1988 Porsche 944 - 944 S

Transitional model built for just two years

The first 16-valve DOHC transaxle Porsche

Attractive colour combination

Delivered new to Switzerland

With the 944, Porsche had definitively proved by 1982 that a proper Porsche did not necessarily have to carry its engine behind the passengers. The transaxle layout, with the engine at the front and gearbox at the rear, provided near-ideal weight distribution, while its broad wings made the 944 look considerably more grown-up than the 924 from which it had evolved.

In 1987, Porsche followed up with the 944 S. Its 2.5-litre four-cylinder received a newly developed cylinder head with four valves per cylinder and twin overhead camshafts. The result was 190 hp, placing the S neatly into the gap between the 163 hp 944 and the considerably wilder Turbo. A little over 228 kilometres per hour was possible, but more important was the way the engine delivered its performance. The 16-valver wanted revs and rewarded diligent use of the gearbox – others were better suited to leisurely pottering about.

Visually, the 944 S remained pleasingly discreet. Unless one noticed the model designation, it could easily be mistaken for an ordinary 944. There was a certain appeal in precisely that.

As early as 1989, it was replaced by the more powerful three-litre 944 S2. The 944 S therefore enjoyed only a brief career. Today, that is exactly what makes it interesting: rare, technically distinctive and refreshingly free from excessive self-importance.

This Porsche 944 S was originally delivered to Switzerland and later made its way to Serbia, where it became part of a remarkable collection. Its then owner had devoted himself wholeheartedly to Porsche’s transaxle models and at one point owned more than 15 examples of the 944. He could hardly have been short of choice. During this period, the Porsche suffered damage to the front, which was subsequently repaired. As part of further mechanical work, the front brakes were also upgraded to the larger items from the 944 Turbo.

The current consignor discovered the 944 while working in Serbia and eventually acquired it from the collector there. In his hands, however, the Porsche did not become a mere display piece. For around three years, he regularly commuted in it between Novi Sad and Vienna. That, after all, was precisely what the transaxle concept was made for: covering long distances quickly and comfortably, without driver and luggage having to rearrange themselves upon arrival.

At around 130,000 kilometres, the complete instrument cluster was replaced. The removed original unit is still present and now resides in the luggage compartment. A number of new parts that have already been purchased but not yet fitted will also accompany the car.

The 944 presents in good running order, although after years of regular use it is now once again due a certain amount of attention. It is therefore no cosseted collector’s piece. Instead, it is a 944 S that has done exactly what Porsche built it to do: drive.