go for the 951. Obviously the late 88, 89 S models would be the best choice. But if you want an investment you can't beat the "best of breed/final evolution" 968. We had 3 stock examples sell for over $40k in 2017 and they continue to rise. IMHO.

RJ80

The other thing to consider is that unless you find a deal (and they are out there), the likelihood of any 944 as an investment, over the short term, is unlikely. I didn't buy my S2 as an investment, but I did buy it cheap enough that I knew I wasn't going to lose money on it. When it sold for twice what I paid, I was happy but that wasn't expected. Strong 944 S2s and 951s have seen values rise strongly over the past couple years, but I wouldn't expect gains to come easy any longer. Just a professionally done belt service with tensioner and water pump and a new set of quality tires will sink two or three grand. AC needs repairs? Oil pan gasket leaks (crossmember needs to be dropped)? None of this is necessarily cheap or easy.

Buy the car because you want to experience one, but don't EXPECT to make any money. Expect to loose money. Hopefully you get lucky and that won't be the case.

My advice would be to find a very nice S2 driver for a bit under $20k with a stack of service records and a clean bill of health from a local specialist. Turbos may ultimately be worth more, but you'll also pay more to get in and expose yourself to higher repair costs than the typical S2. S2 Coupes also sell pretty easy since they're always in demand and tougher to find than Turbos.


S only in '88, 89 got all S improvements, but no S label.

mrgreenjeans

A beautiful summation. I heartily concur.

I love ALL 944s with exception of the 'S' ( too revvy of an engine and wrong torque curve, with problematic and expensive head repairs ).
I REALLY feel the '88.2 turbo S, '89/90 turbo, and any S2 are tremendous sportscars and have a bit of a problem choosing one over the other. My heart is strong for my low mile '89 turbo and it will never leave my stable. A search for a proper S2 in coupe, but preferably cabriolet, in an unusual color combination would complete my desire for owning the BEST of both four cylinder water coolers. And I still haven't found that 968 either.......

ALL of the above are good if not GREAT cars to pursue.

Just do it for the love and not the 'money'

Perry 951

My family owns the first black on black Turbo Z; production #26. We also have the first DC (Direct Connection) top mount intercooler and 6 pack hood scoop. Many years ago people said it would be a throw away car. Now days suitcases of cash are offered.. and the market has yet to start grabbing them up.

As for an "investment grade" vehicle? Like most others said; clean, low miles, original cars are all starting points. Get one that YOU enjoy, not the future owner.

By the way, if I knew what ones were going to be the next $500,000 Hemi-Cuda, I sure wouldn't tell you!

odurandina