When you think of classic Porsches, the 911 often steals the spotlight. But for Richard Head, an IT manager and lifelong Porsche enthusiast, it was a 1991 Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet that captured his heart. Owned for over 26 years, this Cobalt Blue drop-top isn’t just a car – it’s a member of the family.

From 911 Dream to 944 Reality

Richard’s journey into Porsche ownership didn’t start with the 944. Back in 1999, when he was finally in a position to afford his first sports car, his initial plan was to buy a 911. There was just one problem: at 6ft 6in, he simply didn’t fit comfortably in any of the affordable 911s available at the time.

That’s when he discovered the Porsche 944. Its sleek lines, balanced proportions, and spacious interior instantly won him over. But it was the rare Cabriolet version that sealed the deal: “I always wanted the soft top,” Richard says. “When I found the right 944 Cabriolet, it just clicked. I’ve loved it ever since – and I’ll never sell it.”

The Driving Experience: Old-School Porsche Character

One of the things Richard loves most about his 944 is its mechanical simplicity. “Nowadays, if you own a car, the first thing you do if anything goes wrong is plug in a computer,” he explains. “With the 944, you can get under the bonnet, understand what’s going on, and fix things yourself. I enjoy that connection.”

Under the hood sits a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder engine producing around 210bhp – the largest four-cylinder engine Porsche ever made. Despite being over three decades old, the car still offers a rewarding driving experience. Richard recently proved this by taking it on a road trip from the UK to Stuttgart, parking it proudly outside the Porsche Museum.

“Driving for hours at a time, a few hundred miles a day, and getting out feeling fresh – it’s just so comfortable,” he says. “It’s a grand tourer that happens to be a classic.”

A Rare Sight on Today’s Roads

Part of the Porsche 944 Cabriolet’s charm lies in its rarity. While the 944 itself is becoming less common, the Cabriolet is even harder to spot. “It’s become a bit of a unicorn,” Richard explains. “People stop me to say, ‘Wow, I haven’t seen one of those in years!’”

The Cobalt Blue paint – resprayed about a decade ago – adds to its appeal. “I’m not chasing concours perfection,” he says. “I just want it to look good, turn heads, and make people smile. And it does exactly that.”

Restoring and Refreshing with Design911

Keeping a 30-year-old Porsche in top condition takes dedication – and the right parts. About ten years ago, Richard decided to invest in a major refresh. “The car was looking a bit tired,” he recalls. “I had it resprayed, put a new hood on it, and decided to rebuild the brakes and suspension.”

That’s when Richard discovered Design911 at the NEC Classic Car Show. “I spoke to one of the guys on the stand about what I was planning. He told me to email after the show, and he’d sort me out with a discount – and he did,” Richard says.

But what really impressed him was the extra effort: “When the parts arrived, they’d included anti-squeal shims for the brakes with a note saying, ‘We think you’ll need these – if not, send them back.’ That level of service was above and beyond. From that moment on, I’ve only ever used Design911 for parts.”

If you’re restoring your own 944, here are some of the upgrades Richard recommends:

• 944 Brake Parts – including discs, pads, and anti-squeal shims.

• Suspension Components – for better ride quality and handling.

• Soft Top & Interior Parts – to keep the cabin and roof looking fresh.

Originality with a Personal Touch

Despite the restoration work, Richard’s 944 Cabriolet remains true to its roots. “Other than the respray, new hood, and the usual consumables from Design911, it’s pretty original,” he says. “Even the leather interior has held up beautifully.”

The only major change? The stereo. “It originally had a Blaupunkt unit, which failed. I replaced it with a modern head unit, but I’m actually looking for a period-correct Blaupunkt to bring it back to that proper 90s vibe,” Richard adds.

And of course, there are the details that make the 944 so iconic: “Those pop-up headlights. Who doesn’t love pop-up headlights?”

A Family Affair

For Richard, the 944 isn’t just about his own enjoyment. Recently, he insured his 21-year-old son to drive the car for the London to Brighton run, sharing the experience of a classic Porsche for the first time.

“Watching him drive it – and seeing him fall in love with it the same way I did – was special,” Richard says. “This car isn’t just a piece of metal; it’s part of our family history now.”

Why the 944 Cabriolet Is One to Watch

The Porsche 944 has long been a hidden gem in the Porsche world, but the Cabriolet is something else entirely. With its low production numbers, balanced handling, and usability, it’s a car that’s becoming more desirable by the year.

For anyone thinking about buying one, Richard’s advice is simple: “If you find a good one, buy it. They’re comfortable, practical, and they’ve got that old-school Porsche soul. You won’t regret it.”

And with parts availability from Design911, keeping one on the road has never been easier.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Car

Richard’s 944 Cabriolet isn’t going anywhere. From cross-country drives to father-son road trips, it’s given him memories that no other car could. “If there was a fire and I could only grab the keys to one car,” he says, “it would be this one.”

For those who want a classic Porsche with character, rarity, and genuine driving enjoyment, the Porsche 944 Cabriolet is hard to beat. And if you already own one, you’ll find everything you need to keep it running – from brakes and suspension to interior parts – right here at Design911.