Interest and values have been rising for Porsche’s front-engine transaxle models, so-called because of their gearbox/rear-driveline combination, which enhances weight balance. Most of the focus today is on the 944-series models such as the Pick of the Day, a 1990 Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet being advertised on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Little Britain, Pennsylvania.
The Guards Red droptop is a well-maintained original, according to the seller, that appears to be in immaculate condition and driven just over 67,000 miles. The Porsche’s previous owner also made extensive improvements for performance and reliability to a car that was already highly optioned from the factory, the seller adds.
“The previous owner was on a quest to improve the quality of this S-2 to very high and reliable standards,” the ad says. “At 66k miles, it has had its timing and balance-shaft belts upgraded, All rollers, tensioner, water pump, thermostat, all drive belts, brake and hydraulic fluids flushed and replaced, A/C compressor replaced and converted to R-134a and recharged, and oil and filter replaced with Mobil 1.
“Over the next two years and 1,200 miles, he replaced the front and rear shocks with Koni Sports and new shock mounts, larger sway bar with new bushings, and 4-wheel alignment. A set of 17″ Cup II wheels were added with new tires, Fabspeed rear muffler in stainless, with proper performance chip, New Beru plug wires, cap, and spark plugs, new coolant tank, in-tank fuel filter, new battery, new front brake rotors, pads and sensors, new rear axles, front chin Spoiler, new S/S fuel lines under hood, powder-coated valve cover and intake manifold with new gaskets, and new floor mats.
“Complete with original alloy wheels and tires, custom car cover, spare tire, tool kit, front bra, and convertible-top boot.”
The dealer has gone through the Porsche mechanically and it needs nothing, the ad says, while the original paint is uniformly shiny and intact.
The S2 version of the Porsche 944 was introduced for 1989 with greater performance delivered by a 3.0-liter inline-4 cranking 208 naturally aspirated horsepower. The first 944 Cabriolet model debuted at that time.
While many 944 fans prefer the styling of the coupe models with their “glass dome” fastback rear glass, the Cabriolet version enhances the Porsche experience, adding open-air enjoyment to the fast maneuverability.
The asking price for this Porsche 944 seems reasonable at $22,900.
To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I nearly bought a 944S in the late 1980’s while working and living in Europe. It was a nice car, but decided against it after a close German friend of mine explained that to many Europeans it was referred to as a poor man’s Porsche, primarily because of its’ Volkswagen heritage. Originally, the 924 and later the 944 were intended to be Volkswagen sports models, but the line was eventually manufactured by Porsche. It was a very successful model, and sold well over 150,000 them. Whoever purchases this one will undoubtedly be very happy with it. It’s just not for me. Now the 997/911 models I would still take time to look at.
I owned an 88 Turbo s with 26000 miles about 3 years ago and had owned it for about 5 years. At the same time I purchased a 1990 S4 Cab, with 25000 miles which I still own. I couldn’t quite understand it myself however I enjoy the Cab much more. Partly because I am not a”turbo” guy. The naturally aspirated engine in the 1990 944 is such a willing performer and so well balanced ,easy to drive and just plain “honest”. Silly analogy but I have said If Porsche built an MGB this is it, except in my opinion better and naturally more “substantial” Price wise they have remained very reasonable, for those that don’t know the Cab was not quite a 3 year model run and perhaps a total of 5,000 cars worldwide. The USA received 2800 I think. The car is an unsung hero and like so many great cars gets “no respect” I guess the “public “makes the rules. Anyway if this is a “good one” My vote for a great analog Sports Car!