RESERVE LOWERED - 1992 Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Guide price: £14,000-£18,000
Highlights
・Incredible condition and largely original throughout
・Ex-Porsche Technician owned
・Garaged throughout the last 10 years
・Porsche Club GB Certificate
The Background
Introduced in 1982, the Porsche 944 built upon the success of the 928, offering near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution and incredible handling prowess thanks to its rear-mounted transaxle setup, which balanced out the weight of the impressively torquey 3.0-litre inline-four engine up front.
The 944 was so successful, in fact, that it was the single most-successful model for Porsche until the introduction of the Boxster and 997 911 in the 21st century. Forget when people say the front-engined cars such as the 944 “aren’t real Porsches” because they really, really are.
Beginning in 1987, the 944 S (standing for ‘Super’) was introduced into the line-up. Featuring the same transaxle layout and four-cylinder engine, the power plant was uprated to a dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) 16v engine. In 1989 the S2 was introduced, which replaced the 2.5-litre 16v engine with a 3.0-litre version, which was at the time the largest four-cylinder engine fitted to a production car.
Styling was also modified for the S2, receiving the same front and rear valence as the 944 Turbo models, in additional to a revised transmission and gearing to better cope with the 3.0-litre engine
The History
This particular 944 S2 Cabriolet was purchased by the vendor from a Porsche technician, who had the 944 as part of his modest collection which included two air-cooled 911s. Prior to the technician’s ownership, this S2 was owned by an avid collector who had custodianship of the car for around seven years, all of which adds up to explain the incredible condition of this 944.
During the vendor’s ownership, the car has been garaged and used on dry, sunny days for exhilarating, top-down motoring. In addition to this, it has also been used for numerous trans-European road trips, along with the famous ‘North Coast 500’ route in Scotland. Praised by the vendor for its mixture of high-revving power and bottom-end torque, this 944 is now on the hunt for a new owner to enjoy it just as they have, and is only for sale due to a house move.
The Paperwork
Included with the vehicle is a rich treasure trove of documentation, invoices and other paperwork both from during the vendor’s ownership and before.
The service record is present and stamped throughout, though the most recent service during May 2019 is not stamped, but the invoice is present within the history file. During 2017, the vehicle was subject to a major overhaul by specialist Jaz Porsche to the tune of around £5,000 which included a cam belt, water pump and belt rollers.
In addition to the invoices, the V5 ownership certificate is present which shows 8 previous owners, along with a certificate from Porsche Club GB which gives an estimated value for the car and confirms the condition of the vehicle.
The Interior
Inside, the cabin of this 944 S2 Cabriolet shrugs off its age and mileage with ease. The standard four-spoke steering wheel has been replaced with a three-spoke offering from a Porsche RS at a cost of over £600, but the original steering wheel will be included in the sale of the vehicle.
As with any Porsche of this era, the outer bolster on the driver’s seat is beginning to show signs of wear with some minor marks in the leather along with the passenger seat. The instrument binnacle is free from any cracks which are a common feature on 944s, while the upgraded Pioneer stereo, speakers and all original Porsche switchgear works exactly as it should.
The boot is also in excellent condition, having had the seal replaced during 2012 and as a result the boot carpet is in a good condition, with only some light fraying around the poppers that secure it. Inside the boot also comes the original emergency spare, pump, jack and other tools.
The Exterior
The Polar White paintwork is still in excellent condition throughout, with only the lightest of cosmetic marks to the front end of the vehicle.
The originality of this 944 S2 should be noted, with the vendor believing all of the body panels to be original. This would certainly appear to be the case, with the original clear chip guards on the wings, while the sills retain the OEM diamond marks which signify the jacking points of the car. The boot balance weight is also still present, along with the paper sticker detailing the options of the vehicle.
All four wheels were refurbished during 2016 and remain in great condition, however, there are a couple of marks to the face of two of the wheels though all four are free from any major damage or kerb rash.
The folding soft top was refurbished and re-proofed in 2019, and works fantastically according to the vendor with a nice smooth opening and closing motion. There are no leaks and the rear window shows only slight buffing marks with no discolouration or cracking. Both hood catches are still present, along with a tonneau cover which still fits well and
The Mechanicals
Underneath, this transaxle Porsche has clearly been cared for, and presents in good mechanical order. During 2019 heatwave, the vendor took the car across Europe and down to the South of France with no reported issues which is testament to the mechanical condition of this S2. There has also been an extensive waxoyling underneath, behind the wheel arch protectors and through the inner sills, carried out by the previous owner, a Porsche technician.
Under the bonnet, the engine bay is in entirely original condition barring the red Wiechers strut brace, and presents in generally good, if used, condition. According to the vendor, the car “starts every time, and pulls well to the red line.”
During 2019, a new manifold-back stainless steel exhaust was fitted, with a cracked heat shield being replaced at the same time.
The most recent MOT exam was carried out on 10 March 2021 and resulted in a first-time pass. In fact, this 944 has not failed an MOT since 2012, and the vendor notes that all advisories that have cropped up during their ownership have been addressed, with invoices present to ratify these claims.
The Appeal
While there was a time that the front-engined transaxle Porsches were seen as ‘lesser’ than their rear-engined brethren, the 944 and its counterparts are certainly enjoying their time in the spotlight now, offering fantastic driving experiences, impressive performance and famed Porsche reliability without the over-inflated price tag which has hit 911’s of this era.
This 1992 Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet is in outstanding and largely original condition throughout, having benefitted from fastidious ownership courtesy of its last three caretakers. Having recently passed its MOT and with a clean bill of health, this 944 S2 is simply in need of a new driver that is waiting to point her south and speed off into the sunset.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
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.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1992
- Make Porsche
- Model 944 S2 Cabriolet
- Colour White
- Odometer 100,572 Miles
- Engine size 2990
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Cambridgeshire
- Country United Kingdom
21
bids
- Da•••• £14,000 11/05/21
- Ms•••• £13,750 11/05/21
- Da•••• £13,500 11/05/21
- Ms•••• £13,250 11/05/21
- fe•••• £13,000 11/05/21
- Da•••• £12,000 10/05/21
- al•••• £11,500 10/05/21
- Al•••• £11,250 10/05/21
- th•••• £11,000 10/05/21
- Al•••• £10,350 08/05/21
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.