**Please note: This vehicle was subject to a Cat-C Insurance write off in May 2006**
Guide Price: £7,000 - £10,000
The Background
﹒Clean and honest car ﹒Affordable classic ﹒Stainless exhaust ﹒Last 944 model made
The Background
Porsche introduced the 944 in 1982 to replace the Porsche 924 as their entry level model, although the 924 continued until 1988 as an even lower-priced alternative. This was considered by many Porsche enthusiasts to be the first real front engine Porsche, because it didn’t have the Audi sourced 2.0 litre engine from the 924.
The 944 started life with a 2.5 litre straight-4 engine which was based on one half of the Porsche 928's V8 engine. The 944 was based on the earlier 924 model, with the most noticeable changes to the bodywork which included flared wings, flared quarter panel and a rear spoiler similar to that on the previous 924 Turbo. The interior in the early 944 was mostly the same as the earlier 924.
In 1985 the 944 underwent its first significant changes. The interior was given a facelift and a much more modern feel and look with a completely new dash and door panels, and to help keep those lines nice and smooth the radio aerial was moved from the standard vertical position to being embedded in the windshield. Other changes included, new front and rear cast aluminum control arms and semi-trailing arms, and larger fuel tank. The "cookie cutter" style wheels used in the early 944s were upgraded to the new “tele-dial" style wheels.
Also in 1985, Porsche introduced the 944 Turbo, a higher-performance variant, known internally as the 951 (952 for right-hand drive models). This had a turbocharged and intercooled version of the standard car's engine that produced 220 bhp at 6000 rpm. The turbo was the world's first car using a ceramic portliner to lower temperatures inside the engine.
1989 brought the introduction of this particular model, the Porsche 944 S2, which had a 208 bhp 3.0 litre engine, and at the time, the largest four-cylinder petrol engine in the world. The 944 S2 had the same rounded nose and a rear valance found on the Turbo model. The S2 was also available as a cabriolet, which was a first for the 944 line.
Production ended for the 944 S2 in 1991 when it was replaced by the Porsche 968. Porsche was going to introduce the 944 S3, but after deciding on so many changes to the S2, the decision was made to replace it with the 968.
Registered in June 1989 this Black Porsche 944 S2 was born. The S2 is a happy compromise from the 944S and the 944 Turbo with its 3.0 litre four-cylinder engine and all the looks of a Turbo.
The Seller has owned this 1989 Porsche 944 S2 for approximately 3.5 years. It was bought from another classic car enthusiast to run alongside the seller's other classic car. The 944 was chosen because it was more usable and offered more comfort to partake in classic car cruises and shows, and has undertaken many driving holiday tours throughout the UK in the seller's ownership. After not much use throughout 2020 due to Covid-19 the owner has decided to part with it.
In May 2006 the Porsche did, unfortunately, suffer from a small engine fire in the engine bay which started from the engine wiring loom. There was no body or structural damage to the vehicle, but the insurers subsequently wrote the car off. The owner at the time bought back the car as the damage was easily repairable. A new genuine engine wiring loom was sourced and installed by PH Sports Cars in Derby. The 944 was then taken to VOSA to have the relevant checks carried out, given a clean bill of health and certificate, and the car was ready to go again, but it is now classed as a Category C.
Probably the most important document in the large history file is the stamped VOSA certificate which you will be glad to hear is present, along with the V5.
Before 2012 there's not much in the way of history. This is usually due to dealers not being able to leave paperwork with previous keepers’ details with the car, so it ends up being thrown away. After 2012 there is plenty of bedtime reading with invoices and receipts for lots of work carried out and various parts fitted.
The 944 S2 has MOT until 29th August 2021 and there are plenty of mot certificates to which the mileage tallies up to. The owner’s handbooks, service booklet along with the Porsche folder are present and in a tidy condition.
The Porsche interior is in very good condition throughout, the dashboard is free from cracks. The odometer is showing 121,361, the electric windows and sunroof work as they should and the seller reports that all the switchgear is also working correctly. The only thing he mentioned is that the Indicators don’t cancel themselves.
The seats are the original material which is brown pinstripe velour. These are in very tidy condition with minimal wear on the drivers bolster (and it really is minimal). The front seats are electric and they're working as they should. The rear seats are in the same condition apart from a 2” split on the passenger side rear seat squab.
An aftermarket Blaupunkt CD head unit has been fitted to replace the original unit. There is some wear on the gear knob, which could easily be replaced.
Into the boot area, the luggage cover is present which extends and retracts as it should. The boot carpet is clean and tidy and under it is the original Porsche spare wheel together with the jack and wheel brace.
This 944 S2 is very well presented and it's clear that it’s an honest car. Starting at the front are those big fog lights and indicators which are prone to stone chips and cracking. Luckily these have escaped any damage. There are a few age-related stone chips to the bumper.
The classic 80’s headlights pop up and close as they should. The bonnet and wing gaps all align correctly. Moving around to the sides, the door and wing panel gaps are straight and in-line. There are a couple of small dings, again as you would expect from a car of this age, but these are not really noticeable. Due to its age and originality, the stone guard protection decal on the rear arch has started to split. In 2016 the Porsche had some cosmetic repairs to the wings which were quickly nipped in the bud before they escalated. This is a common area to get some corrosion and consisted of having the lower 6 inches cut from each front wing and a new section fabricated and welded into place, followed by being painted.
The wheels have a few small chips to the rims that have been touched up, but otherwise are in very good condition. The centre caps have suffered from some water ingress that has made them slightly corroded under the lacquer.
The rear of the car certainly gives some presence on the road with the huge, flared quarter panels, large boot spoiler and lower rear diffuser. As you would expect, the boot opens and closes with ease, thanks to the fairly new gas struts. The lights are in good condition with no cracks or splits. The 944 S2 badge is present just so you know who’s left you for dust!
Another important point to mention is the seller had the 944-underside treated to Mercasol to prevent any corrosion appearing and this was approximately 3 years ago. There is a receipt for the work carried out which took approximately 5.5 hours, so definitely a thorough job and no evidence of corrosion was reported at the time.
Mechanically the Porsche is excellent with the current owner making sure anything that needed doing was done by his local classic car garage or an independent Porsche specialist, of which there are invoices and receipts to show.
In 2016 the car received a new timing chain, tensioners, balancer belts and water pump. Most recently was an oil change service which was carried out in August 2020. Prior to that the last major service was in March 2019. Also, in 2019 the S2 acquired new discs and pads, front and rear along with new handbrake shoes and new front wheel bearings.
Fitted with a four-cylinder 3.0 engine and Porsche's famous transaxle 5-speed gearbox, the car pulls just as well as Porsche intended and goes through the gears quickly and smoothly. The seller reports that there are no nasty noises from the suspension or transmission.
Another piece of mind on the corrosion front is that the vehicle has been fitted with a stainless-steel exhaust, still retaining the factory style tailpipe.
Porsche 944’s are probably one of the most recognisable front engine Porsche’s made with the shapely body and curves in all the right places. Prices have risen over the past few years for front engine Porsche’s and look like they will continue to do so.
The S2 was only made for 2 years, making it quite a desirable car to many who are searching for a 944 without the Turbo price tag.
Like an 80’s coat with big shoulder pads what are you waiting for! Step back to the 80’s!
*** Please note; This vehicle was subject to a CAT-C insurance write-off in May 2006 ***
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
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1989 Porsche 944 S2
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