The Porsche 924 has long been heralded as a suitable entry-level option to vintage sports car ownership. However, even among stingy enthusiasts, there can be a resistance to ponying up any amount of cash for a car that has long been looked down upon by Porsche fans. Knowing that their opinions are secondary to your enjoyment of a car, an example like this limited-edition 1988 924S may be the perfect compromise thanks to its beefier powerplant lifted from the 944 and a variety of other upgrades from the factory.
The seller is asking $17,924 for this 924, which is a fair amount of scratch – even for a minty limited-production model such as this. However, given how few are left in any sort of condition, you can understand why he’s swinging for the fences in terms of an ask. In addition, he points out that his car is rather generously equipped compared to other “S” variants, which he claims were typically low on features. This late production 924S comes with a bevy of options, including the desirable M030 sports suspension, Charleston series radio, mud flaps/sill extensions, and what he calls a “special lightweight cloth interior.” Basically, if you know Porsches, the original owner spec’d it out with the equipment that would greatly enhance the appeal of any model in the company’s lineup.
The sport suspension is definitely one of this car’s more attractive features, but the engine is a big part of the 924S story as well. Porsche swapped out the standard and somewhat anemic 924 powerplant for the beefier 2.5L SOHC four-cylinder from the 944. This got drivers a nice power bump over the standard car to 156 horsepower without the increase in curb weight that came with the more expensive sibling. So, same power as the 944 with a lower curb weight? That’s a win in my book. The seller notes this car has just 62K original miles and benefits from recent servicing including fluid changes and new engine mounts.
The interior is in seemingly excellent condition, and the same goes for the original books and manuals. In addition to the recent maintenance jobs mentioned above, the seller also points out that this 924S has some major must-do work performed a few thousand miles back, including the “…timing belt, water pump and associated gears / seals,” which “….were replaced @ 58,233 miles.” While the price is definitely on the high side, there’s no denying this 924S has the right features and history to place it near the top of the current crop of 924s on the market today. Find it here on craigslist and thanks to Barn Finds reader Patrick S. for the find.
Nice car.The suspension alone is worth the extra money as they took a good handling car and made it great. Had to put the kit on our ’77 ourselves and the effect was pretty amazing. Lowered the car 3 inches and had the most fun with it on the street and the autocross courses. Drive it, you will like it.
Porsche was in a pickle in the late 80’s. The 944 was supposed to be an entry level car for the masses but exchange rates was keeping the 944 out of a competitive segment of the car market. Enter the 924S for 87 and 88. It’s not Porsche practice to build an entry level car that out performs the model above it but that’s what happened. The old 924 engine was no longer a viable option due to emissions and from a cost perspective the 944 engine was current and certified saving Porsche development money. Unfortunately it didn’t work out. The 924S didn’t give Porsche what it needed and it was dropped. Porsche would continue to struggle until the 986 Boxster was released in the summer of 96. Finally the 955 Cayenne came on the scene in 03 which ultimately created the cash flow to fund future products.
Assuming that it might be possible to negotiate price, where would you find a car that could be more fun to drive for $17,000 or less? And why would anyone care what anybody else may think of the car? If you are that worried about what other people think, spend some of your money on therapy sessions.
Perhaps the Mercedes featured above for $10,000 less then…?
The 2.5L engine was detuned slightly for the 924S, reportedly because Porsche didn’t want the less expensive 924S to have a higher top speed than the bulkier, less aerodynamic 944.
Detuned for the 1987 924S, but back up to full 944 power for the 1988 model year.
Thank you for sharing.
Listing has been deleted by author
yet, we can still whisper among ourselves.
924/928 only porches for me. 1 reason the very detail U mention:
‘looked dwn upon by P fans…”. I go 4 every car that has that status
(poncho: 1st tempest; fiat: all 850 models, etc). Non-snob price too~
Here we gotta lill more too. The “x24, a lill lesser than the x28 but w/some extras in this model. Never mind the best porchse stylin, frnt motor, (still only 4 cyl/need wait for the xxx8 to get the bent8) water cooled, turbo, RWD, etc.
Price is topin out 4 me (only cuz I have no room in-stable for toys. Every niche is filled by dual purpose workers and dailies). Some day tho, back to SCCA ride for me’n the ol lady/track.