Porsche 944 S2 Masterfully Restored to Original Condition

"Other" Porsche

While most Porsche collectors tend to focus on the 911, there are other models throughout the automaker's illustrious history worth celebrating. That includes the 944 S2, arguably the most exciting model in that particular series, and also quite a rare one. So with interest in these cars on the rise, it's worth taking a closer look at this beautifully restored example of one of those "other" Porsches.

Photos: Porsche

Rare Bird

Between 1988 and 1991, less than 9,400 944 S2 coupes and 7,000 Cabriolets were built for the entire globe. Among those models, the later examples with front airbags are particularly rare. But aside from rarity, the S2 is a technical marvel that was far ahead of its time, too.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about the 944 S2 right here in the RennList Forum!

Prodigious Power

The S2's 3.0-liter four-cylinder, four-valve powerplant produced a healthy 208 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, and since it's naturally-aspirated, it actually provided better off-the-line/low-end performance than Porsche's beloved turbocharged 2.5-liter powerplant.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about the 944 S2 right here in the RennList Forum!

Good Values

The value of these cars remains quite low given all of its many attributes, however. Stellar examples can be had for anywhere from $35,000 to $47,000, while this particular, unrestored-at-the-time 1991 S2 was obtained by Porsche Klassik for a mere $21,800. It also represents the very last year the S2 was produced, which makes it one of the rarer front airbag models.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about the 944 S2 right here in the RennList Forum!

Special Combination

On top of that, this particular car is also painted Cobalt Blue Metallic, which was the color Porsche used in its advertising and press pictures for the 944 S2 in its day. It's a unique car as well, with a multi-color fabric interior in lieu of leather, which makes it even rarer than it already was to begin with.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about the 944 S2 right here in the RennList Forum!

Resto Candidate

All of the original goodies were present and working when Porsche Klassik purchased the 944 S2, too - including the height-adjustable suspension, Blaupunkt Symphony sound system, and the fully functional Bosch car telephone. Regardless, the car itself was in well-worn condition but was a fantastic candidate for a full restoration.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about the 944 S2 right here in the RennList Forum!

Rewarding Process

All together, Porsche spent $38,960 bringing this 944 S2 back to life, including the cost of the car itself. That's a veritable bargain, really, considering its rarity and potential as an investment. But what really matters here is that another interesting footnote in Porsche's history has been preserved for future generations, who might appreciate it more than the current one.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about the 944 S2 right here in the RennList Forum!

For help keeping your Porsche running right, please see our how-to section in the forum.