When we see an elusive turbocharged Porsche 924 for sale, it is almost always in non-running condition. The shame of it is that these were fairly over-built cars, let down by owners who didn’t follow the owner’s manual recommendations on how to properly care for a turbocharged engine. Regardless, the performance out of the box was more than respectable for the time, and this 1980 model listed here on craigslist is an actual runner with some thoughtful maintenance already performed.
The 924 Turbo was a surprisingly quick car when it was introduced, offering performance that was nipping at the heels of the 911. The total package consisted of numerous performance upgrades that included improvements both under the hood and to the chassis. Even the bodywork was tweaked to provide greater cooling capabilities. The mesh-style wheels were another hallmark of the turbo cars, and this one retains its factory decals as well.
The interior was closer to a standard 924 in terms of appearance, although factory sport seats were a very desirable upgrade that many turbo models got. This one makes do with standard buckets, which are in fair shape – but overall, the interior could use some reconditioning. The dash is cracked in several places and the carpets have some stains. The seller notes he rescued this 924 Turbo out of Texas, which explains the sun damage.
Upon getting it back to Washington State, the seller set about recommissioning it, which included a new timing belt, water pump, all fluids, fuel system, complete brake job including calipers, and new tires. The seller notes it will need shifter bushings, but fortunately, there is no rust or body damage to report. Incredibly, it comes with all service records from new, so this 924 Turbo was loved at some point before becoming the seller’s current project car. Hopefully, it continues to be used. Thanks to Barn Finds reader yargbull for the find.
Very fun car, I have one in my garage. Most of these older 924’s have the emissions/vacuum systems ripped out of them, or the system is deteriorated/ dry rotted/ cracked/ melted. When one part of the emissions/ vacuum system is compromised, then the car will run poorly or not at all. Alot of people with broken 924’s never even think to fix it and then list their car for sale as non-running or running poorly.
Expensive to fix. But lately, folks open up their wallets and shake them out to anything made by Dr. Porsche.
TomP says it. Not hard to maintain and fun to drive. Don’t care for the brown/tan interior but overall a nice car. Put a ton of miles on our ’77 and it’s still on the top of my list of great driving cars.
I rebuilt all the hoses and rubber unions of the emissions system on my ’77 924 (Porsche still sells the parts, or you can buy new old stock online) now it runs like a champ. The only problem I have is once every two months it will snap an alternator belt. So I always carry a spare and tools in the trunk. When I bought the car the previous owner also had a few spare belts in the trunk. It’s because the alternator is on rubber mounts for some reason, so it’s never really firm, and is always moving due to engine vibration. I don’t know if that’s a design flaw or supposed to be like that.
I can visualize this car in my garage. Anybody need a 77 MGB for too much money?