1983 Porsche 944 base

Make

Porsche

Model

944 base

Year

1983

Listed price

$5,800

Location

Jackson, New Jersey

Transmission

Manual

Mileage

75,000 miles

The Porsche 944 arrived in 1982 as a more refined, powerful evolution of the 924. While the 924, a joint venture with Audi, provided Porsche with a crucial entry-level model, Zuffenhausen sought to imbue its front-engined transaxle coupe with more distinct Porsche DNA. The 944 achieved this through its significantly flared arches, inspired by the all-conquering 924 Carrera GT, and a new, Porsche-developed 2.5-liter inline-four engine. This was no ordinary four-cylinder; it was essentially half of the 928's V8, featuring a sophisticated balance shaft system that made it remarkably smooth and potent for its era, producing 143 horsepower in its initial guise. The 944 quickly earned a reputation for its exceptional balance, thanks to its near 50/50 weight distribution, making it a darling among enthusiasts and a strong seller for Porsche throughout the 1980s. This 1983 Porsche 944 represents the inaugural model year for the celebrated transaxle coupe, a significant point in its lineage. Showing approximately 75,000 miles, this example has been under the same ownership for the past 11 years, indicating a long-term commitment to its care. While it currently presents in black, the seller notes this is not its original factory color, offering a potential canvas for a new owner to restore it to its born hue or personalize it further. Power is delivered by the original 2.5-liter inline-four engine paired with a crisp manual transmission, ensuring an engaging driving experience true to the 944's sporting character. For the enthusiast seeking a foundational piece of Porsche's transaxle history, this 1983 944 offers an accessible entry point to a rewarding driving experience.