Reviled from the beginning by Porsche cognoscenti, the 924 defied its critics by selling well. The model emerged in 1976 after a rather long gestation generated by a joint venture between Volkswagen and Porsche. Volkswagen terminated its involvement in “Project 425” to launch the Scirocco; Porsche acquired the rights to the design and proceeded to rationalize its engineering against worsening emissions and safety regulations. Never a sterling performer, the 924 required an upgrade which arrived by 1978 in the form of the 924 Turbo. The press swooned over the increased horsepower but only 13,616 copies were sold through 1983. Here on craigslist is a driver-quality 1980 924 Turbo, with an asking price of $5900. This is a sunroof coupe with a Getrag five-speed manual and a partial Pasha interior. Its new owner can drive it home from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Barn Finder PRA4SNW found this tip for us – thanks!
Leave it to Porsche to sell us the vertigo-inducing upholstery pattern it called “Pasha”, best seen here on this car’s rear seats. Introduced in about 1978 and offered over ensuing years in the 911, 924, 944, and 928, the Pasha Op Art velour checkerboard came in a variety of colors. Usually, the front seats matched the rears, so it’s likely this car has been partially reupholstered – too bad because Pasha is all the rage these days. Hagerty even grants it a “+5%” in its valuation guide, while enthusiasts fill forums parsing invoices and COAs (Certificate of Authenticity) as to whether door cards always matched (no), which colors were correct for which model (varied from Europe to the US), and so forth. It’s a rabid topic.
The VW/Audi-sourced engine was nothing special until the Turbo came along. Installing a specially designed cylinder head and a Kühnle, Kopp & Kausch K26 turbocharger fed by Bosch fuel injection made a huge difference. US-delivery Turbos manage about 140 hp, well over the 110 generated by the normally aspirated 924. Zero to sixty comes up in about eight seconds, and top speed is around 130 mph. Heat is dissipated via the four front vents and a hood duct. The Turbo model also received an oil cooler, uprated brakes and suspension, as well as that stout Getrag five-speed. Speaking of brakes, research shows that early 924 Turbos may have been equipped with the plain-jane 924 disc/drum set-up and four-bolt wheels like this car. Later cars received discs all around and five-bolt wheels.
This example has seen better days paint-wise. Auxiliary driving lights are installed below the bumper while in the rear, we can see how fading has affected the rubber trim. A paucity of verbiage and photos means a phone call or visit is a must, despite the low price here. Many a 924 Turbo saw only scant maintenance, but its machinery was far needier than its simpler sibling. The best 924 Turbo you can buy might cost around $20k – a great value given these cars’ performance; what do you think about tackling this one?
I’ve read that the aerodynamics on early versions were mediocre.
Was that the case or a self-perpetuating rumor?
They certainly look slick.
I was an engineer at Ford Aero in the Design Center in 1979. The 924 had the best CD of any production vehicle we tested (~0.36). It was even better (~0.33 ) with the addition of a Ford Designed spoiler very similar to that on the 924T or 944. it might not be considered so great now but in 1979 it was unmatched by any production car we tested in the tunnel including the 1978 928 (no spoiler version) which was actually pretty poor. So much for the rumor. They actually were pretty slick.
sometimes it’s good to have a little fore-knowledge before wading into unfamiliar waters, and I would say that this is one of those times. These cars were the fore-runner of the 944 line which essentially used the same basic chassis, and a Porsche-sourced all aluminum engine which produced nearly the same horsepower only with wider fenders and few other essential upgrades such as Motronic computers and electronic injection. That said, these cars contain a plethora of NLA parts which would be a concern to me if I were looking for a driver.
Back in the dark ages, my brother had a 911 S and his girlfriend had a 924. It always ticked him off that her car got more attention than his (especially from females). A neat party trick in a 924, and many cars with sunroofs, is, at highway speed pull down on the wind deflector. The resonance will make you think your eardrums are going to pop.
Repaint the car and reupholster the front seats in the original pasha and you have a winner. Pasha + turbo makes this one worthy of someone’s love.