There are several visually arresting design features that immediately conjure up images of a certain car model or carmaker. For instance, the tail fin reminds most of us of the American cars from the 1950s, especially the Buick Electra 225 (first-gen) and the Imperial Crown (1961), while the iconic teardrop shaped back end reminds us of the legendary Porsche 911. But how about the pop-up headlights, which have become Ferrari’s standout feature? Do you instantly think of Ferrari when you see them, or some other car brand?

Most gearheads associate the pop-up headlights with the Prancing Horse, or even with the Lamborghini Diablo. Few remember that in 1982, Porsche released a new model dubbed 944, which had the same headlights. The front-engine 944 had the body based on the 924 platform, but the curves were more pronounced. The 944 came equipped with a 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine, which originally developed 161 horsepower. However, the first U.S. version generated only 143 horsepower and had a 50:50 weight distribution, according to Hagerty.

Initially, the German automaker created this model as an entry-level Porsche that would build brand loyalty, but prices have exploded in the past decades. In 2018, Hagerty noted that “in some cases, 944 values doubled or even tripled in value over the past 10 years.” After which it added “at the 944’s current price point, there are plenty of American and Japanese performance cars that are cheaper to buy, cheaper to own, faster, or all of the above.”

Although there are more convenient vehicles on the market, this is why experts predict Porsche 944 prices will increase further in the near future.

RELATED: Here's What Makes The Porsche 944 A Classic Sports Car Bargain For Driving Enthusiasts

The Porsche 944 Has Stylish Looks And Great Handling

Porsche 944
Via: Top Speed

Given that this was a lightweight Porsche, the handling was absolutely amazing. In fact, many satisfied owners point out that this sports car is very reliable and has exceptional handling and great power. In fact, Car and Driver named the 944 as the “Best Handling Production Car in America” for 1984. Apart from these qualities, the 944 is stylish and retains a timeless look.

The “slightly angular wings clearly distinguished the 944 from the 924,” says Porsche. Meanwhile, Hagerty concludes that “its sloping nose and bulging fender flares make it one of the best-looking cars to come out of the ‘80s.” Overall, the ducktail and the pop-up headlights create a sleek look that has come to define the decadence of the 1980s. Not for nothing, various movies and TV series featured the 944 during the past years, including Straight Outta Compton, Alien Factor 2: The Alien Rampage, Fathers & Daughters, and Father Figures.

Porsche Engineering

1986 Porsche 944 5-Speed
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The 944 only underwent a few cosmetic changes in its nine years of existence, but the engine changes were more significant, offering a wider diversity. For instance, there were significant differences between the entry-level model and the Turbo S units. The German automaker equipped the original base 944 with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine that generated 161 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque. As mentioned above, the American version had fewer horsepower.

For the 1986 model year, Porsche revealed the 944 Turbo, which could produce 217 horsepower. Fast-forward to 1987, and the German automaker released the 944 S, which generated 187 horsepower. In 1988, Porsche revealed the Turbo S, with 247 horsepower, a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.5 seconds, and a top speed of 162 mph. And in 1989, Porsche inaugurated the last 944 model, which came equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-four, which generated 208 horsepower, according to The Car Investor. It is hardly surprising that this car enjoyed such a remarkable level of market success, given its outstanding engine options and performance. Porsche sold more than 163,000 units of the 944 between 1982 and 1991, making it the company's best-selling sports car.

RELATED: Doug DeMuro Explains Why The Gorgeous Porsche 944 Turbo Is Criminally Underrated

This Is How Much The Porsche 944 Costs Today

A side view of the 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo.
Via: Mecum

Even today, the 944 remains one of the most affordable Porsche options on the market; thus, gearheads who want to enjoy these famous vehicles can get one for a reasonable cost. According to Classic.com, the average price of the 944 is $20,720, while the lowest sale was $1,700, and the highest sale reached $135,944. Currently, there are 20 Porsche 944s for sale on the website, with pricing ranging from $9,750 for a 1985 Porsche 944 with 173,547 miles on the odometer to $35,900 for a 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo with 58,333 miles on the odometer. Hemmings also has various Porsche 944s on its website, with prices ranging from $7,500 for a 1984 Porsche 944 to a staggering $180,000 for a 1986 944 Porsche Turbo five-speed manual.