1985.5 944 5-Speed

Mid-year model changes always baffle me. I mean, whey not just make it a 1986 instead of a 1985.5? But I guess Porsche couldn’t wait until the ‘86 model year to make their first update to the 944 in order to distance it even more-so from the 924 that it replaced. That distancing was mainly on the interior as the 944’s interior was pretty much a 924 interior save for a few items. The mechanical bits that were updated included the A-arms, rear trailing arms, trans mounts, a larger gas tank, and a few other items. Overall, a welcome update to Porsche’s latest transaxle car.

This 1985.5 944 5-speed is finished in Guards Red over Black upholstery with Porsche-script cloth inserts. It includes such options as 15” Fuchs wheels, front & rear sway bars, and shows 83,000 miles on the odometer.

Overall, the car looks as you would expect for an 83,000-mile 944 pushing 40 years old. There is a crack in the windshield along with some dings and paint chips around the lower portion of the body. The interior shows similar wear and comes with an aftermarket Kenwood head unit. Mechanically the car is in need of some work as the AC is said to be leaking refrigerant, but other than that it looks to have been well maintained over the years with some major work in 2019 and a timing belt replacement in 2023.

Base 944 prices have averaged around $16,000 over the last twelve months with the majority of cars sold in the $8-$15,000 range. There are a few outliers of course that help bump the average up like the 44-mile example that sold last February for $105,000. Our Spotlight car failed to sell at a high bid of $11,944. With the noted wear and minor work needed, I’d say that was all the money for this one. Not sure they’ll get more anywhere else as it takes a really nice car to break over the average, especially at that mileage.

Two things that go hand-in-hand? Porsche and watches. Every Porschephile I know is also a watch nerd. And like Porsches, watches can be enjoyed at all price points. 

On a recent visit to Pittsburgh, SML subscriber Allan S. tossed me his new Sheffield Allsport watch. Sheffield Watches is a reboot of an old dive watch brand founded in New York in the ‘50s that was synonymous with producing low-price point, quality watches. The weight of the stainless steel case felt robust, as did the feel of the screw-down crown and unidirectional bezel—definitely quality. As for price point, the Sheffield diver punches way above its weight at $108. You can’t buy more watch for the money, period. 

And that’s what Sheffield Watches’ founder Jay Turkbas set out to accomplish, reviving the brand's ethos and creating a watch synonymous with quality, technology, and affordability. Taking inspiration from his original Sheffield watch from the ’70s and his 30-plus years of experience in product development and innovation, he knocked it out of the park with a durable watch capable of exploring the depths of the ocean one day and cars & coffee the next. And all at a price point equivalent to the $13 the watch originally cost back then. Take a moment to give Sheffield Watches a look. I know you’ll be just as impressed as I am.

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