1991 Porsche 944 Turbo Cabriolet

• The 944 Turbo Cabriolet combined the Turbo S' 250bhp engine with the strengthened cabriolet body built by ASC at Weinsberg
• Only 625 were built, with just 100 examples produced in right-hand drive for the UK, Japanese, Australian and South African markets
• A very original UK/C16 example, with a fully verifiable 46,000 miles, in standard specification, with a full-service history, all old MOTs, a complete book pack, two keys and virtually every invoice from new
• Major service on the 20^th October 2021 including belts, all fluids changed and a comprehensive inspection by a well-respected Porsche Specialist
• From 17 years long-term ownership, a simply lovely example of one of the rarest and most sought-after Porsches from the 1990s

Following the international success of their nimble 924, Porsche designed an all-alloy, 2.5-litre, inline-four for their new 944 which they planned to introduce in 1982. Their talented engineers were able to produce a very smooth running four-cylinder engine by utilising two counter-rotating balance shafts running at twice engine speed. These carry eccentric weights which produce inertial forces that balance out the unbalanced secondary forces, all a bit technical but the result is a large four-cylinder engine that feels as turbine-smooth as a six. Cosmetically, the 944's bodywork was revised with wider wheel arches (similar to that of the 924 Carrera GT), a fresh interior and upgrades to the brakes and suspension. With greater visual presence and the performance to match, better handling, stopping power and more creature comforts, the 944 was a natural step forward. A 'turbo' version of the 944 was always on the cards, and the forced-induction boosted the 2.5-litre engine by a healthy 60bhp, necessitating an upgraded clutch and gearbox. The chassis was further developed and thicker anti-roll bars and four-pot brake calipers were fitted to deal with the significantly increased performance. Externally, a smoother nose panel and a larger rear spoiler distinguished it from its lesser siblings. In February 1991, the final year of 944 production, Porsche released the 944 Turbo Cabriolet which combined the Turbo S' 250bhp engine with the strengthened cabriolet body built by the ASC-American Sunroof Company at Weinsberg. Compared to the Coupe, the Cabriolet's windscreen is lowered about 6cm and raked back to reduce the wind noise when the top is down. Porsche initially announced that 600 would be made, but ultimately 625 were built, with just 100 examples produced in right-hand drive for the UK, Japanese, Australian and South African markets. These are rare cars, produced for just one year, with only 32 examples believed to still reside in the UK.

This particular example is a UK-supplied, matching numbers car, presented in Graphite Metallic over a perfectly contrasting Dark Blue leather interior. It has covered just 46,500 miles from new which, over its 30 years of life, means that it has averaged just over 1,500 miles per year.

The car is supplied with a fully detailed service history, with its most recent service carried out by ‘Zuffenhaus Porsche’ in October 2021, less than 250 miles ago. In addition, all the original manuals are present, alongside countless invoices and previous MOTs all helping corroborate the indicated mileage and emphasising how this lovely Porsche has been cared for on a 'no expense spared' basis.

On offer from a private collection, this beautiful example presents delightfully both cosmetically and mechanically. With this era of Porsche on the rise, this rare 944 Turbo S offers a phenomenal driving experience, coupled with what may well be a worthwhile investment.