8,000 Mile Survivor: 1981 Porsche 924 Turbo

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We all recognize by now that the Porsche 924 will likely always be an affordable choice if you’re looking to own something with the Porsche crest on the hood. But one constant in an ever-shifting collector car landscape is that low-mileage, unmodified survivors will always bring very real money, no matter the pecking order on the family free. The Porsche 924 has been known to fetch a fair price in time capsule-grade condition, but this rare turbocharged variant with only 8,000 miles on the clock is about as good as it gets short of finding an exceedingly rare 924 GT. This museum-quality turbo is offered with no reserve here on eBay where bidding is just over $27,000.

I’ve been looking into the possibility of picking up a “cheap” Porsche lately, and I’ve quickly passed on the idea of owning anything in this category for what I deem a reasonable sum of money. It’s just not worth it to me to spend the equivalent of what could likely get me into two equally-compelling projects that run and drive, especially given I’d be playing in an entirely water-cooled arena which is already a peg or two lower on the ownership experience scale. However, I’d make an exception for this turbocharged 924, as it’s checking all the boxes for me – especially with its factory badges in mint condition and perfectly preserved BBS-style mesh wheels still bolted on.

The car really does stand out as near-perfect in every way, with the Turbo script sill plate showing virtually no flaws and the door panels appearing to be in near-mint condition. I truthfully didn’t even realize the panels in the turbo cars had the Porsche name stamped into the tops of them. It looks great, and the high state of preservation continues to the rest of the interior where perfectly-stuffed bucket seats still present like new and the dash remains untracked. Although these car look better with a set of factory sport seats, I wouldn’t bother swapping these out in the interest of preserving what looks to be a completely undisturbed car. The listing reports the second owner bought the 924 in 1984 with 7,550 miles on the clock and it’s been in their care ever since.

The 924 Turbo was a very respectable performer for the era and it certainly blew the naturally-aspirated 924 out of the water. However, the model’s reputation began to suffer largely due to the importer cool-down techniques by owners who didn’t quite understand the nuances of living with a turbocharged car. It’s absolutely one of those models whereby you want to buy the best one you can find, but one as nice as this car is going to make you question how badly you want one, as $30,000 will buy a nicely sorted 996 911; a near-perfect 968; and a healthy 928 with a manual gearbox. Still, in the world of Porsche prices, anything under $40,000 is beginning to look like a bargain.

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Comments

  1. bobhess bobhessMember

    Among other things about these cars is the fact that they have great handling and are very comfortable. Slight modifications to the suspension will give even more “stick to the road” capabilities. Our ’77 with the European ’78 special edition motor is one of the cars we miss most of all the cars we’ve owned. Nice example here.

    Like 9
  2. alphasudMember

    This is definitely the cream of the crop when it comes to the original 924 chassis however I tend to favor the engine is the heart of the car and where the passion lies. Take for instance the air cooled 911 and it’s wonderful sounds and power delivery, or the 928 with its Germanic V8 rumble. Even the 944 with its 928 roots has that smooth almost electric power delivery with its pair of balance shafts to tame its large 4 cylinder displacement. Now we come to the 2 liter VW engine derived 4 cylinder which is course and somewhat underwhelming. Now add a non intercooled turbocharger. It’s like a German iron duke. Yea it makes power but unrefined power. To me a 924 is a chassis in search of a good engine which the 944 rectified. I have worked on and driven both so find a 87-88 924S if you love the early chassis and up you will have your cake and eat it too.

    Like 6
  3. rustylink

    8,000 miles – between break downs.

    Like 4
    • SebastianX1/9

      These cars are under powered but very reliable. All front-engine Porsches are reliable. My 928 S4 can do 120mph for a week straight. You’ve owned how many of these?

      Like 6
  4. Mike

    My dad bought his 924 new in 1978 and we still have it. I can always tell a 924 just by the sound. It kinda purrs.

    Like 4
  5. Bluetec320 Bluetec320

    I am always doubtful of low mileage claims, because most of the time they are false, but this one looks to be true!

    Like 2
    • Frank D

      That’s a true statement My 1971 914-6 and my 1979 Porsche Turbo you can pop the speedometer out and install another speedometer. I laugh when Euro Porsches were coming over in Kilometers and being sold with a US speedometer in Porsche dealerships years ago. Mileage and condition was always money makers.

      Like 1
  6. Dave Olson

    I had a 81 924 turbo and we named her Donna, cause she “Donna-wonna-run.” Definitely was a basket case and she ate $500 in parts and repairs three weeks out of four. But oh, that fourth week when she ran, she really put a smile on my face. Lots of stories with that one.

    Like 0
  7. Robin Douglas

    Had one brand new, great fun but the editor is right. Truly, the maintenance schedule was every 5000 miles change the oil, filter and turbo. Learned about needing to idle it for a couple minutes to cool it down before shutting it off at 20,000 miles. All covered under warranty. Sold it at 49,000 miles.

    Like 0

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