1991 Porsche 944

The sales invoice for this Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet shows the original owner paid almost £40,000 for the car in March 1991, which is roughly equivalent to £60,000 now. The Porsche 944 was not a cheap car and this example is no exception, with the first owner ticking the boxes for the factory to fit a 40% locking limited slip differential, 16-inch light alloy wheels, headlamp washers, protective side mouldings, electric seats, a driver’s side lumbar support, matching door panel and seat bolster inserts, and fully automatic climate control. 

And, as befits such an expensive and carefully specc’d car, this Porsche 944 was subsequently treasured over the years, averaging just 2,500 miles p.a. It has also been carefully stored undercover, so the usual perished rubber seals, faded roof fabric, and general air of decrepitude that lingers over so many over-priced Porsche 944s is completely absent. 

It looks, and drives, like a three-year-old car rather than one that left the Porsche factory 26 years ago: while many 944s have suffered over the decades in the hands of those that could barely afford to run them never mind look after them properly, this example has been adored and maintained regardless of cost. No really, it has, a fact you can confirm for yourself by reading its online service and maintenance history in the records below.

The panel fit and paintwork on this example are stunning, and a full valet has left it looking almost as good as the day it left the showroom. There are a couple of very small marks which can be seen in the video below and at some point the front offside wing has had some paint, but these are very minor blemishes on a 26 year old car which is in superb condition compared to its peers.

The Glacier Blue metallic finish suits the car perfectly, giving it the sort of understated look that we love in our classic German sports cars.

Porsche lovers will know that rust can be a huge problem with the 944 but not in this case; careful use and storage plus a series of enthusiastic and knowledgeable owners mean that this car is completely free of rot and so has never been welded in its life. 

The black fabric roof is in great condition, only showing the faintest sign of a rub where it folds, is fully waterproof and draught-free.

Porsche was uncharacteristically bold in its choice of interior colours for the 944 range (anyone remember the Silver Rose’s burgundy trim?) but this delightful example has a Marine Blue dashboard and trim, which might not be anyone’s first choice nowadays but is reassuringly neutral and wonderfully period. After all, if you’re going to have a nineties Porsche, then it might as well look like one, eh?

The interior isn’t only lovely to look at, it is also in immaculate condition (the digital clock even works) with no rips, tears or scuffs whatsoever and the seats are still as firm and supportive as they were designed to be, even if the rear seats are suitable only for small children. Very small children at that.

While the recent valet has helped it look its best, our outstanding memory of the test drive was an almost complete absence of squeaks and rattles from the interior, further testament to the care it has received over the years.

The vehicle benefits from a recent (last week) service by Porsche specialist WrightTune.

The engine timing belts were replaced in 2012, since when the car has covered just 1,000 miles and WrightTune performed a visual inspection confirming that they did not require replacing.. The clutch was replaced in the same year, with the owner splashing out on a full three-piece Sachs kit at a cost of almost £1,000.

As is common with 90s alarms and immobilisers, the fitted system developed a fault so has now been disabled. The new owner can decide if they want to install an updated system.

This beautiful example comes with a full service history. The official Porsche dealer network took care of it until 2008 and 55,000 miles, after which it entered the care of specialist marque experts including Northway Porsche, P.H. Sports Cars Ltd., and Nelson Porsche.

There is a complete record of all the work undertaken over the years online which can be viewed below (and in good old-fashioned analogue form in the hefty service history folder for the winning bidder to take home with them); a history this comprehensive provides the reassurance that bidders are looking for when buying a car like this, but be prepared to set aside a couple of hours in front of the screen as there is rather a lot of it...

The online MOT history shows just two advisories (and no failures) in ten years of being tested, one for a failed bulb and one for slight play in a wheel bearing.

Porsche 944s of this quality and mileage are rare. Very rare. With a complete and fully documented service history, this is your chance to own a fast appreciating classic that would be happy doing double-duty as a show classic and high-days-and-holidays convertible sports car. 

The vehicle is with us and available for inspection by appointment and we would welcome bidders to come and see for themselves just how good it is.

Yes, you may find cheaper examples for sale but once you’ve seen it in person we think you’ll agree that you’ll struggle to find anything better - and with prices for the Porsche 944 S2 having risen considerably in the last twelve months, it looks like the price of this hitherto under-appreciated model is finally starting to reflect that of its contemporaries in the Porsche range. 

Of course, the reserve for this car is set even lower than the already reasonable guide price of £15,000, a fact that might just play to a canny bidder’s advantage...

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments, view our frequently asked questions below or contact us to come and see it in person.