1988 Porsche 944 S Ventiler

Highlights

Rare Porsche 944 S model with a 16-valve engine
Recent full service including new belts and sills
Comprehensive history file with receipts for significant work
MOT valid until October 2024
Attracts a lot of attention with its black Porsche decal and black wheels
Runs and drives but has an undiagnosed engine fault

The Appeal

While Porsche may be best known for its rear-engined, air-cooled offerings, the likes of the 924, 944 and 928 are increasingly those attracting the attention of enthusiasts. And about time too! There's more to life than 911s...

The 944 represents a sweet spot in the lineage - the perfect compromise between sports car and GT. This 944 S "Ventiler" is widely regarded as the one to have - it translates to "valve" and signifies this is the 16-valve engine.

This 944 S has been meticulously maintained in recent years, following around twelve years off the road in storage. A significant amount of work was carried out by Porsche specialists from new sills to a partial respray and copious mechanical jobs. A full service has also been performed, including new belts, and the head gasket has been changed with the cylinder head skimmed in the process.

With an advisory-free MOT valid until October 2024, this Porsche is ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.

History and Paperwork

139,992 miles indicated - odometer fixed in April 2024, with a two-year warranty
Twelve previous registered keepers
MOT valid until October 2024
Comes with some service history and a big file of paperwork for services and work done, mostly by Porsche specialists
Purchased in September 2023; previous owner had it sitting for about 12 years
Previous owner installed new sills, wheels, and tyres, and performed a full service including new belts prior to sale
Invoice for previous owner's work totalling over £750
Previous owner had the bottom half resprayed and the top half polished, costing £3,990 with receipts
Believed to have been dry stored by the previous owner and then stored in the vendor's garage

The Condition

Straight, smart and solid-looking bodywork with even door gaps and good panel alignment all-round
The vendor informs us there is no serious corrosion anywhere to be seen
The black Porsche vinyls and black wheels add welcome contrast to the white bodywork
The vendor has replaced window regulators and switches, repainted wheels, and replaced bonnet and boot struts
As you'd expect, the paint shows a few chips and marks but nothing especially noteworthy
Driver's seat refurbished by the previous owner
The remainder of the seats and carpets are in very serviceable condition with no major wear to report
The vendor advises that it needs a little bit of trim work on the roof panels
Digital clocks intermittent
Some areas of trim/upholstery have fried out somewhat over the years
Small crack in dashboard
Driver's door card is okay, but the window switch holder sometimes comes out and reportedly needs a small piece to secure it
We understand the cabin electrics and instruments to be in good working order

The Mechanics

2,479 cc 16v four-cylinder engine
Five-speed manual gearbox (transaxle)
50/50 weight distribution provides great handling
After head skimming and gasket replacement, it appears there is still some oil mixing with the coolant but the head was subsequently checked and tested for cracks with no issues found
The vendor consulted a Porsche specialist on the above issue and they have suggested flushing the system several times to resolve the issue
The vendor informs us that the Porsche runs very well and is great fun to drive
Requires the handbrake tightening and door locks replaced (new locks included)

BEFORE YOU BUY

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