A Guards Red Porsche with the cursive “turbo” script on its tail . . . is there anything more iconic than that quintessential image of ’80s motoring excess? Certainly among the most famous and impactful on the auto industry was the turbocharged variant of the legendary Porsche 944 – the most successful model in the company’s history to date.

Utilizing a front-engined four-cylinder powerplant with 50/50 weight distribution, it represented a major break from Porsche’s air-cooled rear-engine tradition. Though exceedingly popular, of the over 160,000 944s built, only about 15 percent were completed as the top-of-the-line Type 951 “Turbo.” The front-engined, water-cooled coupe featured 220 hp and such improvements as a new front apron, integrated fog lights, strengthened gearbox, and stiffer suspension. In fact, for 1986, only 7,500 944 Turbos made their way to the U.S., of which many suffered the indignities of hard driving, high mileage, and aftermarket modification.

This is not one of those abused examples. Its condition and low mileage are absolutely stunning. The Certificate of Authenticity on file from Porsche confirms this 944 Turbo was delivered new exactly as we see it today – in Guards Red over a partial black leather interior with forged alloy wheels, and such options as an electric sunroof, alarm system, cruise control, and side moldings. The superb documentation on file clearly traces its ownership history back to at least the late 1980s with copies of titles and extensive service receipts going back well into the 1990s.

The Porsche was owned by two individuals in Illinois, both of whom we understand were professors at the University of Illinois. By 2004 the car had only accumulated 34,000 miles, and the ownership chain is clearly documented as the car had never left Illinois until this point and was acquired by a couple in Michigan. The most recent owner, in fact, actively used the car in Porsche Club of America events and a local North Carolina Concours, still with very low mileage and in superb original condition.

As the collector car hobby continues to evolve, a new generation is taking note of the icons from their own youth, and the 944 Turbo is at the very top of that list, catapulted by sexy good looks and a thrilling and predictable driving experience the likes of which only a front-engined turbocharged Porsche can deliver.

This low-mileage 951 is one of the very best!