1990 PORSCHE 944 S2 is available now at classified from Car and Classic Classifieds

When Porsche revealed its first water-cooled car - the 924 - in 1976 it caused consternation among purist fans, who didn't like the fact that not only was it water-cooled but that the engine was in the front.

That's because the 924 was originally co-developed by Porsche for Volkswagen before the project was cancelled, but by 1982, the purists’ concerns were largely forgotten. The 924 was a strong seller, so to get it ready for the thrusting 1980s, Porsche gave it a few tweaks, with a new 2.5-litre engine. 

The body was also widened at both ends to accommodate a broader track. The resultant 944 became one of the most desirable sports cars of the 1980s, highly popular among the young and upwardly mobile – and later on an icon of “yuppie” Britain.