1990 Porsche 944 S2 Coupé

now has 12 months MOT

For the 1989 model year the S2 variant of the Porsche 944 was a much-upgraded version, replacing both the standard and "S" spec 944s. A new aluminium cylinder block employing Formula One technology allowed a capacity increase to 3.0-litres, making this the largest production 4-cylinder engine of its time. Power was up 21bhp on the 944 S, and torque took an even bigger jump. Externally the S2 adopted the lower-drag nose and tail panels from the Turbo, which along with a taller final drive ratio helped a manual-geared car to hit almost 150 mph and achieve a 0-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds. The Turbo"s braking system was also adopted and Series 90 16-inch cast alloy wheels were standard equipment. Production of the S2, and in fact the 944 as a mainstream model, ended in 1991, giving way to the 968.

The car presented here is a last-of-the-line, right-hand drive C16 (UK-supplied) 1990 944 S2 Coupé. It was delivered new through "Merlin Porsche" of Cardiff on the 7th March 1991 and looks particularly striking in the rare combination of Turquoise Blue Metallic (E6E6) and Marine Blue with Linen leather upholstery. This car has obviously been well-maintained and presents, both mechanically and cosmetically, in superb condition - winning the "Porsche Silverstone" Concours event in 2016. Its overall condition belies the current mileage of 89,000 (verifiable) miles, which is supported by an original and fully stamped-up service booklet (showing 15 stamps from Porsche and marque specialists, with the last major service, including belts, just 780 miles ago), plus an impressive history file including many MOT certificates and a wealth of invoices. Small details like two sets of keys, factory/dealer stickers still in place and a complete Porsche tool-roll help support its dutiful ownership.

The 944, the 968 and even the 928 are seeing their values rise in the wake of the '911 explosion' and front-engined Porsches are having the Renaissance they richly deserve. This is simply a lovely genuine example of one of the most coveted front-engined models and, competitively guided, opens the door into a very exclusive club.