Bit of a project/toy

The Edge · 20 Dec 2011 at 21:26

I don't normally go for this sort of thing, but this was far too good to refuse

1982 Porsche 944 2.5. Only an 8 valve, but i think that's all they did back then.

Came with all leather interior (In bits), two engines, 4 new tyres and a full service kit. Allegedly it didn't start, but it went on the first crank when we unloaded it. Just as well we didn't try it before.

Best bit - one of the more recent former keepers was the bbc!! Wonder if Jeremy sat in it?!

All for the princely sum of..............£200.

It needs a good polish initially, the engine putting back together properly, interior assembling, brakes fixing and then it'll be MOT time.

Assuming it doesn't look like becoming a total money pit it'll be repainted over next winter and a new/secondhand dash fitted.

More pics tomorrow, was losing light when i got home.

SoliD · 20 Dec 2011 at 21:41

For £200 for a runner, that is an absolute bargain, good luck with the project, look forward to seeing it progress.

Rybo89 · 20 Dec 2011 at 21:42

Not bad for 200 spon-doolie. Will keep an out on this thread.

Is it being held together with duct tape? If not, i think its safe to know Jeremy hasnt played with it.

shauncr91 · 20 Dec 2011 at 21:45

Owned by the BBC? Wasn't one of the budget Porsches that got ragged round the track was it?

The Edge · 20 Dec 2011 at 21:47

It doesn't seem to bad. There is no sunroof, therefore the sills are solid which is normally a weak point on these.

ideally you'd definately paint it, put a new bonnet and nearside wing on but thats about it bodywork wise. It's definately had a clonk on the front at some point and the bumpers and trim need to be alogneed properly. The tracking is also miles out, as in 1/4 turn of the wheel out when going in a straight line!

It's done 129k.

Hoping to have it on the road by March/April.

The Edge · 20 Dec 2011 at 21:48

shauncr91 said:
Owned by the BBC? Wasn't one of the budget Porsches that got ragged round the track was it?

Quite possibly. Obviously your first thought is top gear, but they use cars for other stuff too.

Firestar_3x · 20 Dec 2011 at 21:52

What condition are the outer and inner sills in?

The Edge · 20 Dec 2011 at 21:54

the sills are solid. first thing we checked!

shauncr91 · 20 Dec 2011 at 21:54

The Edge said:
Quite possibly. Obviously your first thought is top gear, but they use cars for other stuff too.

I'm sure james's was a red 944, suffered from epic engine failure if memory serves be right

Firestar_3x · 20 Dec 2011 at 21:55

Good job, lots are 944's aren't worth touching outdays due to serious rot in the inner sills!

The Edge · 20 Dec 2011 at 21:55

It came with two engines, the one in the car runs. The other is out of an auto version

Skillmister · 20 Dec 2011 at 22:11

shauncr91 said:
I'm sure james's was a red 944, suffered from epic engine failure if memory serves be right

Mays was white

Mucky_Pup · 20 Dec 2011 at 23:13

I'd have bought that for £200 as well to be fair, lol.

Wizardskills · 20 Dec 2011 at 23:45

For £200 that looks like quite a good buy. Best of luck with the project

Mucky_Pup · 20 Dec 2011 at 23:50

It demands a Turbo S engine

lordrobs · 21 Dec 2011 at 11:36

Awesome!

I had some weird obsession when I was a kid about owning a Porsche by the time I was 30 and I've always had a huge soft spot for the 944. Unfortunately I don't live the life of a part time rally driver, part time spy that I imagined as a kid and so it never happened.

That said a while back I was within 'finding myself sleeping on the sofa' distance of buying a really tidy 944 S2 but I really couldn't afford it (definitely can't now!) so never took it any further

I look forward to seeing what you do with this one!

jellybeard999 · 21 Dec 2011 at 12:06

Go back over the Top Gear episodes and see if it appears. Then wish you hadn't bought it

Housey · 21 Dec 2011 at 12:22

All the ingredients are good, if you establish that it's solid a few new bits should see a good basis for fun and then you can add power n stuff.

The Edge · 21 Dec 2011 at 18:41

Took some bits apart today, i'll post pictures later.

The sills are rock solid, but then this one has no sunroof. The motor for the lights up/down doesn't work and both rear light clusters are goosed due to corrosion. The key i have fits the tailgate but not the doors.

The essentials so far:

Cambelt/balance belt + rollers
two door locks
Headlamp motor
pair of rear clusters
handbrake shoes.

It's going to be easy to spend a LOT of money on this, but i'm initially going to try to get it presentable and driveable for less than £600.

Perywinkle · 21 Dec 2011 at 18:55

*like* always had a soft spot for these