Craigslist Ad for '88 Celebration Model 944

 

I'll stick my head out here just a bit ... i can't tell the significance of the 'celebration', maybe it has something to do with the serial count or some other milestone, but I will say this, I've noticed all the 'celebration' models so far have what I've heard of as a 'studio finsh'. The door upholstery has that plaid pattern and it is carried over to the seats also. I've seen the black and white pictured here and the burgandy. But I'm sure someone else with better knowledge can shed some light on what more the 'celebration' means. Hope this is a good start.

-nffn

 

The celebration model, according to "Original Porsche 924/944/968," was produced to mark the 100,000th car to be made at the Neckarsulm factory.

Basically, a very optioned 944 with that love it or hate it Studio Check. I want one!

They were produced in two colours, Satin Black and Zermatte Silver. 250 of each were sent to the US, making it one of the rarer 944s.

 

Kid, I've got the perfect car for you!!

 

I always liked the gray version of the Celebration interior. It's odd that that write-up says the 944 logo on the rear was omitted on US cars but that one has it. He might have just added it himself. It's hard to tell but it doesn't look like it has the late offset turbo PD's either, just 7" all around. Could it be that the car had the interior swapped to make it a Celebration model?

 

I too doubt the "badge delete" item. Mine certainly has it. The craigslist car looks exactly like my Celebration edition, all the way down to the seat covers (replacements for the universally worn out originals).

 

All "celebration edition" 944's have the grey studio cloth on the door panels and seats and silver carpet. They also came without the 944 badge so if one has it, it was probably added at the dealership (like mine). They sent over a total of 500 to the US with 250 being Zermatt Silver and 250 Satin Black Metallic. Wheels were the 16" turbo phone dials and all 500 came without cruise control. They also have turbo swaybars and euro-spec engines. As for other options, all 500 were optioned the same and couldn't be special ordered with anything in particular. They came as they were...all the same.

 

huh. This sure is interesting; I had merely assumed it was some sort of stunt this guy was pulling.

From the brief description given, does it seem like $4k is a decent price? The car does not appear to be in awesome condish, but then again it does not seem to be a junker either. From the descriptions you guys provided, it sounds like the Celeb Edition is a fairly rare-ish car. How sought-after are they? Would I be able to turn this car around for a profit, at all?

Also, how did the euro spec engine differ? Was it the 2.7 L twin cam? What kind of power did it put out compared to its Ami brethren?

 

The Celebration Editions command no premium at all. If anything, they sell for less since most don't care for the cloth interiors. As for the asking price, it seems about right. Yes they are rare but certainly not a collector.

 

Hmmm that's disappointing. Is there something in the VIN that denotes if it really is a Celeb Edition?

Figured it might be a good car for my g/f, who's been tired of her accord for years. And my P-car sickness has rubbed off on her.


*edit* just noticed that the car doesn't have air bags. I know the '88 951's had the air bag standard, but it was an option for the N/A at this point, right? Did the C Edition not come w/ AB's?

 

No, the airbags were never an option on the NA's I don't think. In 88 they were standard on 951's though. And there is no special VIN identification however on the option code sticker in the back, should be option 757, Special Model 1988.

 

I know. That thing is pretty nice as well from what I remember of it.

 

I wouldn't mind cloth seats, but the upholstery on that Craigslist model is obviously shot, as the seats have aftermarket covers.

Apart from that, the specs seem totally standard and unexceptional. Though if it's in good shape it's still a 944 and therefore an orgiastic feast for the senses.

 

"orgiastic" -- haha never heard that word before. I woulda opted for the ever-popular "orgasmic" myself, but to each his own.

If it's still for sale when I get back stateside i'll check it out.

 

Have an orgiastic trip!