Description
1991 Porsche 944 Turbo Convertible. Impressive detailed history file. An exceptionally original example.
In September 1981, the Porsche 944 was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Its design was overseen by head designer Anatole Lapine, with the exterior design influenced by a wide-bodied 924 Carrera GT prototype from 1979.
Porsche essentially decided to slice the 928’s V8 in half to create a 2. 5-litre, four-cylinder inline unit that replaced the Audi engine fitted in the 924.
This engine was given the ultimate test – the 24 Hours of Le Mans race – to prove itself. Although the car was billed as a Porsche 924 GTP at the 1981 race, it was really the new 944 – the car later became known as the 944 GTR Le Mans – and was driven by legends Jürgen Barth and Walter Röhrl. This camouflaged 944 completed the 24 hours with just 21 fuel pit stops and without any technical issues, finishing seventh overall.
The 944 was built at Audi’s former NSU factory in Neckarsulm, near Stuttgart, until 1991. It was fitted with Porsche engines transported from the Porsche factory in Zuffenhausen.
The 944 Turbo entered production in 1985, making a significant difference to the standard performance of the 944. The new turbocharged engine generated 220BHP, resulting in the 0-100km/ h time being reduced to 5. 9 seconds, a three-second improvement. The 944 Turbo S saw engine power upgraded to 250BHP, shaving another 0. 4 seconds off of the 0-100km/ h time to 5. 9 seconds. The official top speed was 261km/ h, making the Porsche 944 Turbo S the world’s fastest four-cylinder production car at that time.
The 944 Turbo Cabriolet was released in 1991 and combined the Turbo S engine with a cabriolet body built by the ASC-American Sunroof Company. Only 625 were built, with 100 examples produced for the UK, Japanese, Australian, and South African markets. 50 examples were allocated for the UK market.
This super example was delivered new by Glenvarigill Porsche on 21st October, 1991. Finished in Alpine White with Classic Grey leather and equipped with the following options: Air conditioner, Limited slip Differential, Headlamp wash and vertical headlight adjustment.
For the 33 following years the car has been maintained exceptionally well and carries a highly detailed service history, largely Porsche main agent with the last Porsche agency service conducted at 60795 miles, included a cambelt change.
The originality is quite special, clearly having been cherished and correctly garaged throughout the course of time by its enthusiast owners. It still retains its original interior scent and the trims, switches and rubber seals are correct and in lovely unmolested condition. A true time-warp example.
