1992 Porsche 944 SE

reserve not met
12 Bids
8:30 PM, 11 Sep 2023Auction ended
Highest bid

£21,000

reserve not met

Background

Special edition cars are always an interesting proposition for collectors as they usually offer more than a base or even a standard model. However every so often something more special than a typical iteration of a model comes along and this is the incredibly rare Porsche 944 S2 SE. Not to be confused with the 944 S or the S2, the “SE” actually stands for “Sport Equipment” and it was the designation of a special limited series production of the Porsche 944, one that stretched to a mere 14 examples.

Created in 1992, the concept behind the 944 SE was to develop a more sporting edition of the standard road car, one that would be a fitting end to sign off production of the 944 series.

It is understood that the brainchild for the prototype SE was Porsche GB employee and racing driver Steve Kevlin, who was keen to develop a more finely tuned driver focused 944. The prototype was then tested by Porsche senior management, who approved of the concept with a memo dated 7th February 1992. This gave the go-ahead for the production of 15 cars though it is thought only 14 were actually constructed. And so one of the rarest examples of the Porsche 944 was born.

  • WP0ZZZ94ZMN400549
  • 4,949 Miles (since restoration)
  • 2990
  • manual
  • Alpine White
  • Blue
  • Right-hand drive
  • Petrol

Vehicle location
Ashford, Kent, United Kingdom

Background

Special edition cars are always an interesting proposition for collectors as they usually offer more than a base or even a standard model. However every so often something more special than a typical iteration of a model comes along and this is the incredibly rare Porsche 944 S2 SE. Not to be confused with the 944 S or the S2, the “SE” actually stands for “Sport Equipment” and it was the designation of a special limited series production of the Porsche 944, one that stretched to a mere 14 examples.

Created in 1992, the concept behind the 944 SE was to develop a more sporting edition of the standard road car, one that would be a fitting end to sign off production of the 944 series.

It is understood that the brainchild for the prototype SE was Porsche GB employee and racing driver Steve Kevlin, who was keen to develop a more finely tuned driver focused 944. The prototype was then tested by Porsche senior management, who approved of the concept with a memo dated 7th February 1992. This gave the go-ahead for the production of 15 cars though it is thought only 14 were actually constructed. And so one of the rarest examples of the Porsche 944 was born.

Video

Overview

This particular 1992 Porsche 944 SE is a super rare example that was first registered on the 1st August 1992. Finished in the correct shade of Alpine White, with a contrasting blue Porsche script interior, this 944 S2 SE was the subject of a major restoration in 2017 by noted Porsche specialists Rennsport.

Powered by a 225BHP 3.0 litre inline four engine, the SE model boasted a number of desirable upgrades. These included Koni adjustable suspension dampers, a limited-slip differential, additional rear coil springs, an adjustable rear stabiliser bar and a stiffer front stabiliser bar.

The car was acquired by the current owner in 2019, who realised how rare and special this 944 was, adding it to their collection of classic vehicles. Since acquiring the Porsche, the current owner has spent a considerable amount of time finishing off the restoration started by Rennsport, which was mostly complete but required lots of small details to be finished off.

The vendor believes that there is possibly only one other road-going example of this car, an example sold by Bonhams at the Goodwood Revival sale in 2017. In the words of well-known motoring presenter and journalist Quentin Wilson, with whom the vendor was in email contact earlier this year: "This is a very unique 944... Porsche collectors are always on the look out for unicorns like this and it would generate a lot of interest".

Exterior

Just six years on from its repaint in Alpine White, this 944 S2 SE presents in very fine condition and it must be one of the nicest examples currently on the market. The whole car is clean and sharp, with excellent body lines and panel gaps and the rubber trim looking as fresh as the day it was installed.

The Porsche sits on a correct set of 16” Design 90 alloy wheels which present in very nice shape all round. And thanks to the SE tuned suspension, which rides 30mm lower than the S2, the stance of this 944 is more purposeful.

Another detail that makes this 944 different from an S2 is the colour coded rear spoiler, which is a nice touch. Plus there is the special SE badge on the rear and the SE graphic on the doors.

Interior

On the inside the 944 S2 SE is finished with a very nice blue interior, a blue dashboard and special 3 spoke Club Sport steering wheel.

The dashboard plus the steering wheel and the gauges and switches are all in very good condition, with the interior looking as fresh and clean as the exterior.

One detail that the current owner spent considerable time on were the graphics for the central console switches. The originals were heavily worn and the decision was made to create new ones from scratch. The current owner drew on their graphic design background to create new images, based on the original design and then sent the switches off to a specialist for application. It is this attention to detail which can consume a considerable amount of time when restoring a car properly and it shows the owners dedication to get it right.

The 944’s blue Porsche Script seats are also in nice shape and the colour really works well with the white exterior. There is a little bit of colour fade to the blue and some scuffing on the drivers side bolster and base, but the overall condition is good and it is a very nice place to sit.

The sunroof works as it should. It is the removable panel design and the car comes with the protective sunroof bag.

Other items the current owner fixed on the interior were sourcing a new clock and correct speakers for the door cards. The 944 also has a correct stereo installed which works well and it even features the removable security card. The owner adds that they also fixed an issue with the driver's electric seat and it now operates as it should.

Mechanical

Under the bonnet resides a 3.0-litre aluminium-block inline-four, which produces 225bhp, which was approximately 17BHP more than the S2 engine. It benefits from increased torque from 4,250rpm, courtesy of a remapped ECU. Power is sent to the rear wheels via the five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.

The engine bay of this S2 SE presents in very clean condition with the engine itself last serviced by Rennsport in 2017.

Mechanical items taken care of by the current owner included replacing the clutch slave and master cylinders and the idle stabiliser valve. The steering shaft and the front lower suspension ball joints were replaced in 2020.

They say that the Porsche drives very well and has only had light use since they acquired it in 2019.

The only items the owner notes that will require attention going forward are the the alarm system, which drains the battery if it is left connected, and the headlight washer system which is not currently connected.

The car's MOT records show that by February 2013 it had covered 167,827 miles. The odometer is now showing 5,227 which is the number of miles it has covered since the engine was rebuilt by Rennsport in 2017.

History

Not much history prior to its restoration in 2017 comes with the car. However there is a large number of invoices which documents the works carried out and parts purchased by the current owner since they acquired it in 2019.

The owner adds that the car will be accompanied by a number of USB flash drives which contain photographs of its rebuild and restoration with Rennsport.

The Porsche 944 S2 SE has the V5C in the owners name and comes with two set of keys. It benefits from a current MOT which is valid until 13th April 2024 and has no advisories. A number of old expired MOT certificates are also included in the history file.

Summary

This 1992 Porsche 944 S2 SE is a very rare car and it is believed there are a mere handful remaining. The chances of bumping into another on the road are very low indeed and it can certainly be classed in the “unicorn” category of sports cars. This Sports Equipment 944 is a collector grade example that has had a lot of time and attention lavished on it over the past few years. Its rarity will make it a guaranteed talking point at car shows and it would be a worthy addition to any Porsche collection. We are confident to offer it for auction with an estimate of £30,000-£35,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Ashford, Kent. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

About this auction

Seller

Private: Neils1


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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