1991 Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet Manual

Highlights

• Right-hand drive Cabriolet from the final year of 944 S2 production

• Wider Turbo bodywork with 3.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 208 bhp

• Porsche's transaxle layout delivering near-50:50 weight distribution

• Finished in Black with electrically operated convertible roof

• Five former keepers, first registered 9th August 1991

Overview

The Porsche 944 was quietly revolutionary when it arrived in 1982. Porsche's engineers developed its transaxle layout, placing the engine at the front and the gearbox at the rear. The engine was a 208 bhp naturally aspirated, dual-overhead-cam 16v 3.0-litre unit that was the largest production four-cylinder of its time. That front-mounted engine paired with a rear-mounted transmission delivered near-50:50 weight distribution, giving the 944 exceptional handling balance and confidence-inspiring road manners. It was a different kind of Porsche, one that prioritised poise and usability alongside genuine performance, and it became a phenomenal success. In total 163,192 cars in the Porsche 944 family were produced between 1982 and 1991, making it the most successful car line in Porsche's history at that point.

The S2 sat at the naturally aspirated top of the 944 range. It came wrapped in the Turbo's wider bodywork with the same rounded nose and rear valance as found on the Turbo model, giving it a more purposeful stance than the standard car. And the S2 Cabriolet was the first open-top 944 of any kind. Coupe bodies were taken off the assembly line at Neckarsulm and delivered to ASC in Weinsberg, where reinforcement plates were welded in the front end and floor plate area to give the body the torsional strength required for the convertible. The result was an open-top sports car that apparently retained the coupe's structural integrity, fitted with an electrically operated roof. In 1991, just 1,702 S2 Cabriolets were produced worldwide, the final year of production for this model.

This 1991-registered example is a right-hand drive S2 Cabriolet that's been carefully maintained and improved for genuine enjoyment. A full engine rebuild was carried out in 2015 and the vendor reports that new roof material has been fitted at a cost of £2,650, with a receipt on file, so the car is said to present smartly with the top up or down.

Mechanically, the vendor tells us the car starts as it should and drives smoothly, with a particularly sweet gearbox and gear change. It’s a 944 S2 Cabriolet that's ready to be driven, not just admired.

History and documentation

• Registered 9th August 1991

• In current ownership since approximately early 2025

• There is a substantial collection of service invoices accumulated over the years, along with a documented engine rebuild report complete with photographs of the rebuilt engine

• The vendor states new roof linen was fitted at a cost of £2,650, with an email receipt on file

• The vendor reports a Blaupunkt DAB and Bluetooth head unit has been installed with new speakers, covers, and spacers; original Blaupunkt radio and equaliser reportedly retained in working order

• The vendor notes the driver's seat bolster has been professionally repaired

• The vendor reports a new Bosch battery was fitted during current ownership

• We're told two keys and two immobiliser fobs are included

• Current MOT expires 16th February 2027

Interior

• The interior as being in very clean condition throughout, and with the reportedly new roof linen in place the cabin presents very smartly

• Seats are reportedly in excellent condition and fully functional; the vendor notes the driver's seat bolster has been professionally repaired to address previous creasing

• The seller reports that an upgraded Blaupunkt DAB and Bluetooth radio has been fitted alongside new speakers, speaker covers, and spacers, bringing modern connectivity to the cabin

• The original Blaupunkt radio and equaliser are retained in working order and stored in the boot by the spare wheel

• A storage pocket has been added beneath the new head unit

• Built-in immobiliser and alarm are reported by the vendor to be in full working order

• The vendor notes the passenger-side window can occasionally play up, with local advice suggesting a window motor regulator replacement may be needed

• Original spare wheel is in the boot

Exterior

• The bodywork is very clean overall, with only minor stone chips noted here and there as you'd expect for a car of this age

• The S2 features the wider Turbo bodywork with its rounded nose and rear valance, giving the car a purposeful stance

• A small amount of corrosion is present by the wheelarches, described by the vendor as common for the age

• Electrically operated convertible roof is reported by the vendor to function as it should

• Design 90 16-inch cast alloy wheels were standard equipment on the 944 S2

• In all, it’s a very well presented example

Mechanical

• 3.0-litre (2,990cc) naturally aspirated DOHC 16v inline four-cylinder producing 208 bhp at 5,800 rpm and 207 lb ft of torque at 4,100 rpm

• Five-speed manual gearbox with Porsche's transaxle layout (rear-mounted transmission)

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds; top speed of 149 mph

• Tyres and clutch have been checked and are reported by the vendor to be in great condition

• The vendor reports a new Bosch battery has been fitted

• The vendor tells us the car starts as it should and drives smoothly, with a particularly sweet gearbox and gear change

Summary

Regarded by many as the sweet spot of the entire 944 range, the S2 Cabriolet combines a naturally aspirated 208 bhp 3.0-litre four-cylinder, the Turbo's wider bodywork, and the reward of open-top motoring from the first convertible the 944 line ever offered. 

This example has been carefully looked after and presents very nicely. It’s a perfect modern classic for the coming summer months.

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 the Ramsgate, Kent.