GOTA944

Long story short, I am trying to track down my old 944, which I owned in Illinois from 2002-2005 and 68K-82K. I'd like to buy this car back at some point if the opportunity presented itself since it was my first car, and I wish I'd have kept it. I believe the car may currently be in Minnesota after spending some time in New York with the gentleman I sold it to. Anyway, here is the VIN: WP0AA0946FN453297. It was Guards Red with black leather interior/sport seats (larger bolsters), sunroof, Fuchs, 5 speed, etc. Not sure if any member here owns it or knows of it, but PM me if you have any leads. Thanks!

944Fest (aka Dan P)

I'd put a wanted advert in the Minnesota craigslist with a pic of the car and a reward, offer a benjamin, you'd get some hits!
Perhaps run the VIN thru the Minnesota title search? I'd think a carfax of that vin would show you if /where it's been registered.
I ran that VIN on the minnesota DMV and it says :

Registration Tax Paid

Tax Year VIN Amount Tax Year VIN Amount
No registration tax info found.

Here is a spot where you can get the NY title abstract for $10 https://dmv.ny.gov/dmv-records/get-v...ecord-abstract
Good luck with your hunt!

GOTA944

The car is currently registered in Greene, NY according to Carfax and was just inspected in 11/2020 with 101K on the clock. Th car had consistent registration in MN from 2005-2018 though I suspect the car may have been physically in NY area the whole time. The guy I sold it to in 2005 was a commercial pilot from MN but had a place in NY, and he used to correspond with me via email about the Porsche and other car interests. He even wrote a handwritten letter to thank me and let me know how the car did on his drive from IL to NY post purchase. I let him keep my plates (IL: GOTA944) on the car for his drive because he was worried he'd have problems going all that way without them. He sent me the plates and that letter once he made it to NY, and I still have both today. Several years ago, he stopped answering emails, and I wondered why. Unfortunately, I found out after Googling him that he died in a helicopter crash in 2016. Hopefully, his family kept the car in his honor, but I suspect they sold it based on the Carfax, and it is somewhere in the Greene, NY area. I may post up an ad in the Craigslist there and see what happens. I picked up my wife for our first date in that car 18 years ago, so it has sentimental value more than being the ideal 944, which for me would be a 1986 951 version of my old car - same color combo, Fuchs, and sport seats. That would be easier to find than my old car specifically, but it wouldn't be the same.

944Fest (aka Dan P)

Excellent, excellent history! It's amazing what you can find on the web, eh? I think you are getting close!!!

GOTA944

Thanks for pointers. I posted an ad in Binghampton, NY Craigslist, which is closest large town to Green. It had service at an independent tire place last year and a Valvoline, so I could always call and see where that gets me though I'd guess they'd not actually give me owner info, but maybe I can request they let the owner know to contact me. We'll see. I've had many interesting cars over the years (currently 1981 DeLorean), but that 944 is one I do miss. I always said I'd keep my first car forever when I was a kid, but things change. Most first cars aren't worth keeping, but that one was. This was back in early 2000s when nice N/A 944s were dirt cheap to buy (5K). I see they are starting to have their day finally along with everything else from the 1980s and 1990s...

https://binghamton.craigslist.org/wa...271397056.html

951Tom

For only $10, I'd definitely try the NY title abstract. If that doesn't pan out, I've seen stories here on Rennlist of folks hiring private investigators to track down a car. I love reading these types of stories so hope you find and purchase the car! I took my wife on first dates too in my 951 so I totally get it.

Another thought, Greene looks like a small town. You could go thru the town on Google street view...maybe get lucky and see it parked in a driveway? It might take awhile but I seem to recall someone else found a car this way. Then mail a letter or get a phone # for the address. Keep us posted!

Tom
'87 951

maybeillbuyit

Great story, good luck with the search. I've wondered about past cars myself but never bothered. Please keep us posted. I hope to hear you've found it

Luv2wrench

This VIN 944 was just listed today on Bring a Trailer

vacuumnoise

just looked at BaT, nice car but early model, OP said was seeking an 85.5

Ufnavy06

This is probably it based on the VIN and title history.

Luv2wrench

I am guessing you didn’t look at the correct BAT listing, there is an 85.5 with this VIN listed today. “NR” and listed as “project”. It would make a great daily driver but needs some restoration work and paint readings might indicate some prior body damage.
(I already posted for BAT to change year to 85.5 but it could take a day or 2.)
What are the chances that GOTTA944 could be
reunited with his first car. Hope he is successful!

Luv2wrench

posted on BAT today! Good luck

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-porsche-944-100/

maybeillbuyit

Wow, I was just looking at that car on BAT yesterday. I had forgotten about the OPs post looking for it. Get ready to bid GOTA944. This story is getting better

Kurt R

Next problem - @GOTA944 hasn't posted here since Feb 2021. Maybe my tagging him will generate a email on an account that he's still using.

Luv2wrench

still plenty of time and price is low, hope he checks his messages