There is a rather nice 1985 Porsche 944 available for sale in South Dennis, MA. The owner is Keith Fenner. He is a machinist. Here is his contact info: https://turnwrightmachineworks.com/contact-us/

The Cape Cod Porsche Gruppe resident expert on all things 944, Patrick Farah has taken a look at the car. Both Patrick and I believe this is a rally nice ‘starter Porsche.’ It has good bones, it has been reasonably well kept, yet requires some work a) to confirm reliability and b) to bring in back closer to “stock” if that were the next owner’s desire. Again a great opportunity…And the price is right!

Mike Sarli 26Mar2023  

Here are Patrick’s observations and comments based on initial inspection, yesterday:

This is what I could gather on my conversation with Keith, pertaining to the 944:

– 1985.1 (early model) 944

– 2.5L, 8 valve,4-cylinder engine with 5 speed manual transaxle (no LS – limited slip differential)

– Exterior: Silver with black interior

– @85,000 miles – Owner states that the speedometer cable is broken, reflecting approximately 5k miles not shown on the odometer 

– Working sunroof

– Newer clutch

– Newer model electric seats

– Fuchs wheels with Pirelli P6000 tires

– Cold air intake installed, but original parts will come with the car

– Owner installed a 924 rear glass hatch – rear spoiler is off the car and missing/not available

– The exhaust system has been modified – catalytic converter was removed 

– The car has been repainted.

– Hood struts are weak and will have to be replaced

Unknowns:

– Owner states that the car has received substantial maintenance; I did not ask whether there are available maintenance records.

– Last timing belt service date.

– AC may or may not be operational; owner did state that he installed a new condenser and compressor.

– Car has cruise control and a factory alarm system – both may or may not be functioning.

– I didn’t test all of the car’s operational features so a more thorough inspection is recommended.

– Engine compression data was not available.

Owner is asking +$10k

Thoughts: 

Overall, I think the car is pretty nice although I do have a few concerns that the potential buyer should be aware of… Having an aftermarket exhaust, along with a missing cat, may become a challenge in passing the required annual inspection. The owner did state that he’s had no issues with passing inspection during his ownership. Also, I noticed that the brake reservoir contained very dirty fluid. This may be resolved by a simple flush or something else may be a factor (very worn/damaged brake master cylinder seals). I didn’t ask for maintenance records – I think he may have performed much of the work himself so I’m not sure if he documented his work. The front engine (timing belt, etc.) service should be performed every 4-5 years and 30-40k miles. 

I agree with you that this car could be a good 1st Porsche for someone not afraid to get their hands dirty.

Patrick