Lot 265 - 1992 Porsche 944 S2 SE Coupé

After a favourable reception was given to the incoming prototype 'Sport Equipment' version of the Type 944 S2. This was at a time when Steve Kevlin, a Porsche GB employee and championship driver, was interested in developing an SE 944. It was not surprising that a short time later an internal Porsche memorandum was released which stated: 'After being driven by a number of the management team, verbal approval was given for the purchase of the parts to construct 15 vehicles.' This memo is dated 7th February 1992, with production of the 944 having ceased in 1991. This enabled the production of the 15 SE cars, however it appears only 14 were ever finished. A copy of this memo can be found in the history file.

The SE's improved specification included Koni adjustable dampers, limited slip differential along with cooler, shorter and stiffer front suspension springs, additional coil springs at the rear, adjustable rear stabiliser bar and stiffer front stabiliser bar. An engine output increased to 225bhp (with improved torque from 4,250rpm) with help from a re-mapped ECU and the ride height was lowered by approximately 30mm. Club sport steering wheel, colour coded bridge spoiler, SE rear badges and SE side stripes accompanied the engineering improvements cosmetically.

The benefits included improved acceleration in higher rev range, flatter cornering due to stiffer springs, more precise steering, improved responsiveness and the adjustability which could be 'tuned' to suit customer requirements by way of adjustable dampers, ride heights and rear stabiliser bar.

It is understood that only 14 cars were completed, indeed, so rare is this model that its creation was long thought to be a myth. As such there is very little information about the 944 S2 SE. The Porsche Club GB records show that two of the cars were written off in accidents and only six, including the one offered here, are known to exist today. Registered in late 1992 this was one of the last 14 S2 models ever produced.

It transpires that most examples of the 944 SE were converted to race cars and, as such, we believe this car offers a strong investment opportunity. This Porsche underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2017 by renowned Porsche specialists, Rennsport. The restoration comprised of a full re-spray in the correct Alpine White, together with a full engine rebuild from the bare block up, leaving this 944 in near factory new condition. It also retains its original Porsche script cloth interior, restored to excellent condition and original factory D90 alloy wheels, which are not currently fitted but are supplied with the car. Behind the wheel it feels like new and where necessary the components underneath the car have been replaced or renovated to an equally high standard.

This is an extremely rare opportunity to own one of the very last 944s. Not only a useable and desirable classic but, being one of only a very few left, this is truly a Porsche not to be missed.