1991 Porsche 944 Turbo Cabriolet

One of only 100 right-hand drive Turbo Cabriolets with only 64,000 miles from new

Good service history, the last service being carried out less than 1,000 miles ago

Fitted with a Promax Stage 2 performance upgrade which delivers some 300bhp

The bodywork, interior and mechanics appear to be in good order

A rare modern classic worthy of the serious Porsche collector

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, resulting in a four-cylinder engine that feels as 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 braking and suspension systems. 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 callipers 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. 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. This then is a very rare and capable model, with a 0-62 mph time of under six seconds, and was produced for just one year, with only 32 examples believed to still reside in the UK

Offered here is a lovely, UK-supplied Porsche 944 Turbo Cabriolet finished in Cobalt Blue with a smart blue leatherette interior and black hood. Supplied by the Porsche Center in Reading, the options included sports seats with electric height adjustment, protective side mouldings and a sound package. It comes with the obligatory Porsche Letter of Authenticity and the service book contains sixteen service stamps and invoices showing expenditure that has been lavished on this attractive Porsche throughout its 61,000 miles.

Still undervalued in the market place, this example ticks all the boxes as an everyday classic guided correctly to ensure that it's likely to be a decent investment opportunity.