Took the 83 944 for a spin - PICS
#1
Took the 83 944 for a spin - PICS
We had very clear skies here today, so I decided to take a little road trip to visit the the surfing spots on the other side of the island. Checked the car's oil, got the cooler ready and packed a change of clothes and was all set...
Here's the view of the road in my 20-year-old 944...
This 83 has 207K miles on the original engine. Since the clutch was replaced right before Xmas., the car revs more easily than it had in a long time. Downshifting to 4th on the highway produces some good acceleration which combined with its good handling still makes it a fun car to drive and pass traffic on the highway. However, it's an old car, and with all the rice rockets down here you never know how many horses are under the hood, but this guy definitely had two more than me!
Made a quick stop to refuel and was suddenly surrounded by all these bikers on Harley Davidsons...
As I was nearing my destination I noticed these large brown birds diving into the surf... They were brown Pelicans.
A few more miles and welcome to Rincon, the local "surf city." Maria's Beach is were everyone was headed, so I did too.
Didn't do any surfing, but I did go swimming in those huge waves and when I decided to get back out, the surf was so strong that the only way to return to the beach was to let the current carry you back. When you're not on a surfboard, this is challenging to say the least, but I made it back OK.
Here's the old 83 coupe before starting the 80 mile return:
Saw some interesting Detroit iron on the way back, also
It's automatic when I
Talk with old friends
The conversation turns to
Girls we knew when their
Hair was soft and long and the
Beach was the place to go
("Do It Again" - The Beach Boys, 1968)
Here's the view of the road in my 20-year-old 944...
This 83 has 207K miles on the original engine. Since the clutch was replaced right before Xmas., the car revs more easily than it had in a long time. Downshifting to 4th on the highway produces some good acceleration which combined with its good handling still makes it a fun car to drive and pass traffic on the highway. However, it's an old car, and with all the rice rockets down here you never know how many horses are under the hood, but this guy definitely had two more than me!
Made a quick stop to refuel and was suddenly surrounded by all these bikers on Harley Davidsons...
As I was nearing my destination I noticed these large brown birds diving into the surf... They were brown Pelicans.
A few more miles and welcome to Rincon, the local "surf city." Maria's Beach is were everyone was headed, so I did too.
Didn't do any surfing, but I did go swimming in those huge waves and when I decided to get back out, the surf was so strong that the only way to return to the beach was to let the current carry you back. When you're not on a surfboard, this is challenging to say the least, but I made it back OK.
Here's the old 83 coupe before starting the 80 mile return:
Saw some interesting Detroit iron on the way back, also
It's automatic when I
Talk with old friends
The conversation turns to
Girls we knew when their
Hair was soft and long and the
Beach was the place to go
("Do It Again" - The Beach Boys, 1968)
#4
Puerto Rico, which I thought was the 3rd largest island of the Greater Antilles, but it turns out that would be Jamaica, as someone pointed out to me yesterday.
The 83 was the first 944 officially sold in the U.S. and it really is unlike any other 944. Everything is manual in this car, including the steering and even the sunroof. The U.S. version has a lower compression engine than its European counterpart, but the car still gets around quite nicely. Even after 20 years and 200K miles.
The 83 was the first 944 officially sold in the U.S. and it really is unlike any other 944. Everything is manual in this car, including the steering and even the sunroof. The U.S. version has a lower compression engine than its European counterpart, but the car still gets around quite nicely. Even after 20 years and 200K miles.
#5
Very cool photos. Reminded me of S. Australia at this time of the year. Although, we did have 5-6 ft. sets here in Encinitas, CA (water's a little cooler though 61!).
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#8
beautiful, just like your other two. its a combination of our '83 and my '84. our '83 is just like that with the exception of fuchs wheels and zermatt silver paint. my 84 is gemini grey though, and came with cookie cutters, so that'll be the combo! how gorgeous, what coast was that on? i visited pr with my family a couple times, but that was years ago. we flew into san juan, and my father knew someone in aguadilla, so we drove there, and also to the south of the island. the rainforests are beautiful, and the beaches are unbeatable!
-Michael-
-Michael-
#12
I spent some time in Puerto Rico while in the Navy. We came to Roosevelt Roads on the eastern end every spring for 'Operation Springboard'. Always loved the Riveria Bar in Old San Jaun. Is it still there? I also remember that the ladies were drop-dead georgous in that place. $10 for the room and $15 for the lady. Not bad for 10 minutes "work"!, especially in 1970's money!!
#13
Hey Luis,
Thanks for the pics! Looks nice!
This may have already been covered and I missed it, but, is that a 924 rear spoiler, or is it just the camera angle? One of my friends had a very early 83 and it didn't have that little spoiler, but it did have the prop (non-strut) hood like on the 924. Were there little production line variations like that in the early 83 cars?
Thanks for the pics! Looks nice!
This may have already been covered and I missed it, but, is that a 924 rear spoiler, or is it just the camera angle? One of my friends had a very early 83 and it didn't have that little spoiler, but it did have the prop (non-strut) hood like on the 924. Were there little production line variations like that in the early 83 cars?
#14
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From: Orlando, FL
Originally posted by iloveporsches
I'm just curious Luis, but what do you do for a living that you get to live in Barcellona and Puerto Rico?
I'm just curious Luis, but what do you do for a living that you get to live in Barcellona and Puerto Rico?
I miss mi isla del encanto...
#15
Originally posted by iloveporsches
I'm just curious Luis, but what do you do for a living that you get to live in Barcellona and Puerto Rico?
I'm just curious Luis, but what do you do for a living that you get to live in Barcellona and Puerto Rico?
Originally posted by Predator
Always loved the Riveria Bar in Old San Juan. Is it still there? I also remember that the ladies were drop-dead georgous in that place.
Always loved the Riveria Bar in Old San Juan. Is it still there? I also remember that the ladies were drop-dead georgous in that place.
Originally posted by tifosiman
This may have already been covered and I missed it, but, is that a 924 rear spoiler, or is it just the camera angle?
This may have already been covered and I missed it, but, is that a 924 rear spoiler, or is it just the camera angle?