1989 Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet Manual

Highlights

• Original example

• Excellent service history

• Low ownership

• Owned by the same family for 30+ years

• Recent service

Overview

The Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet marked a significant evolution in the 944 line-up, blending the sleek styling and balance of the coupé with open-top driving enjoyment. It featured a 3.0-litre inline-four engine, which produces 208 bhp, and made it the largest four-cylinder production engine at the time. With a 0–60 mph time of around 6.5 seconds and a top speed of approximately 150 mph, it offers excellent performance and superb handling thanks to its near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution.

Built by the renowned coachbuilder ASC (American Sunroof Company), the Cabriolet version gained structural reinforcements to retain the same rigidity as the coupé. Fitted with an electrically operated convertible roof, this could be easily lowered at the touch of a button for a spot of open-air motoring.

This 1989 original example has been kept within the same family for the past 32 years, ever since the vendor's uncle purchased the car as the second keeper. As you will see from the service history, the 944 has been well-maintained, with a recent service approximately 350 miles ago, and the timing belts and various other essentials were replaced less than 4,000 miles ago; the Porsche is ready to go to its next home.

History and Documentation

• UK registered on 30th August 1989

• V5C is present and in the owner’s name

• 4 previous keepers

• Two keys

• Original owner’s manuals

• Original sales brochure

• The private registration plate is included and has been valued in excess of £2,000

• It was purchased by the vendor's uncle, who was the second keeper 32 years ago; since then, it has remained in the family

• The seller tells us that it's always been stored in a garage during this time

• The original service manual shows 12 stamps plus additional stamps for brake fluid changes

• There is a comprehensive collection of invoices showing parts purchased, and work carried out

• Cam belt replaced in Mar 2022 @ 91,271 miles

• The most recent service was approximately 350 miles ago

• Servicing was carried out at the following intervals: Sep 1989 @ 969 miles, Aug 1990 @ 8,787 miles, Oct 1990 @ 9,673 miles, Aug 1991 @ 15,897 miles, Jul 1992 @ 21,718 miles, Nov 1993 @ 32,090 miles, Jul 1996 @ 36,987 miles, Nov 1997 @ 45,186 miles, Mar 1999 @ 49,852 miles, Jul 2001 @ 57,819 miles, Aug 2002 @ 62,802 miles, Aug 2007 @ 72,836 miles, Aug 2014 @ 76,368 miles, Apr 2024 @ 95,330 miles

• The current mileage is 95,689 miles

• MOT with no advisories valid until 5th January 2026

• HPI clear

Interior

• Finished with the Porsche script seat fabric in black

• The electric seats are in excellent condition and show minimal signs of age

• Both door cards are in good order with no damage

• Being the S2, this has the later ‘oval style’ dashboard, which is in good order

• The instruments are working correctly, and the odometer shows 95,689 miles

• All of the switchgear is in good condition with little sign of age and reported to work correctly

• An upgraded Pioneer head unit with Bluetooth has been installed

• The black carpets are in excellent condition, having been covered with a set of factory Porsche mats

• Inside the boot is clean and tidy

• The space-saver spare wheel and jack are present and correct

Exterior

• Finished in the lovely Zermatt Silver Metallic

• The paintwork on the 944 is thought to be all original

• There are some stone chips across the front panel

• The panel gaps appear to be equal

• There are a couple of minor dings on the front edge of the nearside wing and a scratch along the offside door trim

• The headlights and fog lights are free from damage

• All of the windows are in good condition, and the seals show minimal signs of age

• The electric fabric roof is in good order and operates correctly, going up and down

• The original tonneau cover is in place and fits like a glove

• Equipped with the original ‘Design 90’ wheels, these are all in good condition with no corrosion spotted on the faces

• A complete set of Pirelli P Zero Rosso tyres has recently been fitted, therefore has plenty of tread remaining

Mechanical 

• 3.0-litre dual overhead cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine

• Produces approximately 208 bhp

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• The engine fires up without hesitation and runs smoothly, with no issues reported by the vendor

• The engine bay is nicely presented in its original state

• The car sits nice and level, and there are no knocks or bangs reported to come from the suspension

• The 944 comes to a stop as you would expect, with no issues mentioned

• Looking at the underside, there are minimal signs of any surface corrosion on the floor or suspension components

Summary

Based on the 944 coupé, the desirable S2 Cabriolet takes the 944 to the next level with the added bonus of an electrically operated roof. It is perfect for the summer months and ready to be enjoyed, which is just what the vendor has done for the past few years with various road trips across Europe. The 944 was, and still is, a great fun car to drive.

It is a desirable S2 model that is in its original condition but has an excellent service history to show that it has been well cared for. What better way to enter the summer months than in a classic Porsche with the roof off, powered by the fantastic 3.0-litre four-cylinder engine?

To arrange a viewing, click the ‘Book Viewing’ button located under the ‘Place Bid’ button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to ‘Contact Seller’ for further enquiries. This seller is located in Stockport.