1991 Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet

HIGHLIGHTS

• Extensive history file
• Thoroughly usable example
• Presents in good order

THE BACKGROUND

Porsche is a past master at refining machinery until they reach the pinnacle of development and so it was with the 944. It could trace its roots back to the 924 which made its debut in 1976 and over the ensuing years it was tweaked and fettled until it spawned a higher performance model, the 944. This, in turn, was enhanced during its production run with the ultimate version being the 944 S2 that was introduced in 1989 and in the same year a 944 S2 Cabriolet was launched for those who wanted their rapid front-engined Porsche to ruffle their hair.
It featured a 3.0-litre four-cylinder engine that was good for 211hp and mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The 944 S2 was renowned for its lusty engine, rapid mid-range acceleration and sublime handling – the Cabriolet offered all this but in an even better-looking package. Today they’re becoming highly coveted and it’s increasingly hard to find good, usable examples. 

THE HISTORY

The example we have here was first registered in August 1991 and is finished in Tahoe blue with an ivory leather interior. The current owner tells us that having perused the car’s history it would appear the first owner thoroughly enjoyed his 944 S2 Cabrio, covering around 113,000 miles during its first ten years. It has been used sparingly by a variety of owners since then and since 2001 it has covered just 27,000 miles, while in the last four years it’s averaged just 500 miles per year.
Overall it has had 14 owners, not unusual for this sort of car where many owners are keen to scratch that Porsche itch and then perhaps move onto something more practical. The current owner has owned the car for around two years and while he has enjoyed his time with the car he’s running out of space and is now offering the 944 for sale. Seeing him behind the wheel during out photoshoot you can see how much he’ll miss the car when it’s gone. 

THE PAPERWORK

The owner tells us that there is an extensive paper trail to accompany the 944, including the original service book that features 16 service stamps. Additionally he says that every MoT certificate is in the history file and that there are bills and invoices totalling over £12,000 within the history file.
Additionally, the owner tells us that in recent times it has had the following: cambelt change, clutch, clutch slave, brake discs and pads, CV boots, K&N high flow filter, alternator belt, plugs and leads, roll bar bushes, shock absorbers, starter motor, coil, water pump, catalytic exhaust and new ball joints.
There is a V5C in the owner’s name and the current MoT was passed with no advisories and runs until December 2021.

THE INTERIOR

Overall the cockpit of the 944 presents in good order and the owner reports that all the controls work as they should, apart from the clock which no longer operates. The ivory leather seats are in decent order with no obvious rips or tears and their electrics work as the should. The front seats are a little grubby when compared to the rear seats and no doubt would respond well to some deep cleaning and leather treatment.
The rear seats are in good condition as is the carpet while the floor mats would no doubt benefit from a professional clean – it’s virtually impossible to keep an ivory interior in perfect condition! The door trim panels are for the most part in good order with just a modicum of staining on the driver’s side one from 30 years’ worth of drivers getting in and out and there is a very slight rippling of the leather by the front door speakers.
The switchgear is in good order although the switches in front of the gear lever exhibit some fading to their white decals. The top of the dash does have some cracking to it above the central air vents and above the dashpod. The cover for the central cubby hole in between the seats has broken plastic hinges but a new part has been ordered from the US and will accompany the car.
The boot is in relatively good condition although there is a little staining to the ivory white carpet and some of the stitching around the edges is starting to come undone. Under the carpet is the correct space saver wheel and inflation pump along with the jack and the wheel brace.

THE EXTERIOR

Externally the Tahoe blue metallic paintwork is generally in good order with just a few minor imperfections as to be expected on a 30-year-old car. The worst of these is a small amount of bubbling in the paintwork on the driver’s door just below the window. The shut lines are all good and the doors, bonnet and boot all close with a reassuring quality engineered feel.
The manually operated navy blue hood takes a matter of seconds to lower and appears to be in good condition with no rips or seams coming adrift. It appears to be watertight too, with no damp carpets or musty smells inside.
The five spoke Porsche Cup alloy wheels are generally in good order with no major kerb rash or damage although they do have a few chips to their finish here and there. The tyres have a good tread depth to them.
The pop-up headlights operate as they should, raising and lowering quickly and in unison. The rest of the lighting on the 944 also appear to be in fine fettle. From what we could see of the underside of the 944 it appears to be in solid condition but due to the low-lung nature of the car it was hard to see the underside properly.

THE MECHANICS

The 3.0-litre all alloy four-cylinder starts on the button and settles down to a smooth idle and would appear to be in good order. The owner reports that the engine is super smooth and that the gearbox is crisp and precise and everything looks to be in good condition under the bonnet. 
As detailed in the paperwork section the owner reports that there has been plenty of maintenance in recent years and from what we could see the 944 appears to be in fine fettle and ready for its next owner to enjoy.

THE APPEAL

When buying a classic Porsche you need to ask what you want from the car? If the answer is a brilliantly engineered front-engined machine that offers strong performance, renowned handling and some wind-in-the-hair fun then this could well be the car for you.
It presents in good condition overall and is the sort of car that you could take anywhere and receive admiring glances as you drive past. At the same time it’s not a concours contender so you wouldn’t be afraid to use it – it’s an eminently useable example that could be used and enjoyed exactly as it is.

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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 seller's discretion. 

Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here 

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1991
  • Make Porsche
  • Model 944 S2 Cabriolet
  • Colour Tahoe Blue
  • Odometer 140,083 Miles
  • Engine size 2969
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location London
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
14 bids from 8 bidders
  • dm•••• £9,600 01/12/21
  • dm•••• £9,500 01/12/21
  • dm•••• £8,500 01/12/21
  • dm•••• £7,800 01/12/21
  • an•••• £7,000 01/12/21
  • dm•••• £6,800 29/11/21
  • Je•••• £6,000 29/11/21
  • ar•••• £5,500 26/11/21
  • xs•••• £5,000 26/11/21
  • Me•••• £3,250 26/11/21
Message C&C Auction Team

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