Porsche 944 Turbo manual cabriolet 1991

The very first pre-launch RHD 951 (944) Turbo cabriolet?

Following research, it would appear that this Porsche 944 (VIN ending 003) precedes all other known RHD 944 Turbo cabriolets. It was given its pre-delivery inspection at the Stuttgart factory in October 1990, long before the model was officially announced, and long before production began in February 1991.

The VIL, alongside the build sheet from Porsche, bears the unusual option code ‘719 – Sonderumbauten’, which translates as ‘Special Conversions’.

Although we cannot establish the definitive meaning of the code in this case, we know Porsche had to build pre-production vehicles prior to the new model launch, in order to evaluate and to use for PR work.

Produced in Glacier blue metallic with a blue hood, and super-cool Porsche ‘logo’ seats. 250 bhp Type M44/52 Turbo ‘S’ engine and transmission, with factory option M220 limited slip differential and air conditioning.

This 944 was owned by the factory before it was shipped to the UK, and into the ownership of Porsche Cars Great Britain. The mileage was approximately 6,000. Registered in January 1992, the first private keeper purchased the 944 in February 1992.

Two years later, it was returned to AFN for sale, finding a new home in March 1994 with approximately 30,000 miles recorded.

Cherished for over 25 years, the 944 was used sparingly, spending much of its life garaged, both in the UK and in Spain. It covered just over 8,000 miles in that time.

When the owner finally decided to sell in 2019, he chose Williams Crawford to find a new home for this very special Porsche.

We carried out a detailed inspection and maintenance, a major service, plus we fitted a new, factory correct hood, before it left with its new keeper.

Now, just 1,500 miles and another service later, we are again offering the chance to own this little piece of Porsche history.