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1991 Porsche 944

Cabriolet
Chassis number: WPOCB2949MN440106

The Porsche 944 made its debut in 1982 and would remain in production until 1991. It was constructed on the same platform as the 924 and it would become one of the most successful Porsche production car of the era. In 1989, Porsche introduced the S2 version powered by a new three-liter, normally aspirated engine. At the time of its debut, it was the largest four-cylinder power plant in series production. The S2 had an increase in power (over 50 horsepower per cylinder) and offered an excellent torque curve.

The S2 had an integrated front bumper and several other changes. A cabriolet configuration became available for the first time in the 944 range. It had a lower windshield than on the coup and a new tail-end treatment.

In total, 1,702 examples of the 944 S2 Cabriolet were produced in 1991, with just 562 units originally planned for export to the United States.

This 944 S2 Cabriolet is finished in red and has a black interior. The ownership history has not been recorded, though it appears the car has always been carefully maintained. It currently displays 8,681 original miles. The 2990cc dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine is fitted with a Bosch Electronic fuel injection system that offers 211 horsepower. There is a five-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the Amelia Island sale presented by Gooding & Company. It was estimated to sell for $25,000 - $30,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $39,600, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: WP0AB2946MN410505

Porsche won the IMSA Firehawk Endurance Series manufacturer's championship in 1985, 1991, and 1992 and was the most successful manufacturer to compete in the 1985-93 series. Kelly Moss Motorsports of Madison, Wisconsin, was very successful in the 1989-1990 season in a modified 944 S2 and caught the attention of Porsche AG. After deciding to get serious about the series, Porsche committed to building seven special 944 S2 Club Sport units to compete in the 1991 season. These cars became known as the 'Super Seven.' Alwin Spinger, Porsche's chief of motorsports, worked with Kelly Moss's team to learn and understand the modifications that needed to be made to the stock 944 S2. Kelly Moss agreed to give Alwin the information, and Porsche promised to give Kelly Moss one of the cars to campaign in the 1991 season. The meeting took place, Moss gave Alwin some of the information, but Porsche did not deliver the car. Porsche claimed that Kelly Moss had not given all the information, specifically the engine computer maps.

Currently, only three of the original IMSA Firehawk 'Super 7' Porsche factory race cars exist. The other was a total loss during accidents in competition.

The 'Super 7' were given special 'Firehawk' cams along with ECU programming and KMR adjustable shock tower mounts.

by Dan Vaughan

In 1981 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the Porsche 944 was announced to the world. The Porsche 944 was introduced in 1983 as a replacement for the 924 and served as an entry-level sports car until it was replaced by the Porsche 968 in 1991. It was based on the 924 and had the same interior instrumentation but had wider wheel arches. During its lifespan the 944 had mechanical and a few aesthetic upgrades, as well as name changes including the 944S, 944 Turbo, and 944S2.

Powered by a 2.5 liter, 4-cylinder engine built at Porsches Zuffenhausen factory, it was capable of producing 174 horsepower. The engine was placed in the front and powered the rear transaxle. In-line 4-cylinder engines were often plagued with vibrations so Porsche negotiated a deal with Mitsubishi for the use of their 2-balance shafts. A 5-speed manual gearbox was mated to the engine and an optional automatic was available. In 1986, Porsche introduced a turbo version of the 944 and improved the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Internally to Porsche, it was known as the Type 951. By turbocharging the engine, the horsepower was increased to 220 horsepower. To add to the performance of the vehicle, the suspension and gearbox were modified, and wider wheels were used.

The 944 was such an amazing package that for 1983 through 1985, Car and Driver rated it in their Ten Best List. The Turbo version was mentioned in the 1986 list.

In 1985, the interior received upgrades including the instrumentation, electrical system, and driver's power seat. The rear suspension was redesigned and new control arms were added.

In 1986 the warranty on the 944 was increased to 10-year no-rust protection and a 5-year or 50,000-mile drivetrain warranty. A sport suspension was optional as was the leather interior. A mandatory third brake light was mounted near the top of the rear glass hatch.

In 1987, the 944S was introduced. The 'S' stood for 'Sport' or 'Super' but it was the safety aspects of the vehicle rather than 'sport' aspects that saw improvements. The braking system was improved with the addition of an ABS (Anti-lock brakes) and the interior was given driver and passenger airbags. A sixteen-valve engine was now under the hood and the overall horsepower rating increased slightly to around 188.

In 1988 the 944 Turbo S was introduced. This featured a limited-slip differential and a turbocharged engine. The horsepower rating was now at 250.

In 1989 the base 944 engine displacement was increased to 2.7 liters. This increase was short-lived because of the introduction of the 944S2 which featured a 3.0-liter displacement.

A 944 S3 was planned but after analysis and design, the conclusion was made that a replacement for the 944 was needed. In 1992, the 968 was introduced and sold in parallel with the 928 until the 1995 model year when production of both vehicles ceased.

The Type 945 represents the 944 models but with right-hand drive. The Type 951 represents the 1985-1991 Turbo version and the Type 952 as the 1988 944 Turbo S right-hand drive.

During a production run that lasted from 1982 through 1989, 113,070 Porsche 944's were produced. 25,107 were Turbos, 12,936 were 944S and 6,439 were S2.

by Dan Vaughan