As you may recall, about two weeks ago, my colleague Jeff Lavery, reviewed a 1977 Porsche 924 “Martini” edition. That car was in pretty worn shape and was going to require a bit of exterior and interior elbow grease to become presentable again. Today, however, we are presenting a pristine version with only 2,892 miles! This Porsche is located in Cumming, Georgia and is available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $8,300.
The Porsche Martini editions were a cosmetic package of stripes and interior colors, designed to commemorate distiller Martini & Rossi’s sponsorship of various motorsports events. Not exactly rare, there were 3,000 copies, out of a total 1977 Porsche 924 production of 25K cars, all offered in a distinctive white finish with white alloy wheels, and blue/orange stripes. Additional accentuation occurred via the Martini package’s vibrant orange upholstery. Even without this special edition, 1977 being just the second year for 924 production, proved to be its best year. Volume output shifted downward, dramatically after 1979, though total 924 production from 1977 to 1985 weighed in at about 121K examples. For Porsche, the 924 was an entry-level success.
Powering this Martini is a 95 HP, 2.0 liter, four-cylinder, front-mounted engine, driving through a four-speed manual transmission. “Runs and drives good” and “The engine is functioning properly and has no issues. The transmission shifts very smoothly” are the seller’s claims regarding this Porsche’s motoring capabilities. Unfortunately, there are no images of the engine included. With such low mileage, the mechanical operation should still be excellent assuming the oil, coolant and fuel circumstances have been managed over time. That said, there is no mileage documentation, though if you squint, you can barely make out the odometer reading. Engine images are usually pretty telling regarding mileage, and the lack of a picture should always be a concern.
The distinctive exterior, with the white alloy wheels and blue/orange side stripe, still presents itself well. The seller states that the exterior is in “good and clean condition” while the windshield is “excellent”. The black rubber bumper components have not degraded with time or weather, and there is no fade or chalkiness to the finish. Reviewing all of the images, this Porsche seems to be in thoroughly sound shape. Finally, with no sign of collision damage or rust, I’d say the exterior of this 924 is good to go.
The interior makes a pretty bold statement with contrasting orange carpet/seat inserts and black everything else. Almost lost in the glare, but not quite, is the blue seat pipping – a nice finishing touch. The door panels, dash pad, instrument panel, and the tiger-pit back seat are all in well-maintained condition. The steering wheel is showing some mild discoloration but that’s to be expected. This Martini model is equipped with a sunroof.
The Porsche 924 doesn’t always get its just desserts, as in those of being a true Porsche. It absolutely is, and its road manners attest to its heritage. It’s the water-cooled, underwhelming engine that seems to be the biggest detraction for Porsche-o-files. As stated at the outset, these Martini inspired models are not exactly rare, though how many still exist is probably the better question. While the price for this example seems reasonable, especially considering the claimed low mileage, do you think the Martini association is a value enhancer?
I’d take this martini shaken, not stirred.
I remember living very close to the Porsche/BMW/M-B dealer in the early 80’s as a young teen, and seeing 924’s and 928’s in the summer time. Embarrassing, but I couldn’t tell the two apart until I was a little older. I was never a fan of the Audi sourced motors in these, but I find them to be very attractive cars, and I know they handle well. Who says you have to race anyone? At this price it would just be a nice 3 season cruiser, and if you did want a little more horsepower, I’m sure that’s not a problem. I’m not a fan of white either, but this looks pretty sharp.
Is it me, or do the front number, lower skirt especially, and leading edge of the hood and headlights appear to have a LOT of chips and missing paint for a claimed 2,800 mile car?
Duly noted!
I am always suspicious of mileage claims if there is no documentation and an odometer reading is not documentation. That’s why I make a point of saying if there is no mileage proof provided.
I have to tread lightly though, I can’t call a seller out if I don’t have fact, one way or the other. That said, I’d have to say that BF readers are pretty shrewd at noting probable mileage discrepancies.
Thx,
JO
Totally agree. Unless there’s rock solid documentation behind the claim, you have to assume it isn’t. Nothing personal against any seller, they may have bought it with the understanding that it had that low of miles, and in their mind it’s true. But I wouldn’t pay a premium price for anything not documented. Fortunately, this one’s so cheap it doesn’t matter, and looks like it’s already sold.
The fitment of the carpet and upholstery at the base of the rear seat is sloppy. Perhaps a refurb with 102K miles?
You are right! The mileage is 102892! You can tell that this is the same car from the chips on the lower right front fender.
http://www.2040-cars.com/Porsche/924/1977-porsche-924-martini-amp-rossi-edition-1147686/
Good catch!
Talk about bald-faced dishonesty, the listing is now down, hopefully for the right reasons.
Thx,
JO
Not to be Debbie Downer here but the front end view of this 924 shows accumulated road rash that could not possibly have occurred in less than 3,000 miles. Take a look at all the stone chips on the nose and the spoiler area under the bumper. I suspect something is rotten in Stuttgart here relative to the mileage claim.
My sister-in-law had one of these, the interior kind of Glared at you until you got used to it. My Stepdad gave me a 1977 in white with a Brake problem, right front and left rear would overheat, master cylinder piston had a burr from being assembled incorrectly. Let it go when my son wanted nothing to do with a Father/Son project. Should of kept it, great car to drive around town.
Those aren’t the correct rear seats. They should have the same color fabric as the fronts along with the blue piping. You can see the bottom edge of the rear passenger side seat is not rolled under either. Just makes you wonder, with a car with such few miles and what looks to be pristine front seats, what happened to the original rear seats?
The rear seats in the other BF offering a couple of weeks ago, shows the same rear seats as this car. All black. Then there’s a BaT auction with all black rear seats. Not sure what’s going on.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/174605344309454/?ref=search&referral_code=undefined
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1977-porsche-924-9/
Were the 2800 miles accumulated exclusively on the ALCAN highway>
Here’s why you’ll see some interiors black. There were some dealers that actually changed the interiors to black to help sell the cars. Seems people didn’t like the flashy interiors.
But why just replace the rear seats?
Speedometers and odometers were not too reliable in that vintage car. Pretty much all VW, Audi, and Porsche products suffered. We did a lot of odometer gears back in the day. The price should reflect the condition and not the mileage on this one.
My friend got one of these at an auction 10 years ago for 2500 bucks. Low miles and nearly perfect. He wound up selling it after a while for twice as much. Neat car, just underpowered!
If you see the car in person a 2800 miles car is very obvious. I have a 95 z28 conv. With 4800 miles. Even the knobs on the radio are crisp as new. 😀
Love this nice price fun car. But why only a 4 spd? I’m sure my 77 (purchased in 84, after a repaint, no stripes) was a 5 spd. Is my memory wrong?
Nice, except it’s a 924! not a 944!