(1989 – 1991) Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet – Ultimate Guide
In 1989, Porsche introduced the 944 S2 Cabriolet, the first 944 to feature a convertible body style. The contract to build Porsche’s 944 S2 Cabriolet was awarded to ASC (American Sunroof Company) in Weinsberg, Germany. The S2 Cabriolet was a very complicated build, where 944 coupe bodies were taken off the assembly line at Neckarsulm, Germany and then delivered to ASC in Weinsberg, Germany.
At ASC, reinforcement plates are welded in the front end of the car and floor plate area to give the body the amount of torsional strength and crash safety required for the convertible. After welding in these reinforcement plates, cuts are made in the body at the windshield frame, B pillars, rear side panels and tail panel, in preparation for coupe top removal. New parts to support the convertible top and the new rear deck lid are also welded in place. Then the new Cabriolet body was sent back to Neckarsulm, where it is run through the standard production paint shop and assembly line for drive train install.
Consequently the structure of the paint finish and other corrosion inhibiting measures conform with the quality standards for Porsche and its new Cabriolet. The assembled Cabriolet was then sent back to ASC in Weinsberg for convertible top and trim installation. With production not starting until May of 1989, only 16 of the 944 S2 Cabriolets were produced for the U.S. 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. The share for the U.S. market in 1990 increased to 1824 units and followed with 561 units for 1991, which was the final year of production for the 944 S2 Cabriolet.
Hello Stuttcars,
I was reading an article in the September 2022 issue of Porsche Panorama with a Price Guide from Hagerty on page 141. In the left column of the guide under notes, Hagerty incorrectly states that the first open 944, the ASC-built S2 Cabriolet debuted in 1990. The 944 S2 Cabriolet actually made its debut in June of 1989, with only 16 cars imported into the US for 1989.
I know this for a fact, because I have two 1989 Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolets that I have owned for more than 10 years. Both these cars came off the production line on 5/16/1989. They were sold as new in June of 1989, the first car listed was sold in southern California and the second in Minnesota. The cars VIN #’s are WP0BA2944KN480105, and WP0BA2948KN480107. The VIN numbers are quite unique with the 4th character “B” signifying a Targa body type. Porsche would correct this discrepancy the following year, with the 1990 944 S2 Cabriolets VIN numbers beginning with WPOC, with the “C” character signifying a Cabriolet.
Both these cars are registered in Colorado and driven on a regular basis. Currently there are only 5 of the original 16 1989 Porsche S2 Cabriolets registered in the US. These cars a quite rare, and it would be nice to see get the recognition they deserve. I tried to attach a picture of the #107 car on your contact us page, but was unable to get the message with file to submit. If you would send me an email link, I will send you back pictures of both 1989 944 S2 Cabriolets. Thanks!
Vince Hendrix
(303) 709-6490
vpackrad@aol.com
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