Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet

The vehicle in detail

Chassis No. WP0CB2945LN480374

The Porsche 944 earned its reputation as an accessible gateway into classic Porsche ownership, marking a significant step forward in the brand’s front-engine lineage that began with the 924 and 928. By the late 1980s, years of development had honed the platform into a well-balanced performer. Recognizing demand for an open-air driving experience, Porsche introduced the 944 S2 Cabriolet—a sleek, convertible variant powered by a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter four-cylinder engine. With its finely tuned chassis and near-perfect weight distribution, the S2 Cabriolet, built in relatively small numbers, delivers a compelling mix of agility, refinement, and everyday usability.

This 944 S2 Cabriolet was sold new by Aristocrat Motor Company of Kansas City, Missouri, in late 1989, specified in classic Guards Red over a Black partial leather combination interior, and a black soft top. Costly when new, internal dealer guides reveal an MSRP of $49,255 in 1990 before additional options. For comparison, a 911 would have been only $8,500 more; a compelling argument that a 944 S2 offers superb value in today’s market. Well-equipped with standard features from the factory, this S2 Cabriolet was simply ordered with the sporting limited slip differential ($855) and headlight washers ($243) likely pushing the out-the-door price over $50,000. Importantly, it was fitted with the desirable five-speed manual transmission.

The clean CARFAX reveals original ownership in Missouri and then Nebraska accumulating 17,152 miles by 1997. By 2015 this low-mileage example had reached a scant 28,289 miles. In 2021 the car was acquired by a new owner and sent to Classic Import of Sioux Falls, South Dakota for a thorough service. The near $2,200 invoice at 28,295 miles records the replacement of the timing belt, balance shaft belt, fuel pump, screen, and filter, an oil change, r134 air conditioning conversion, refrigerant, and fresh fuel. Under new ownership in 2024, the Cabriolet visited Joe Frazar Sports Car Services for a general service that included the replacement of both passenger window switches. Offered with only 29,042 miles, this enticing 944 S2 is furnished with its original toolkit, books, air pump, and service records as a rare and highly original drop-top from Porsche’s celebrated Transaxle Era.