These were extremely beautiful cars, maybe that why the concept was copied
so much. Ever notice that 2nd generation
RX7's, Chrysler Conquests, 80's Ford Probes all look similar? There's
quite a few more, I just can't remember
them now. Rumor is, back in the 80's Ford bought a 944 and completely tore
it down for inspiration on the
Probe. Just what I heard (or read, can't remember), but I believe it.
Competing in Solo2 with the SCCA
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Notice on the left that the transmission is actually a transaxle in the rear. A driveshaft passes through the torque tube between the seats. This setup creates a weight distribution of 50/50. Although it didn't quite have the off-the-line power of a 5.0 Mustang, this thing could plaster you to the doors with the turning G's it could create. |
That 944 was truly an amazing car, too bad it started acting up.
I was 16-18 while I had this and unfortunately didn't
have any real wrenching skills. Also well, according to my family when
it's acting up it's time to get rid of it. I am not
like that, but I could see that it had to go. Dead clutch, flywheel,
various sensors, fried wires, etc. had required 4-5k
invested in a car that cost 5k. Oh well. It kills me to think now that it
coulda been something as stupid as moisture in the distributor cap, which
I would have now checked in 4 minutes. These cars are cheap to buy,
yet
expensive to maintain, so who knows.
