Extremely rare 1989 Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet @ $29,900 FIRM (VIN # WP0BA2944KN480105). Porsche Collectors, here are the facts. That VIN "WP0BA" existed on just 16 Porsche cars with only 4 still registered, making these 1989 model 944 S2 Cabriolets quite rare. This car was published in the Porsche Panorama Magazine’s April 2024 issue, story by Art Mason, with photos by Michael Allen Ross. In 1989 Porsche would produce just 16 first year US spec 944 S2 Cabriolets, its most ambitious and complicated build in partnership with the American Sunroof Company (ASC). The 16 models exported to the US were not enough for American dealerships, so those first year Cabriolets with a sticker price of $52,000 were loaned to Automotive groups or magazines for road tests & as advertising for the 1990 models. In 1990 when 1824 S2 Cabriolets were produced, VIN numbers beginning WP0CB with the "C" for Cabriolet, & they could be found at almost every Porsche Dealership, so the 1989's were quickly forgotten. Even Hagerty's price guide in the September 2022 issue of Porsche's Panorama magazine showed 1990 as the first year of 944 S2 Cabriolet production, which they corrected after I sent photos and VIN numbers of this car. A beautiful example that has been mechanically refurbished & is in top condition with original paint and interior. The suspension has been completely redone, with all new bushings, rebuilt steering rack, ball joints, power steering pump & lines, new OEM Sachs-Boge struts and Bilstein rear shocks. The drivetrain was upgraded with new motor mounts, new clutch, rear main seal, rebuilt torque tube with 4 new bearings and both rear axle shafts. The exhaust system catalytic converter was updated and a new Dansk muffler installed. The engine received rebuilt injectors, K&N air filter, coolant hoses, new plug wires, coil, alternator, fuel pump, fuel filter and a new battery in 2024, with timing belt and balance belt service up to date; & ready for its next 100,000 miles. This Porsche uses the best oils and lubricants, only non ethanol fuel and is garage stored with car cover and battery tender. Taken care of with regular maintenance, these water cooled engines are very strong and will provide 300,000 miles or more of service This car will sell itself if someone takes the time to come check it out. In the July 28, 2025 article by Jeff Hall, "Experience Behind The Wheel: 944 Porsche Cabriolet" under Rarity and Collectibility, he states that the "Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet stands as one of the rarest sports caqrs of its era, with only 16 examples produced for the US market in 1989". I have over $40,000 invested and this Cabriolet has a three ring binder with over 14 years of receipts for parts & service. Each of these Cabriolets were original coupes pulled off the assembly line at Porsche's Audi factory in Neckarslum, where they were structurally reinforced before being sent to ASC's factory in Heilbronn where the top was removed and further body refinements completed. The new Cabriolet body was then sent back to Neckarslum for paint, interior and drive train installation. The Cabriolet was then returned to the Heilbronn factory for its unique body trim and convertible top installation. That's two trips to each factory before these 944 Cabriolets were exported to US dealerships. This Porsche is a rare classic that is reliable for daily driving, yet so unique that it will be the only one of its kind at any auto show you attend. This exceptionally maintained example has all the performance and creature comforts, with fuel injection, power steering, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, AC, power windows, seats, mirrors, and a great Blaupunkt stereo. With its 50/50 weight distribution, it was rated the best handling car in Porsche’s lineup for 1989, with the 944 S2 outperforming its 911 sibling. Over-engineered for exceptional handling and performance, it will still achieve 25 mpg highway. The condition of this Cabriolet is no accident, having its original interior, including carpet, door panels and bucket seats with only the bottom cushions reupholstered. A new top was installed when it was purchased; its dash is crack-free and includes the stock Blaupunkt Reno AM/FM stereo cassette with upgraded speakers both front & rear to provide exceptional sound. The original Guards Red paint has a deep shine with a new stone guard decal set, and the car is complimented by its original stock Design 90 wheels finished in black chrome and mounted with Bridgestone Potenza RE970 tires. The original matching numbers engine and 5 speed transmission perform as expected, with Colorado emission compliance testing completed every other year. Restoring Porsches is expensive, but this Cabriolet’s rarity deserved it. This car was refurbished and restored to be both a show car and a reliable daily driver, with over $20,000 invested in new and rebuilt stock OEM parts. (SEE THE LIST BELOW) This proactive maintenance achieved like new performance & made this car an exceptional daily driver. Its rarity will make it a favorite when displayed at any car show. Check out the link for my WordPress Post Blog: vpackrad.wordpress.com/.../from-packard-to-porsches. Copy and paste the link to your browser and open the post. This post will show you the history of this car and its twin while they were being upgaded over 14 years of ownership. By using the next arrow on the top of the first page you can sequence through 5 posts ranging from 2013 to 2024 on refurbishing and restoriing this car, which was already exceptional when purchased. This rare first year Cabriolet will not disappoint, and If you commit to seeing it, you will want to make it your own! You may ask why I am selling it if it’s so nice? Because I have its twin 1989 S2 Cabriolet also sitting in my garage, both of which I have owned since 2011. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! I’m an hour from the Denver airport, and will pick up and return a prospective buyer to my home in Fort Collins to drive the car and get a non-biased assessment from the servicing dealership as to its condition. At that point, if the car is purchased I will subtract up to $500 of airfare off the price.
Note: In one of the photos,1991 Porsche Chrome Cup wheels with Continental Control Contact tires are shown on the car. They are available if preferred to the original wheels in black chrome. Several photos are shown of the clutch and torque tube replacement which was completed on 4/18/2024. Over 14 years of receipts, with $20,000 invested in new OEM and rebuilt parts. $7,000 in servicing dealership labor and thousands of dollars worth of my labor.
NEW PARTS:
REBUILT PARTS:
This in-depth mechanical restoration was top notch, and it made this car drive & handle as new for daily driving or long road trips. You will want to show this rare & exceptional Porsche, which has won its class in Concours competition. I live one hour from the Denver airport, and will pick up & return a prospective buyer for a test drive & assessment by the servicing dealership. Thank you for your patience in viewing and reading the material.
