Up for auction is this 1989 Porsche 944 Turbo finished in Guards Red over a black interior. Built to the same specifications as the previous model year’s Turbo S variant, the 1989 944 Turbo features a more powerful engine, a 5-speed manual gearbox with a limited-slip differential, and the M030 sport suspension package. This particular example is said to have spent most of its life in Ohio before being recently purchased by the seller in California. It features a 924 Turbo hood, an upgraded turbocharger, and several other performance modifications. Having undergone a major service within the last year including a timing belt and water pump replacement, this 944 Turbo is now being offered for auction in excellent running order with approximately 132k miles showing on the odometer (TMU).
The Guards Red paint is described by the seller to be in good original condition with some minor cosmetic imperfections on the front end. Detailed images are provided in the photo gallery. This Turbo can be distinguished from a standard 944 by its aerodynamic front nose and body-colored rear diffuser. A NACA-ducted 924 Turbo front hood has been installed along with aftermarket HID headlights. This Turbo rides on factory D90 wheels dressed in a relatively new set of Toyo R888 tires.
Inside, the black interior is noted to have been kept in great shape with protective covers over the seats and dashboard. A short-throw shift kit has been installed along with an aftermarket radio. The air conditioning has been updated to R134 and the seller confirms all gauges and accessories to be working properly except for the odometer which is currently inoperable.
Offering the same specifications as the previous model year’s Turbo S, this 1989 Turbo model is equipped with an M44/52 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine rated at 250 HP and 258 lb.-ft of torque. In its stock configuration, the 1989 Turbo “S” is capable of producing 30 HP more than the standard 944 Turbo from years prior. The rear wheels are driven via a 5-speed manual transaxle with a limited-slip differential providing for a 0-60 time of approximately 5.5 seconds and a factory-rated top speed of 162 MPH. The Turbo "S" also features the upgraded front brakes from the 928 S4 and the M030 suspension package consisting of adjustable Koni shocks, progressive rate springs, larger torsion/anti-roll bars, harder bushings, and stiffened chassis tuning. Upgrades on this example consist of a larger Super 61 P-Trim turbocharger, a mass air-flow kit, dual-port wastegate, boost controller, HKS blowoff valve, and a 3” downpipe connecting to a 4” exhaust system. A collection of service records are included and the following maintenance items are said to have been addressed within the last year:
This sale will include a toolkit and a clean title. This 1989 Turbo remains one of the most collectible transaxle Porsches on the market, do not miss out.
Comments (30)
@co. Very correct - this car however has the Lindsey Racing 388WHP kit that was installed prior to my possession which includes larger Super 61 P-Trim Turbo, Mass Air Flow kit, Dual Port Westgate, 3" downpipes, 4" exhaust , boost controller, air fuel gauge, 3.0 bar FPR, HKS blow off value, and cone filter. All preventative maintain has also been done well over $10k etc
@donistook where did you look up suspension?
@donistook correct - this car comes from the factory with larger K26/8 turbo vs the K26/6 turbo, larger breaks from the 928, better suspension, better valve springs etc. If you're looking for an 89 or an 88 (s) then you already know the difference
Bid in the amount of $12,000
@donistook & @JNasty, everything the 1988 Turbo S cars came with became standard equipment on the '89 Turbo cars... M030 was inclusive, as one had to delete it if unwanted. Those options turned out to be a bit too expensive, so from '90 model year, M030 & etc was optional.
That said, there was significant cost cutting in the '89 turbo when compared to the '88 S so the cars aren't identical. The big differences included cast rods (on late VIN cars, forged on the '88 S) and lesser sway bars, as well as little things like headlight washers. It's very possible that late into 1989 production, Porsche began to do away with the added equipment as sale revenues began their downward plunge at the turn of the decade.
@JNasty The option codeS for this car does not show that this car has the M030 option.
@donistook - good point. Apparently this "989 Turbo models are identical to the limited production Turbo “S” model of the previous year (1988). The only difference was that the ’89 Turbo didn’t have the “M030” suspension pack or Club Sport wheels as standard like the 1988 “S”, although this example has both."
My Porsche24 Parts link, which I can find out build information, date built, and options...does not show that this car had the M030 suspension. Do you have the option code sticker? Here is what I show:
158 Radio Blaupunkt RENO SWR 46
425 Rear window wiper
454 Automatic speed control
490 Sound package
494 Additional amplifier
650 Detachable roof, electrical
946 Seat covers, front,
leather/leather/leatherette
@Davidpoer Hey Dave, not sure how to upload new photos but the dash is in pretty good shape. The cover is incredible and looks great.
@donistook (city of orange, CA)
Bid in the amount of $10,600
Where exactly is the car?
Any pics if the dashboard? Does the hood ride proud towards the back near the windshield? Thank you
Bid in the amount of $6,500
Love to see what the dashboard looks like under that cover. A new dashboard is quite pricey and needs to be factored into my bid.
Bid in the amount of $5,250
@robertwpruit 2.5
@Bigbear20 heres what they look like
Bid in the amount of $5,000
Bid in the amount of $3,250
So does this have a 2.5 liter or 3.0? thanks
Bid in the amount of $3,000
Any chance of a cold start, walk around, or driving video clip?
@jacknk - thanks and the other 4 questions please?
The wheels pictured are the forged Club Sport wheels.
Bid in the amount of $1,944
@Polska27 - few things please: 1) condition/photos of dash under cover? Cracks etc.? 2) Will it SMOG as set up? Is it currently registered in CA on a CA title? 3) Are those D90s (common and wrong for this car) or the special forged Turbo S rims? 4) Any of the OEM parts 5) any unaddressed issues w/ car? AC work etc? Thanks.
What a great looking car. My 951 has over 150,000 miles and I still track it multiple times a year. These things are so underrated. I sooo wish mine had the LSD. Makes a big difference. This is a great car.
Hey there - the seats are original and in great shape. I'll try and upload a few images this week.
What do the seats look like underneath the covers?