1986 Porsche 944 Turbo

To some, the 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo is a throwback to an era when drivers felt especially connected to the open road. As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on as Joel Corallo, Senior Underwriter for Berkley One, tells us why they love the 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo.

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The Car

A combination of power, balance and innovation made the 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo a standout model in the Porsche lineup. It boasted a Guards Red (Carmine Red) exterior, a black leather interior, 2.5L 217 horsepower turbo 4 engine and 5 speed manual transmission. The 944 Turbo featured nearly perfect 50:50 weight distribution, providing exceptional handling and driving dynamics. The car also had cutting edge technology for its time such as a water-cooled engine, advanced suspension and aerodynamic enhancements.

The Collector.

Collectors love this car for its performance and handling. The 944 Turbo (internally known as the 951) first came to the United States in 1986 and was produced until 1991. There were just under 14,000 total units produced. It was designed due to Porsche’s determination to take performance a step further. For model year 1986, the 944 Turbo arrived with a significant increase in horsepower over its predecessor 944, upgrading from 157 horsepower to 217 horsepower. Additional enhancements included Brembo brakes and Koni suspension, creating a remarkable package. It is sought after for many garages today. Its status as a high performing yet affordable Porsche from the 1980’s, along with its sleek design and advanced technology, make it a desirable classic.

The Love

As a kid, this was one of many cars I wished for. Many buff books remarked on the near 50:50 weight distribution and handling of the vehicle when new. In a world of higher technology vehicles, it is a throwback to an era when you felt very connected to the road when driving. For its time, it was a higher performance option compared to other vehicles in the market. Today, with 217 horsepower, it is more of a cruiser, but still thrilling to drive.

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Contributed by Joel Corollo

Photo: XXX

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here:

Spotlight #1, Spotlight #2, Spotlight #3, Spotlight #4, Spotlight #5, Spotlight #6, Spotlight #7, Spotlight #8, Spotlight #9, Spotlight #10, Spotlight #11, Spotlight #12, Spotlight #13, Spotlight #14, Spotlight #15, Spotlight #16, Spotlight #17, Spotlight #18, Spotlight #19, Spotlight #20, Spotlight #21, Spotlight #22

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.