Porsche 944 Turbo pre production

When Porsche launches the 944 Turbo as the new flagship of the four-cylinder model family at the Geneva Motor Show in the spring of 1985, the transaxle sports car has already notched up sporting successes. In 1981, an early stage engine powers a race car disguised as the “924 GTP” at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And on July 1st, 1984, the pre-series car with the vehicle identification number 001 wins the Nelson Ledges “Longest Day” 24 Hour Race in Ohio. Apparently listening to the radio during the race, Jim Busby, Rick Knoop and Freddy Baker eventually cross the finish line with a 42-lap advantage. For everyday driving, the new sports car can be ordered with or without an exhaust-gas catalyst. As a pioneering feature, both versions produce the same engine output. Moreover, equipped with an 80-litre fuel tank, “longer distances between gas stations offering lead-free petrol can be easily covered”, as a Porsche press release informs.