HIGHLIGHTS

Just 76,041 miles from new
Remarkably well preserved
One of fewer than 6,000 S2 Cabriolets built
New electrically folding fabric hood fitted in March 2023
Fully documented service history from main dealers and specialists
Serviced in December 2022 with new belts and tyres
MoT with no advisories until August 2023

THE APPEAL

A front-engined Porsche? “Heresy!” they cried when the Porsche 924 débuted in November 1975. Understandably, loyal fans of the marque which had built its reputation on rear-engined, air-cooled sports cars were a bit perplexed when Porsche deviated from its successful formula and presented a water-cooled, front-engined car. By the time the 944 came along in 1982, naysayers would find themselves eating their words…

The 944 proved that a front-engined Porsche could provide the performance their clientele were accustomed to. It was quick, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in less than nine seconds. Things only got better, and in 1989 the 944 S2 appeared, with a DOHC three-litre engine – the largest production four-cylinder of its time – and the gearbox revised to suit it. Many examples were sold straight into the hands of enthusiasts but, even so, few have survived in such good, original condition as this superb Cabriolet.

Its rarity alone means it has always been a sought-after car, and this is reflected in the fact that each of its owners have obviously cherished it. It’s remarkably well-preserved and you’re unlikely to find another one quite like it. Benefitting from the recent fitment of a new folding hood, as well as a comprehensive service in December 2022, we understand that this Porsche is ready to be enjoyed.

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

Originally sold through Parkwood Ltd., a Porsche dealership in Maidstone, on 14th March 1991
Serviced by Porsche main dealers or specialists every year from 1991 to 2008
Kept by the first owner until June 2000, covering 33,000 miles and reportedly using it primarily as weekend transportation
Subsequently owned from June 2000 to July 2005, who likewise used it just for holidays, weekends and outings with the Porsche Club GB, and invested in some subtle upgrades
Award Second Place in a 2005 Porsche Club GB Southern Region concours
Acquired by the previous owner in November 2022 and by the vendor in February 2023
Sold with paperwork including the current V5C, the original service book and a handful of invoices issued between 2007 and 2022
Just 76,041 miles from new

THE INTERIOR

Factory special option Linen Upholstery
Exceedingly good condition
Fitted with a more modern Pioneer radio

This 944's interior has worn very well and much of what you see is believed to be original, including the carpets.

The upholstery, which is a special-ordered colour called Linen, hasn’t suffered at all despite being over 30 years old. It has mellowed a little, but there’s nothing that we have been able to find fault with.

We would say the same of just about everything else – the carpets, door trims, steering wheel and all the other fixtures and fittings all look really smart. There are of course some small marks in places, but there’s nothing that's particularly noticeable.

The boot opens to reveal an immaculate luggage space which, in all likelihood, probably hasn’t been used on more than a handful of occasions. The carpet lifts to reveal the spare wheel and a boot floor which is virtually unblemished.

THE EXTERIOR

Special order Tahoe Blue paint
Runner-up in 2005 Porsche Club GB Southern Region concours
Freshly restored wheels with recent new tyres
Extremely solid bodywork and in excellent condition all over

It’s always nice to have something a little bit exclusive, and this 944 is exactly that on account of it being finished in a special-option colour called Tahoe Blue, a beautiful, strong hue which really does inspire thoughts of driving through California’s National Forests on the way to its namesake lake. The replacement electrically folding hood, in Cobalt Blue, complements it very attractively and was fitted in March 2023

Once again, so far as we are aware, all the paint on the car is original and has survived phenomenally well. It has lost none of its sparkling metallic lustre and is almost unblemished. There is an area around one of the side lights where some paint has been chipped and a small parking graze on the front bumper, but we are not aware of any other notable defects. The glass, plastic trim items and decals are generally in really good condition and the vendor supplies a spare rear light unit as there is a crack in the item currently fitted to the car.

The famous Porsche D90 wheels are a particular highlight. Each one has just been freshly restored. Better still, they’re shod with recent Goodyear tyres which remain in very good condition.

Underneath, it all looks wonderfully sound. This has always been a high days and holidays car, so has had minimal exposure to wet weather and that really shows in the tremendous overall condition.

THE MECHANICS

Serviced in December 2022, receiving new belts
MoT with no advisories until August 2023
Reportedly driving very well, with no faults to report

With regular maintenance throughout its life, this car remains in excellent mechanical health. Receiving its annual service every year up to 2008, it has never been neglected. The regular servicing only stopped because the car ended up being used so sparingly. Between 2011 and 2015, it covered under 1000 miles! Within the last 5000 or so miles, it has seemingly benefitted from an expenditure of around £6000 in the way of upkeep and maintenance.

We’re informed that the Porsche runs and drives exactly as it should, with no issues to report. It passed its MoT in August without picking up a single advisory point, so we’re confident that it’s fully roadworthy, and it received a full service by Porsche specialist RSR in December for £1,217. Aside from the usual replacement of consumables such as oil, brake fluid, spark plugs and filters, the service involved changing the timing belt and balance belt. The vendor has recently fitted a new Yuasa battery and so we understand that it starts readily with little effort. The vendor comments that it is fabulous fun to drive, with great handling, smooth gear changes and strong braking performance.

That’s all good to know for when you’re driving the car, but when it’s parked and left unattended, it’s protected by a Thatcham Category 2 immobiliser and alarm.

THE SUMMARY

If we wanted a classic which we could enjoy, but also resort to when our daily-driver is out of action, a 944 would be high up our list, and we couldn’t possibly turn this one down.

It’s not just that it’s a super-rare, perfect-for-summer Cabriolet, it’s also low mileage, in really outstanding original condition and fine mechanical fettle. It’s got absolutely everything going for it.

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