They did build 16 1989 models. They were built for special occasions such as Porsche tennis tournaments. Not as much prototypes as first run models designed to be prizes for advertising purposes. They are not really recognized as part of the standard run. (Hence the VIN) and since the D-90 wheels have the number 90 right in them, that explains the phone dials. These cars are really no different from the 1990 models except for the wheels.

The 1991 has more differences.

 

No doubt!

 

Both of my 1989 S2s came with D-90 wheels. I'm too lazy to look, but I believe the Cardex I got from PCA says something about D-90s, as does the sales brochure for the 1989 944s. The 1988 issue of road & track highlighting the 1989 porsches shows an S2 with D-90, as does the issue comparing the S2 to the 300Zx. What does that mean?

I thought 16" phone dials only came on 951s. But I could be wrong - again.

 

Tom, you are correct.

 

Unfortunately, the pics are gone from the earlier posts.. I could SWEAR it was a 16V engine, it had the big head with the plug wires going down between the two camshaft "humps".
The latest e-mail from the owner: (who just had the belts done-Hooray!)

I've had two mechanics look at the car.
One says - 2.5 8 valve engine (Porsche expert)
the second says only 8 valve not certain the size.

I'm baffled.

 

I remember the engine looking exactly the way my engine does - which leads me to believe it's an S2 3.0 liter.

 

Obviously the "Porsche expert" that said it is a 2.5 8 valve is not much of an expert. Must be an air-cooled expert. He probably opened the rear hatch looking for the engine.

 

ROFL!!! yeah..."porsche expert" needs to get a clue!

 

The owner emailed me and asked me to post this:

'The owner of the 1989 944 in question has finally received a certificate of authenticty from
Porsche. It lists the car as a 1989 944 S2 Cab 3.0 16 valve. There are only two
items listed not apparent on the car
1. the certificate lists side moldings - there are none.
2. the color is listed as 'silver metallic' and it is Red Pearl."

He's persuing documentation from ASC to validate the car as a prototype. These two body irregularites sound like they were done in the shop at ASC preparing for the show.

 

Ok, easy way to tell what engine is in there... DRIVE THE DAMN THING! HAHAHA An S certainly does not drive like an S2 ! The S2 whines as well, A LOT! Did the S whine? A quick comparison drive would certainly tell the difference between an S2, S, and a 2.7 N/A.

Wow, personally i like that color a lot! Does any one have any pictures of other Porsche's in that color?

 

Yeah I like the color too. It's kind of subtle.

GOSANE 944T '86