- Seller: Matt S (Contact)
- Location: Arlington, Massachusetts
- Mileage: 00395 Shown
- Chassis #: WPOAA0923HN455073
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 2.5-Liter Inline-4
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Not every Porsche needs to be a six-figure air-cooled 911 to be interesting. The 924S has developed a following of its own by combining Porsche balance with the 944’s 2.5-liter powertrain in a lighter, narrower body. This 1987 Porsche 924S is a running project with recent recommissioning work, a clean title, and a realistic reserve, making it an approachable entry point for someone willing to handle deferred maintenance.
Located in Arlington, this 924S is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The seller states that the compression is good, and the car recently passed a State inspection in June 2026. That said, this Porsche is not being presented as a finished example. It needs tires and rear brakes right away. Their mechanic said the timing belt appeared to be in good shape, but since the seller doesn’t know when it was last replaced, it might be worth replacing it just to be safe. The steering rack is also leaking.
The seller purchased the car in New Hampshire in 2015 with a leaking gas tank, drove it home, and then parked it in a garage, where it remained largely untouched for the next decade. In 2025, the car was taken to a local shop and had work done, including a replacement fuel tank, battery, plugs, wires, air meter assembly, crankshaft reference sensor, ignition relay, horn, assorted missing hardware, and hose clamps.
Cosmetically, the car shows as an honest driver/project. The photos show a few dings, scratches, and visible rust, most notably in front of the left-rear wheel. The underside photos show age and corrosion consistent with a northeastern car, so prospective bidders should study the gallery carefully and plan accordingly.
Inside, the cabin is usable but worn. The dashboard is cracked, the odometer and speedometer are not working, and the carpet is missing from the rear floor area. The antenna and rear hatch supports are also broken. The gray seats and interior trim appear complete enough for a driver-quality project, but this is clearly a car that will benefit from continued sorting.
Yes, it’s going to need work, but it has a lot going for it, too. After all, it’s a manual-equipped Porsche with recent fuel-system and ignition-related work already completed. With 911 prices at an all-time high, this seems like a cheap way into Porsche ownership while still offering a lot of thrills. Parts are plentiful, as many items are directly from the VW parts bin, and they are relatively easy to work on. The 924S has long lived in the shadow of the 944, but its combination of lightweight, balanced handling, and Porsche engineering makes it a rewarding platform when sorted.
With a clean title and good compression, this 1987 Porsche 924S could be enjoyed while the next owner tackles the remaining mechanical and cosmetic needs. For someone looking for an affordable Porsche project that already runs and drives, this seems like a great starting point! What do you think?
Compared to the earlier 924 the 924S were really nice cars. They did not have VW suspensions and Audi engines like the original 924 but were basically 944s with 924 bodies on them.
I worked at a couple Porsche dealerships in the ’80s, Baton Rouge and the Bay Area in CA … the 924S was considered the “red-headed stepchild” … but it had the same engine as the 944 and actually handled better … sorta like buying an Olds 98 or Buick Electra instead of a Cadillac – they offered everything the Cadillac had but the name …
It looks like a classic “buy it real cheap, then drive it ’til the wheels fall off” kind of sports car proposition.
Bringing this up to some kind of decent shape is probably not going to happen.
It’ll be interesting to see where it goes.
like a 1st gen ford “the FB stang only” I have the same for this model.
Espicially if in later models (like most car co.s each proceeding year gets better goodies). No 911 4 me (well, like the 914 i6 too).
Same for ‘wagons’. Most models look better to me in the long roof. Must B ‘the lill guy’ in me. I grew up (least to middle school) ina ’50s ponton-style ‘stripper’ ford (was it an early model) not the angle-y, squarer later model.
To heck with the rust and cosmetics. Perfect for the autocross!
The obvious concern here is the rust in the rocker panel areas. Before buying the car, I’d want to show these photos to a good Porsche body shop and get a rough estimate of repair cost, which probably exceeds the price of the car. The rest of it needs work but isn’t scary.