At the start of the 1980s, Porsche considered doing the unthinkable by abandoning its iconic rear-engine platform upon which models like the 911 and departed 912 models had been based. The front-engined 924 served well as an entry-level model, and the more powerful and aggressive 944 found instant acclaim due to its excellent handling. History shows that never happened, and it would eventually be cars like the 944 that would vanish from the model line-up. This 1990 944 S2 is no ordinary car but one of the rarer Cabriolet variants. It has been meticulously maintained and is a turnkey classic that needs a new home. The seller has listed the Porsche here on eBay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Intense bidding has pushed the price to $11,000, which is below the reserve.

Porsche introduced the 944 in 1982 as the middle offering of a three-pronged attack designed to replace the venerable 911. It released the 924 as the entry-level model in 1976, with the range-topping 928 following in 1978. The plan was for the three models to form the backbone of its range as it phased out the aging 911. History shows that never eventuated, with the 911 evolving continuously due to buyer demand, and the front-engine models consigned to history by 1995. The 944 underwent an upgrade in 1989 with the introduction of the S2, and while the first Cabriolet versions appeared that year, production didn’t ramp up until 1990. The conversion process was quite complex, with the work on the bare Coupe bodyshells performed externally by ASC. The term “ramp up” is relative because only 1,824 examples of the Cabriolet landed on North American soil in 1990. This car is an original and unmolested survivor finished in subtle Alpine White. Its presentation is impressive, with the paint holding a healthy shine and no apparent panel imperfections. The underside shots confirm it is rust-free, and the new power top fits as tight as a drum.

When released to motoring journalists and the buying public, the 944 proved a revelation. The 911 had earned the nickname “The Widowmaker” courtesy of its ability to launch occupants backward into the scenery if they confused their ambitions with their ability. The 944 benefited from almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution, with its 3.0-liter four-cylinder motor set well back in the engine bay, feeding power to a rear-mounted transaxle. It blessed the 944 with balanced and predictable handling, allowing competent drivers to confidently push the car to its limits. I admit I don’t feel passion for most Porsche models, but they deserve respect. The company’s ability to extract excellent performance from cars with relatively modest power compared to their logical competitors speaks volumes for its engineering prowess. The driver will have 208hp and 206 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal, but the car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15 seconds on its way to 149mph was considered pretty impressive in 1990. Potential buyers can consider this Porsche a turnkey proposition that has been meticulously maintained. The seller holds over $20,000 worth of service receipts, including confirmation the timing belt was replaced in 2018. The car runs and drives perfectly and could be driven home by the winning bidder.

This Porsche’s Burgundy interior perfectly complements the power top and is in excellent condition. It is common to see these classics looking tired and worn, but this gem has no such issues. The leather seatcovers look soft and supple, with the outer edges free from significant wear. The dash, pad, and console show no evidence of abuse or UV damage, and there is no crumbling plastic. The leather on the wheel is discolored, which is common with age. There are no aftermarket additions, with the car featuring air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, and the factory stereo.

While the motoring public embraced the superb driving experience provided by the Porsche 944, that didn’t translate into sales. Buyers purchased 8,510 of these classics across all model variants in 1990, while 15,023 selected a 911. The gap grew wider, even when the 968 was released as the 944’s replacement. This 1990 Cabriolet is a relatively rare beast, and its condition is above average. It is ideal for someone seeking an affordable classic Porsche because I would be surprised if the bidding climbs far above $20,000. However, I will qualify that statement because values have risen far faster during the past year than the market average. Therefore, these cars could become less accessible as time passes. Is that thought enough to tempt you to pursue it further?