Unlike the 924, which was a collaboration between Porsche and Audi and which many Porsche loyalists claimed was in fact nothing more than a VW in Porsche clothing, the 944 was 100% pure Porker. Produced between 1982 and 1991, the 944 was a four-cylinder, front-engined, water-cooled offering – a whole new prospect for Porsche, who had up until then been known for its rear-engined, air-cooled cars – most notably the ferocious 911.

In 1989, Porsche introduced the 944 S2 Cabriolet, the first 944 to feature a convertible body style. The 944 S2's body was manufactured by ASC (American Sunroof Company) in Weinsberg, Germany. The first year of production included 16 944 S2 Cabriolet manufactured for the US market. For the 1990 model year, Porsche produced 3 938 cars for all markets including right-hand-drive units for the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa.

In South Africa, these cars were very expensive back in the day in comparison with other cars in similar classes. Consider this: in 1985 a brand-new Porsche 924 would have cost you R52 500 and a 944 would have set you back a cool R69 000; the Alfa Romeo equivalents of similar classes and specs cost a third of the price of the Porsches! And as the saying goes: if the top goes down, the price goes up so we can only imagine how pricey a Cabriolet version would have been…

Description by seller:

Very original and solid car with service history. Has a few minor parking dents on the rear corners and the driver door edge is chipped from opening against something. Boot carpet has some damage.

Mechanically very good. All electrics (including the roof and windows) work as they should. Could do with a proper polish and detail, and the tyres need replacement as they are in the region of 15 years old.

Reminders to bidders:

• A buyer's premium of 5% (which includes VAT) for cars and bikes applies.
• The minimum buyer's premium is R5 000 incl. VAT for cars and bikes (eg. if R50 000 is bid, buyer's premium = R5 000 and total cost = R55 000).
• The maximum buyer's premium is capped at R100 000 incl. VAT for cars and bikes (eg. if R3 000 000 is bid, buyer's premium = R100 000 and total cost = R3 100 000).

Classic Car Africa aims to present each lot as accurately as possible but it is the responsibility of the bidder to be 100% satisfied with the condition of the lot before placing a bid.