Cricket fans have heard the phrase 'in the spirit of the game' rather a lot lately, following the controversial non-dismissal of petulant England bowler Stuart Broad at Trent Bridge in the first Ashes test.
Cool Shed, really cool numberplate too
In the economically inspirational uplands of sub-£1K motoring, Shed reckons this 924 is about as 'in the spirit of PH' as it's possible to get.
Tastefully battered, it proudly bears the badge of track days honourably contested. Gasp in awe at the many colours of its panels, no two the same. Smile tearfully at the pop-up headlamps, which have indeed popped up - not bad after 31 years. Gaze admiringly at the rusty turret bolts and wonder if you'd come out of the Bombhole at Snett with the front wheels at the same angle as they were when you went in.
But mocking over, have a closer glim at what's on offer here. A two-plus-two sporting coupe, built in the glory days of German car industry, offering cheap fun on road or track, with a minimal mileage, a maximal MOT and a smart set of sinkplug alloys.
Mmm, corduroy... Note the 996 as well
Let's not open up that old 'it's not a real Porsche' argument here, because it's (a) boring and (b) not true. The 924 is a real Porsche; it says so on the door as you walk proudly up, and again on the inside of the door just in case you've forgotten since you were outside.
Instead of dreaming up imaginary negatives, just picture it on your driveway. You're off to the beer shop, or maybe to Brands. Hear that solid door creak drily in its hinges. Climb aboard and drink in the rich aroma of sunbaked dashtops and well-trousered corduroy. Feel your pants interlock with those evocative corrugations. Fire up that lusty van engine. Check the systems on those still cool Porsche design instruments. Shove the meaty gearknob into first, summon up the full might of those 125 horses and then give it death, exactly as the last owner has done.
Is having two 125hp cars in the shot deliberate?
What's the worst that can happen? Not all that much really, beyond normal wear and tear. This is a post-'80 car, so is fully galvanised. Mechanical maintenance is relatively simple. Your biggest bugbears will be leaks and electrics. If that sunroof doesn't let water in, consider yourself lucky. The hatch isn't going to be much more watertight, and a leaky battery will eat away not only the battery tray but also the passenger footwell (where the fusebox resides...). The cable connecting the starter to the battery is known for melting as it sits too close to the exhaust. The vendor car's electric window has failed, a common 924 fault. Same goes for the cracked dash top: not many of them left in scrappies now.
The engine is meant to use a little oil (it doesn't have oil scraper rings), so don't be too concerned about a wisp of smoke on startup. Blue smoke when warm is more of an issue. If you feel an odd vibe at idle, one of the engine mounts is probably on the way out. The cambelt is a non-interference type, so you can run it till it snaps.
Wonder if he'll take £924 for it?
Rusty steel fuel lines leak. With luck, your man here (or the owner previous) will have fitted braided replacements. If he hasn't, that's a job requiring the removal of the rear suspension.
So if you do buy this doughty little chap, what's the best that can happen? How about a full year of rear-wheel drive Porsche satisfaction, followed by a sale for most probably what you paid for it? It's all good.
Here's the ad.
106,170, 1982 Y Reg, Porsche 924 2.0 (1,970cc), Manual in Light blue metallic. £995.
I have for sale my trusty Porsche 924, a 1982 car on a Y plate which just so happens to be AOD 924Y, which is kind of cool if you like that sort of thing.
Until owning this car I'd never driven a front engined Porsche beyond a Panamera, and although Porsche dynamics have come a long way in 31 years, this car is an excellent steer. Its light, has fantastic steering, has a great gear box and although the 2.0 engine has a modest output (125bhp I believe) it pulls and runs nicely. I've taken this car on track (Porsches become proper Porsches on track), it was a huge amount of fun and did a whole day without missing a beat. I've taken it on some spirited drives across Welsh mountain roads and country b-roads and it is a true Porsche.
This car has MOT until July 2014 (sailed through MOT on 03/07/13) and tax until September and is finished in a nice light blue metallic (complete with original classic Porsche side decals) with a black interior. The car has an aftermarket headunit with CD player and USB so you can connect an iPod/iPhone but I've never used it as driving this car is too much fun. Car also has a large removable sun roof/targa panel that comes right out and gets stored in the boot.
The car comes with a wad full of service receipts (going right back to its early years) and has two keys. All four tyres appear to have good depth. Recently had the speedo cable replaced and a brand new bonnet catch.
The downsides? The drivers side electric window has just stopped working. The dash top on the drivers side has (like most 924's that haven't been kept out of the sun) cracked. There is some corrosion on the bonnet on the inside where the new catch has been fitted. The paintwork isn't perfect, it's a car that's been used (and I assume stored outside, although I garage it) and the only dent is that one on the front passenger wing. Lastly there is a tear in the fabric on the passenger seat.
This car stands apart from the majority of 'cheap' 924's that are non runners, as you can use it right now and everyday if you wanted, or it could be a nice little project for someone to track or do up or both.
Can accommodate viewings to suit the buyer, just contact me and we'll arrange. I live in Shropshire but I garage the car in Dudley, West Midlands. Happy to conduct viewings in either location.