1980 Porsche 924 turbo LHD
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Highlights
• Rare turbo model
• Incredibly low owner car
• Early series 1 car
• Low mileage example
The Background
First dubbed “project 425”, the Porsche 924 was originally a joint project between both Porsche and Volkswagen designed to be an entry level sports car to replace Porsche’s 914. It was in the early 1970’s after the oil crisis that Volkswagen scrapped the project and Porsche ended up buying the design back to create the 924, the final product going into production in 1976.
Porsche’s idea was to create a rear wheel drive sports car with a rear mounted transaxle. A key part of this plan was to utilise a pre-existing engine, and thus the 924’s came equipped with Volkswagens EA831 2.0 litre inline 4 engine mounted to a dog leg transmission.
The engineers at Porsche however, soon realised a need for a higher power 924 to compliment the dynamic handling and great styling the car had been praised for by the motoring press. Cue the 924 turbo, first released in 1978 the turbos boasted a heavily revised version of the 2.0 VW engine, and most notably, a turbocharger, there were also subtle styling cues to denote these models from the regular 924’s.
The engineers at Porsche however, soon realised a need for a higher power 924 to compliment the dynamic handling and great styling the car had been praised for by the motoring press. Cue the 924 turbo, first released in 1978 the turbos boasted a heavily revised version of the 2.0 VW engine, and most notably, a turbocharger, there were also subtle styling cues to denote these models from the regular 924’s.
These models helped to bridge the performance gap and gained praise from the motoring press and general public for addressing the lack of power the standard 924’s were often critiqued for.
The History
We find ourselves looking at an early 924 with a rather unusual history. Investigation shows the car was originally bought new from a Porsche dealership in New York in 1980, it has been under this ownership until just a month ago when the car was acquired by the current owner.
The previous owner, after purchasing the car back in 1980, dry stored the car and used it as an occasional weekend car, hence the incredibly low mileage, it was used like this until around 8 years ago when the owner retired and moved back home to Debrecen, Hungary. The car was shipped from New York to Hungary with the owner, where it sat until the current owner found it, purchased it and had it shipped to the UK.
The previous owner, after purchasing the car back in 1980, dry stored the car and used it as an occasional weekend car, hence the incredibly low mileage, it was used like this until around 8 years ago when the owner retired and moved back home to Debrecen, Hungary. The car was shipped from New York to Hungary with the owner, where it sat until the current owner found it, purchased it and had it shipped to the UK.
We believe that the car switched hands between the previous owner and his brother at one point, however the car is thought to have never left that family since 1980.
The Paperwork
Unfortunately, the bulk of the service history that would have accompanied the car has been lost at some point in time. But we do have the original Porsche 924 owners manual as well as the New York title and some lien paperwork. There is also some transfer paperwork to support the idea that the car changed hands within the family in the late 1980’s.
Being a recent import into the country, the car has not been registered in the UK, and so the correct V5 and registration documents will need to be applied for by filling out the necessary DVLA documentation at the post office. As it is a 1980 car, it can be registered as historic and thus will be MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt.
The Interior
Draped in exquisite brown leather upholstery, the cabin of the 924 is a wonderful example of the incredible design and engineering Porsche have always been famed for. Oozing quality in every aspect, it’s a great place to be. The excellently crafted body hugging seats front and rear present well, however the drivers seat will need some attention to bring it up to standard as there is some noticeable wear to the cushioning, this doesn’t detract from the look of the car, and the bolstering and stitching is still in great condition.
The door trims appear in outstanding condition, the two tone mix of brown leather and plastics show incredibly minimal signs of wear and look beautiful against the rest of the trim and paintwork. The dark brown door cappings flow well into the quintessentially 1980’s dashboard, its dark brown plastics still look fresh and rich in colour. The equally great centre console houses a series of gauges and switchgear, which as far as well know, are all functional, just below this we find a lovely Porsche radio system.
The brown leather upholstered steering wheel suits the car perfectly and appears in fresh, largely wear free condition. Looking above we find an excellently upholstered dark brown leather roof liner that looks in great condition with no visible signs of wear, the roof liner also houses the removable targa style sunroof, the inside of which is also upholstered in leather. The roof itself functions fully and is removed with ease.
The floors of the 924 are coated in a beautiful, plush brown carpet. This drapes its way over the centre console and into the boot which is also lavishly upholstered in the carpet. Unfortunately it does appear as though some mould has taken residence on some of this carpet, most notably in the boot, as well as on the leather in the rear armrests and front sun visors. The boot itself appears solid and holds a spare wheel and jack, there is also a pull out leather parcel/privacy shelf which comes out and latches with ease. The leather itself is of a good quality.
The Exterior
Finished in a beautiful, deep shade of dark red, the 924 is a car that's iconic streamlined shape presents brilliantly from any angle. The paintwork itself is of a good quality, having a great shine to it, however there are blemishes and marks to be seen around the car, most notably on the bumpers front and rear we find some paint chipping, and there are a couple of small dents and some scratching around the fuel filler cap, however these really don’t detract from the amazing lines on the car.
Unfortunately the front valance has taken some damage over the years, and while it is solid, it is very dented and damaged and will likely need some attention to match the quality of the rest of the car.
Unfortunately the front valance has taken some damage over the years, and while it is solid, it is very dented and damaged and will likely need some attention to match the quality of the rest of the car.
The car seems to be incredibly solid and original with no noticeable rust to be seen. It sits on large 16” “928 style” alloy wheels that are all in excellent condition. The plastic trims are present well and look fresh, although there is a piece peeling off of the left hand side at the rear. All of the glass, including the wonderful sculpted rear window piece are all in great clean condition.
Being a factory turbo car, we find subtle differences to the bodywork compared to a standard 924, up front there are extra vents on the bonnet and just below the front badging. There are also extra turbo graphics and badges found on the car, seen on the rear and on the door sills. As this was a US market car, it has larger bumpers and overriders as well as larger reflectors on the front and rear quarters to comply with the safety regulations of the time.
The excellent pop up headlights function fully, with ease and look amazing when up and on.
The Mechanics
Under the bonnet we find ourselves looking at Volkswagen’s EA831 2.0 litre 4 cylinder engine, sporting a factory turbo charger. After the current owner fitted a battery the engine fired into life effortlessly, settling into an idle and running well, a subtle engine note produced through the exhaust out rear.
The engine bay itself appears incredibly clean, still bearing the factory warning stickers, as to be expected of a car of such low mileage. The engine mirrors this cleanliness and is mounted to a crisp five speed manual transmission.
The engine bay itself appears incredibly clean, still bearing the factory warning stickers, as to be expected of a car of such low mileage. The engine mirrors this cleanliness and is mounted to a crisp five speed manual transmission.
When brought over to the UK the car was found to have an aftermarket alarm and immobiliser system fitted, this has since been removed. The current owner has also fitted a replacement fuel pump and performed a fluid check on the car. As the car has been sat up for some years now, it would ideally need a full service and inspection before more regular use.
The owner states that while the engine clutch and gearbox are of a good standard, the brakes will need some attention as it seems as though something has seized. It is believed the handbrake has also seized.
The owner states that while the engine clutch and gearbox are of a good standard, the brakes will need some attention as it seems as though something has seized. It is believed the handbrake has also seized.
The Appeal
The Porsche 924’s are quickly becoming an incredibly sought after classic car, and it’s no surprise, in the 924, you get an amazing package consisting of beautiful styling, dynamic handling and great performance. This example made even more special being a factory turbo, low owner car with very low mileage.
This example would, with some light recommissioning work, make a great usable classic car or would be equally suited to a more involved restoration to bring it up to a concours standard. The 924 is at home on the road, at a car show, or even on the track.
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1980
- Make Porsche
- Model 924
- Colour Red
- Odometer 82,341 Kilometres
- Engine size 2000
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Halling
- Location Kent
- Country United Kingdom
24
bids
- Ch•••• £9,100 02/01/22
- da•••• £9,000 02/01/22
- Ch•••• £8,900 02/01/22
- da•••• £8,800 02/01/22
- Ch•••• £8,700 02/01/22
- da•••• £8,600 02/01/22
- Ch•••• £8,500 02/01/22
- da•••• £8,400 02/01/22
- Ch•••• £8,300 31/12/21
- GC•••• £8,200 31/12/21
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