1981 Porsche 924 Turbo

Launched in 1977, the Type 924 was Porsche’s very first front-engined, water-cooled car (though the 928 was designed earlier, it wasn’t released until a few months later) and would go on to spawn an entirely new generation of cars from Stuttgart.

Just like an underground band with a cult following dedicated to their own particular brand of neo wave-alt-prog-roots-funk-revival, the Type 924 has a vehemently loyal fan base for its radical break from Porsche traditions as well as its reliability, practicality, and handling — the latter of which was said to be superb, with Excellence magazine calling it “the best handling Porsche in stock form”.

Penned by Harm Lagaay, who also designed the 911 Type 993 and Carrera GT, the 924 featured a rear-mounted transaxle, sophisticated suspension and bodywork that was both incredibly aerodynamic and safe for the time.

Updated in 1979 with the availability of a five-speed manual and rear disc brakes, power was also upped to 110HP and in the same year a turbocharged model ingeniously named the “924 Turbo” was launched producing a hefty 170 HP and marketed as the most powerful 2 litre production sports car in the world.

The car offered is an Australian delivered, Porsche 924 Turbo sold new by John Newell Porsche Centre, Sydney on the 11th of September, 1981.

Meticulously maintained from new, this rare car was ordered in Diamond Silver Metallic over Black leatherette with Pinstriped Velour inserts and features the complete “Lux Pack” including air-conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, tinted glass, rear windscreen wiper, heated rear-window, rear privacy screen, leather gear shifter as well as the factory fitted leather 911 Turbo steering wheel- small and sporty to handle.

Back to basics in the best possible way, inside the sporty and upright cockpit all of the original switch gear is in superb condition, the retro green and orange VDO gauges and dials are all there and the bucket seats keep you firmly planted in position.

Outside, the car still features its original lattice turbo wheels with Pirelli P1 tyres, NACA bonnet intake and rear spoiler, all of the correct “924 Turbo” decals are still present and even the John Newell dealership sticker is still in the rear window, all tell-tale signs of an original and well-maintained car.

Recently the subject of a detailed mechanical works including a rebuilt steering rack and major service including the cam-belts, listening to the turbo spool on a drive of this car and feeling the linear acceleration and exceptional handling it’s no wonder why these driver’s cars are making a resurgence in popularity.

The pop-up head lights never lose their novelty either.

The car comes with its original stamped log-books including Driver’s Manual, and Guarantee and Maintenance booklet held within its Porsche wallet as well as receipts for more recent mechanical works. The original John Newell Service Centre card is in the booklet too.

Recently added to the Porsche museum in Stuttgart and once campaigned on track at the 1980 Le Mans 24 hrs race the 924 Turbo is a burgeoning modern classic.

Incredibly hard to find in such well-maintained condition, this Australian delivered 924 Turbo would make the perfect addition to any garage or collection. Bang for buck, you cannot beat this totally engaging and rare sports classic.