The 944 was introduced by Porsche in 1982 and represented the company’s continued foray into the front-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car market. Featuring the 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel-injection and a five-speed manual transaxle, the 944 was capable of producing 147 bhp and a top speed of 130 mph. Car & Driver declared the 944 the “best handling imported car in the world” at its debut and subsequently the most successful Porsche model, with continued production into 1991.

This pristine Porsche 944 was ordered by JoAnn Stark of Illinois as a gift to herself, upon attaining her dream job as a teacher in the English Department at Northwestern University. She purchased the car through a dealer in Elk Grove Village in February 1984 and lovingly maintained it for 34 years, until it was acquired by the consignor in 2018. Ms. Stark drove the car sparingly, having recorded just 10,262 miles by 1999, when she moved to Seattle with her husband. The beloved 944 remained garaged except for short fair-weather excursions, after which fluids were renewed and systems checked. When the Starks were no longer able to administer the necessary service checks themselves, they employed a technician to maintain the car’s cosmetic and mechanical regimen, ensuring its exceptional originality and longevity.

Still wearing its original Guards Red livery, this 944 is extraordinary in every aspect. It was ordered from the factory with door protection moldings and 15-in. ATS forged alloy ‘cookie-cutter’ wheels in red with Porsche logo center caps and wrapped with Pirelli P6 radial tires. The factory installed a limited-slip differential, sports shocks, and stabilizer to ensure superior handling. The cabin features a pop-up sunroof with black leather interior exhibiting the minimal wear of a vehicle with only 10,700 original miles, as attested by a notarized affidavit by the first owner. The original three-spoke Sport steering wheel and Blaupunkt Tuscon AM/FM/Cassette music system are in excellent condition. Accompanied by the original tools, keys, and manuals as well as the 1984 sales order, this 944 comes with a clean CARFAX report and has been recently serviced with replacement of all filters and fluids.

Rare in its originality, unique for its authenticity, and exceptional for its condition, this 944 is a time capsule, ready for its next well-balanced exploits in the hands of another Porsche devotee.