OWNERS NAME: Jevon Olea
YEAR: 1983
MAKE: Porsche
MODEL: 944
SUB MODEL:
BRIEF MANUFACTURER DETAILS AND SIGNIFICANT HISTORY OF CAR:
The Porsche 944 is a sports car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Porsche from 1982 until 1991. A front-engine, rear-wheel drive model based on the 924 platform, the 944 was available in coupé or cabriolet body styles, with either naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines. With over 163,000 cars produced, the 944 was the most successful sports car in Porsche’s history until the introductions of the Boxster and 997 Carrera.
Extensive design revisions for the 1992 model year prompted Porsche to drop the 944 nameplate and rebrand the vehicle as the 968.
Porsche introduced the 944 for the 1982 model year. It was slightly faster (despite having a poorer drag coefficient), was better equipped and more refined than the 924; it had better handling and stopping power, and was more comfortable to drive. The factory claimed a 0–97 km/h (60 mph) acceleration time of less than 9 seconds (8.3 seconds according to “Porsche the Ultimate Guide” By Scott Faragher). The car had a nearly even front to rear weight distribution (50.7% front/49.3% rear) courtesy of the rear transaxle balancing out the engine in the front. North American-market cars had bigger bumpers and the front bumper had a larger rubber portion, replacing the auxiliary lights as required by the North American laws.
In mid-1985, the 944 underwent its first significant changes, these included: new dashboard and door panels, embedded radio antenna, upgraded alternator (from 90 amp to 115 amp), increased oil sump capacity, new front and rear cast alloy control arms and semi-trailing arms, larger fuel tank, optional heated and powered seats, Porsche HiFi sound system, and revisions in the mounting of the transaxle to reduce noise and vibration. The front windshield was now a flush-mounted unit. The “cookie cutter” style wheels used in the early 944s were upgraded to new “phone dial” style wheels (Fuchs wheels remained an option).
- Engine: 2.5L inline-4
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
- Body Styles: Available as a coupé
- Lightweight: The 1983 model was impressively light, with a curb weight of around 2,800 pounds.
- Balance: The rear-mounted transaxle contributed to near-perfect weight distribution and excellent handling.
BRIEF STORY OF THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE:
This particular vehicle is an example that is driven and maintained. It is a fixture in our entire South Florida Porsche community (featured in gatherings such as Vintage Vices, Porsche Air & Water). This car was also displayed in 2025 at the Das Renn Treffen Porsche event, the biggest Porsche gathering in South Florida.
This 944 has also been featured by world renowned automotive photographer, Bart Kuykens – as it was photographed for his book, DREAM AND DRIVE IN THE 305 – released in 2025 around the world. Furthermore, this car has been used as a feature car for worldwide music artists in their music videos via Miami Vintage Prop Cars. Most notably, you can find this particular 944 as the main feature in Ozuna’s music video, “Mas Que Tu” that has already accumulated over 36 million views worldwide as of present time. In addition, you can also find this 944 as the feature vehicle used by worldwide music artist, The Kid Laroi and model Alix Earle, in the hit music video, “GIRLS”.
This particular Porsche 944 is still used as a regular commuter car and has been proven to be a reliable example that continues to be driven.