Description
BACKGROUND
Shall we get the jibes out of the way now? Y’know the sort of thing – poor man’s Porsche; it’s got a van engine; it’s a VW really… Yawn, yawn and yawn what about the Cayenne with the same platform and many shared parts from…yep a Volkswagen! In fact all current Porsche models feature VW components, its a cost saving strategy that is as relevant today as it was back in the 70s. What the 924 offered was an entry point into the exclusive world of Porsche ownership, and even better, this one is a Le Mans edition, the significance of which we will come to.
We’re just delighted to have it in the PS showroom, because 924’s that are as good as this one are few and far between today, oh… and Paul has a bit of a soft spot for them, having had his first outright Porsche championship win driving one. Without the 924, there would never have been a 944 or a 968, voted car of the year by Performance Car in Clubsport form.
History? Well briefly, then. Yes, it’s fair to say that the 924 was commissioned by Volkswagen to spice up its rather staid image and that for whatever reason the folk at Wolfsburg got cold feet, despite having invested heavily, with the car at near production stage. Waste not, want not, Porsche decided to keep going and turn the situation to its advantage and create an entry-level model. After all, what Porsche had cooked up was a pretty sophisticated/ stylish 2+2 Coupe, that may have had a humble engine that was not only shared with VW, but Audi too in their new 100, however, by the time it found its way into the 924, it featured a Porsche cylinder head and fuel injection system, giving the Porsche a substantial power hike from 74BHP to 125BHP. The rear mounted transaxle mirrored the Porsche 928 and of course contributed to the famed 50/ 50 weight distribution, whilst early versions could be optioned with the expensive but desirable ZF dog leg 5 speed gearbox.
It may have been an entry level Porsche and roughly half the price of a 911 at the time, but the 924 was anything but cheap. At its launch in 1977, at £8664, it was nearly twice the price of a Capri 3-litre, and close to that of a Lotus Eclat. It also left the Alfetta 2000GTV Reliant Scimitar and Datsun 260Z trailing in its financial wake…
Well received as the 924 was by the press, Porsche typically decided to apply some motorsport glamour and via the 924 Turbo, created the 924 Carrera GT to race at Le Mans in 1980 and beyond. Three cars were built for three national teams from Germany, Great Britain and the US. The wide bodied, GTP class turbo machines looked the part, and with 320bhp (from that van engine, remember) had the get up and go to match. All three cars would finish, with Jürgen Barth and Manfred Schürti finishing a remarkable 6th overall.
LE MANS EDITION
While the Le Mans cars would form the basis of homologating the 400 924 Carrera GT road cars, Porsche took the opportunity to capitalise on the Le Mans success with a limited edition 924 Le Mans, which is exactly what we have here.
With no huge performance improvements over the standard 924, save for uprated suspension/ dampers, you could accuse Porsche of cynical marketing ploy, if it wasn’t for the fact that – we think – it looks the absolute business and follows on nicely from the Martini striped 924 of 1978 (also referencing Le Mans success). In Alpine white, with contrasting red, black and yellow tri-colour decals, plus 924 style lattice spokes alloys, Porsche built just 1030, of which 100 were right-hand drive. How many of those 100 have survived is unknown, but what cannot be disputed, is that this must surely be the best of them.
Supplied new in September 1980 via Roger Clark Cars Ltd of Narborough (v-cool), this 924 is entirely original and unrestored, with just 68, 947-miles on the clock. As such it is a time capsule and a well-known car on the show scene, for good reason.
The exterior is fantastic, the paintwork largely original, the decals all in fine condition. Equally immaculate is the black leatherette and pinstripe interior. Even the dash top is free from the all too familiar cracks and sun damage these models suffer from. The four-spoke steering wheel is part of the Le Mans spec. The only thing missing is the period correct Radiomobile radio/ cassette. Open the rear tailgate and all tools are present and correct, as is the bag for the removeable ‘Targa’ roof panel. The 15in latticed spoked wheels are in perfect condition and wrapped with Goodyear tyres.
The original service book is fully stamped and the history file is substantial, with invoices and correspondence from previous owners. Fittingly the original Porsche produced 924 Le Mans gatefold brochure is present and correct, too.
ON THE ROAD
We’re not going to lie, the 924 does have its idiosyncrasies. Yes, the steering wheel does sit in your lap, but if you are familiar with 944 and 968 then its exactly the same deal, and the steering feel through the non-power assisted rack doesn’t have the clarity a 911, but get your head round those foibles and it’s remarkably modern and plenty fast enough, especially weighing in at just 1130kg.
The gearshift is satisfyingly chunky, and its narrow dimension make it a joy to place on the road. The famous 50/ 50 weight balance and poise is all there, enhanced by stiffer damping and anti-roll bars. Hard to believe that British Leyland was still building the MGB at this point! From that point of view, it was very much ahead of its time and not until the arrival of the RX7 was it really challenged, although in period UK road tests, it had that one beaten too .
OUR THOUGHTS
Dare to be different, is what we say. Don’t get it? Never mind, there’s plenty of other Porsches out there for you. Do get it? Excellent, join that leftfield Porsche club and enjoy a rare limited edition Porsche, with economical running costs and guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel.
