Porsche Klassik's '91 944 S2 Restoration Looks Awesome
The Porsche 944 S2 is now gaining popularity as a worthwhile classic Porsche car preposition. Its classy retro styling makes it stand out!
A Great Collector-Car Preposition
The Porsche 944 may not be as popular as the likes of the Porsche 959 and 964 that were being produced around the same (late ‘80s to early ‘90s), but it still has a lot going for it in terms of looks, driving character, and performance. Based on the platform of the Porsche 924, the 944 is one of Porsche’s glass dome, transaxle, pop-up-headlight sports cars of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
The 944’s beefy and boxy design language is way different from that of current Porsche cars, but it still has a uniqueness that makes people turn and stare. Also, it makes for a great collector-car preposition because of its obscurity and its relatively affordable price. The guys at Porsche Klassik took all the above into account when they bought a 1991 944 S2 car for €18,500 (about $21,000) a few months back. It also didn’t hurt that the model came in beautiful “Cobalt Blue Metallic” paint.
As an independent publication, Porsche Klassik magazine collaborates with Porsche AG when highlighting various classic Porsche cars.
Photo Courtesy of Porsche Klassik
It had to be the S2
Porsche Klassik had to have airbags for obvious safety reasons, along with a targa roof and air conditioning system because the 944’s cabin is known to get hot in the summer. Only the S2 models have all these features. Produced between 1989 and 1991, the S2s were the last of the 944 models. They were available in both 2-door coupe and 2-door cabriolet options.
Other exterior features that came with the 944 S2 include integrated foglights, a glass rear lid, a body-color rear spoiler, a rear spoiler, flared wheel arches, and a rear diffuser. On the inside, the 944 S2 could feature a Blaupunkt audio system with an amplifier and equalizer, a Bosch car telephone, and multicolor fabric or leather interior upholstery. Porsche Klassik’s 944 S2 had multicolor fabric trim.
Photo Courtesy of Porsche Klassik
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Serious Potential
With other outstanding Porsche cars like the 911 and 959 taking the spotlight, the 944 didn’t get much attention, but that doesn’t take away the fact that the 944 also had some serious performance potential; Porsche Klassik recognized this potential.
The Porsche 944 makes a great track-day race car. Thanks to the fact that it has its engine in the front and its transmission and transaxle in the rear, it has near 50/50 weight distribution, which makes for excellent cornering stability and handling. Also, the 944 S2’s hydraulic power steering system is tight, well-weighted, and highly responsive, and its height-adjustable suspension facilitates sharp, precise handling.
Photo Courtesy of Porsche Klassik
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Strong Performance
Under the hood of the Porsche Klassik’s 944 S2 sits the largest naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that Porsche developed for the 944. This water-cooled 3.0L DOHC 4-cylinder engine develops 211 hp at 5,800 rpm and 207 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 rpm, which propels the 2,932-lb 944 S2 from zero to 60 mph in approximately 7 seconds. Back then, that was really quick.
Photo Courtesy of Porsche Klassik
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Excellent Condition
Porsche Klassik’s 944 S2 was well maintained. It was owned by four other families before it got into the hands of the guys at the Porsche Klassik. However, even after three decades of usage, a 33-point inspection at the Porsche Centre at Oldenburg showed that only the air conditioning system was faulty. They just gave it an oil change and continental tires after the inspection.
Photo Courtesy of Porsche Klassik
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Exterior Upgrades
After almost three decades of fighting off the elements, the 944 S2’s Cobalt Blue Metallic paint had faded and gotten scratched in many places. The car’s body also had dents in several places. Porsche Klassik put the car in the care of experienced body technicians who took apart the car and then carefully restored those sections before painting. After the dents and scratches were removed, fresh coats of the original “Cobalt Blue Metallic” paint were sprayed onto the car’s surfaces. All rubber seals lining the door jambs, the glass rear lid, and other parts of the car were also replaced.
Photo Courtesy of Porsche Klassik
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Interior Upgrades
Porsche Klassik also gave a lot of attention to the inside of their 944 S2. The stock gear knob was the first to go, and it was replaced with a new leather-wrapped gear knob. For the seats, Porsche Klassik sought the services of the Mönnich saddlery in Oldenburg. They removed the faded and worn-out fabric trim, replaced the foam and cushioning in the seats, and then upholstered the seats with new ‘classic Grey’ multicolor fabric. They also upholstered the steering wheel with new leather, replaced the tonneau cover that stretches over the cargo area, and repaired the air conditioning system.
Photo Courtesy of Porsche Klassik
>>Join the conversation about this 944 S2 Restoration right here in the Rennlist Forum!
A Significant Investment that was well worth it
Porsche Klassik used $38,194 (€33,000) to restore their Porsche 944 S2. When combined with what they spent to buy the car, they ended up using just under $60,000 on the car in total. However, given the vastly improved look of the car after the restoration, Porsche Klassik could sell the car for more than that, but they may not any have intention to let go of this car.
Photo Courtesy of Porsche Klassik
>>Join the conversation about this 944 S2 Restoration right here in the Rennlist Forum!
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