1982 | Porsche 924 Turbo

Porsche launched their new 924 in November 1975, and just as with its 914 predecessors, leant heavily on VW/Audi for key components and assembly. Having pioneered turbocharging first on the track, and later the road with their 911 Turbo, Porsche released the heavily upgraded 924 Turbo in 1978. With other things, a turbo donated by the 911, brakes from Porches’ 928, and a development of the 911 gearbox, the 924 Turbo’s extra 45bhp raised top speed to around 150mph with handling and brakes to back it up. Porsche showcased what became the ultimate evolution of the 924 Turbo at 1979’s Frankfurt Show: The 924 Carrera GT. From the outset the Carrera GT was to be Porsches’ spiritual successor to their iconic 911 Carrera RS, a car equally happy on the road and on the track. Released to the public in 1980, the Carrera GT is easily distinguishable from lesser 924s by virtue of its bonnet scoop feeding a bespoke intercooler, widened wheel arches, and massive fuchs wheels. Just 400 924 Carrera GT road cars were built (75 RHD), 400 cars being the minimum requirement for Porsche to homologate the Carrera GT in Group 4 sports cars racing. Road versions came with 210bhp, racing cars being boosted to well over 300bhp. Three cars were entered by the works in the 1980 Le Mans 24-Hour Race, finishing 6th, 12th, and 13th. By comparison, the highest placed 911 finished in 16th place.

This excellent Porsche 924 S2 Turbo was delivered to its first owner in February 1982. This rare right-hand drive is from the final batch of 943 cars produced for the 1982 model year. Having led a relatively sheltered life, and being completely rust free it was chosen by a Porsche fanatic and collector to create a near perfect evocation of the Carrera GT. The look is courtesy of Pro-9 lightweight front wings, front apron, and rear wheel arches. The front wings have the correct Porsche 928 sourced repeaters, the rear wheel arches are correctly tubbed and sculptured to fit and a functional Carrera GT air scoop was let into the bonnet. The Spax suspension is adjustable, properly set up and corner weighted. The seven-inch front and eight-inch rear x 15” Fuchs style wheels are by Design 911 and shod with Toyo Protex tyres. Inside the car it has the correct Carrera GT Recaro seats, and the interior has all been re-trimmed in the correct, unique Carrera GT upholstery. A retro-style Blaupunkt radio with Bluetooth is fitted. Under the bonnet lies the very rare and bespoke Langerer & Reich intercooler from a Carrera GT, fed by that bonnet scoop. Subtly, the digital ignition, and timing control has been replaced with ECU Master engine management system by Northampton Motorsport. This includes 21st century sensors, ignition system and boost control which brings better reliability, better economy, and easy driveability. After spending time on their rolling road, Northampton Motorsport created a car with a second map that outperforms the original Carrera GT, a flick of a hidden switch takes you from 180bhp/200Ib-ft to 211bhp/242Ib-ft torque. Factory finished in Guards Red, this lovely 924 Turbo is registered as a Historic Vehicle and comes with an extensive documented history.
Consigned by John Tomlin