Right-hand-drive Porsche 924 Carrera GT for sale
The mid-engined V10 isn't the only Carrera GT
After many years in the doldrums, the transaxle Porsches - and specifically the 924 - are being appreciated as the classics Porsches they always should have been. There might be just four cylinders, and they might not be behind the driver, but the 924 was great to drive and still looks smart today - which is some achievement for a car first designed in the 1970s.
Even in the lean years, however, there remained a few very special 924s, 944s, 968s and 928s. This is one of them, the 924 Carrera GT. Porsche being Porsche wanted to race the 924, and for that a motorsport version of the car would need to be homologated. A regular 924 was good as standard, but it wasn’t going to win any races. So Porsche set to work on a 924 Turbo, massively increasing the width (so there would be room for slicks) and boosting power, too. The Carrera GT was the result.
It was first seen in 1980 ahead of sales kicking off in 1981; interestingly, all 75 versions allocated to the UK of the 400-unit production run were pre-sold, which goes to show just how keen buyers were on the prospect of a 210hp 924. This is one of those UK cars, in Guards Red (silver and black were also offered). Despite being down on power, the actual 924 race cars did well, with top ten finishes at Le Mans, proving that Porsche really was onto something in campaigning its lowliest model.
Then, of course, the rules changed and Porsche entered the mad (and madly successful) world of the 956 and 962, which are understandably remembered a little more fondly in its motorsport annals. That’s always been the 924’s problem, really - superseded by something else. The humble sports car project taken from VW eventually became yuppie sports car of choice in the 944 Turbo. While the later car would also become cheap in time, it was always the 924 that received the least love, which is a shame.
At least the owner of this 924 knew they were onto something special with a Carrera GT. The selling dealer says it comes with the most comprehensive history file they’ve ever seen, including the original bill of sale, 31 service stamps in the original service book and 27 MOT certificates. It was resprayed at Porsche Reading in 2016, too, so it looks absolutely fantastic.
Not so long ago, the notion of Porsche 924s advertised at POA would have seemed crazy; almost as mad would have been the £75k Carrera GT not being the most expensive 924 available. That honour goes to this black car that’s a couple of thousand pounds more. They’re big bucks collectors’ items now, as only seems right. Yet in the Porsche hierarchy it’s easy to imagine a rear- or mid-engined model with tangible homologation history and such a small production run commanding an awful lot more. There are people out there now who want £55,000 for a 968 Club Sport, for context. The transaxle cars are enjoying their moment of glory, and arguably none is quite so deserving as the Carrera GT.
https://www.glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup...
it had a £13k respray in 2016.
https://www.glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup...
it had a £13k respray in 2016.
https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/1981-porsche-9...
As an aside it's lovely to hear about a car which hasn't had the history binned "... coz of GDPR innit..."
I bought it to replace a 2.5 944, which was a much more pleasant car to drive.
The Carrera GT was great if you were in the mood for it, but not that quick (a standard Boxter would have left it behind on road or track), but looked fabulous.
It was well set up, and a comfortable car, surprisingly good on fuel, but as all turbocharged vehicles of its era, suffered from comedy turbo-lag.
Derek Bell had / has the GTS version which was lighter with more power. I’ve driven one, with 935 seats etc, and it’s an immersive experience.
I’ve always liked these since I read about them in my 1981 Observer’s book of Automobiles. The rarity, competition influenced look and turbo power always made them seem so much more exotic than the 924 from which they were derived. That all has a bearing on what they are now worth of course but I do think I’d find it a challenge knowing I could have a better driving 944 Turbo for a third the price of this car, nice as it is.
Reportedly brilliant handling and faster than the later box-arched M3.
A lot of these homologation specials fetch big money now so the price doesn’t surprise me at all
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