1985.5 Three owner, garaged in desert, great paint & interior, needs nothing

Description

Although we're still looking for documentation (the previous owner says he has a cubic yard of receipts from work on his 37 cars, most of which are hot rods), this impressive 944 has always been garaged in very dry conditions — it's so clean one can imagine it's barely been driven in the rain — and has always had everything it needed. The attention shows.
Its 148,000 miles driven around Pleasanton, California have been gentle. This is a near-perfect daily driver. I paid to transport this car here because we just don't see cars this nice on the East Coast. Car can be seen and driven and inspected in Chapel Hill NC.
Everything works in this car including AC, sunroof, power windows, power mirrors, clock, all gauges, every single light bulb. It currently has a Momo wheel fitted; the original wheel and original radio are included. Tires are new. Brakes are good, suspension quiet and supple with brand new, adjustable Konis on each corner. Timing belt and suspension were redone at 135k.
This car looks great, inside and out. The repaint looks better the closer you get to it and the brighter the light. Guards Red is deep and glossy; orange peel is minimal; panels are near perfect (one ding on the passenger door and another on the leading edge of the hood). Unfortunately the painter was notably less good at masking — seals all around the car suffer from overspray and, ironically, the worst spot is right under the front emblem (pictured). Overspray is the weakest point on this car, a problem primarily because the seals are in such good condition there's no need to change them. All lenses were replaced at repaint and are crystal clear.
Front seats are incorrect (but very serviceable) vinyl; original rear leather rears are sun-beaten along top edge (I'm currently pricing replacement with vinyl to match the fronts). Carpets are original (nice up front, sun-beaten in rear); new front and rear mat set by Lloyd's is very nicely done.
I bought this car to sell it (because it's a fun sideline and I have a bunch of cars and no space), and I've been loving driving it. The 2.5 liter 4cyl is gutsy; the gearshift flawless and super tight; the clutch light and meaty; the handling incredibly flat with its famous 51/49 weight balance; and she never fails to attract a crowd at the curb. That's how radiant the paint is.
1985 1/2 is an important date in 924/944/968 evolution. The 924/944 got a new dash; new door panels; hidden antenna; upgraded alternator; a bigger oil sump; new cast alloy suspension arms; increased fuel capacity; and NVH refinements, especially around its iconic, rear-mounted Weissach Axle. This car, with its elegant front bumper treatment, is the best example I have ever seen of what will soon be worth a lot more: a design icon for used Camry money.
These are appreciating fast which is cool because you will be able to drive this car, give it what little it may need, and still come out ahead if and when you can bring yourself to sell it.
Here's a movie I made driving it around:

Write for a link to additional photos (I can't figure out how to embed the album here).

And while we wait (and hope) for records to surface here's what we know of the previous owner's experience since 1993:

"car has never needed much... she never gave me much trouble"
new fuel pressure regulator just a couple weeks ago (2017)timing belt done in 09 at 135k miles - 15k ago - they go 100k midistributor cap, new wires & plugs 4k ago
2 yr ago: konis less than 5k miles, bilsteins at backbrakes and rotors at same time
new tie rod ends 5 yr ago
thermostat 10yr ago
over past 10yr acquired 2k mi/yrgo on trips, go up coast
small oil leak at timing belt gasketit has done it since timing belt was replaceddidn't know to bring it to the guy because a plastic engine cover fills up before you see leakmy fault because i didn't drive it enough to noticemeanwhile just put a little oil in it
same clutch since 1993 - highway mileage3rd owner
2009 135k2017 148k - 13k mi in past 8 years