As someone who often has too many cars and not enough time to actually use them, I understand the sentiment of a seller who claims they are moving on from a vehicle due to lack of use. But it’s still hard to wrap your head around major investments in mechanical repairs and then still deciding to sell as it seems like the proverbial fun was just about to begin. This desirable 1980 Porsche 924 Turbo listed here on Facebook Marketplace apparently benefits from a recent engine rebuild along with a few other repairs, but the seller is letting it go due to starting a new job. The asking price is $7,000 and is located in California.
The turbocharged 924 is one of the underappreciated heroes of Porsche’s lineup in the 1980s. Despite the original 924 being underwhelming, it, like so many other Porsche models that haven’t become as iconic as the 911, were often built to help Porsche build some quick sales momentum. There have been many times in Porsche’s history where they simply needed to put people into cars in order to move inventory, even up to the modern day Cayenne SUV. The 924 helped fulfill this need for an entry-level model, but don’t confuse that offering with the turbocharged model shown here.
The 924 Turbo was distinguishable in a few key ways. The most noticeable were the vents on the front fascia and the NACA duct in the hood. There were also vents in the lower front apron, all of which combined to increase air flow to the brakes, oil cooler, and engine compartment. In 1980, the 924 Turbo would have made around 170 horsepower, a number that would tick upwards the following year. While intended to close the performance gap with the 911 SC, the numbers were so good that Porsche almost spooked itself when wondering if the powerful 924 Turbo would begin to threaten 911 sales.
The interior of this 924 Turbo is a treat, wearing dark green vinyl and cloth inserts, a very 1970s-appropriate color and looking to be in great shape overall. The dash does show some cracks but photos in the listing reveal the seller has already procured a replacement pad for the next owner to install. The bodywork looks mostly good, although the front valence looks a little banged up. Overall, this 924 Turbo presents very well for the reasonable asking price, and considering how many of these appear for sale with engine issues, the rebuilt motor offers great peace of mind. If you can get some paperwork behind the engine rebuild, this looks like an excellent opportunity for rare Porsche ownership.
Selling because of starting a new job? Gee, a new job usually means more money and all sorts of other good things so who responds by selling something they like and enjoy?
I had a 924 – nice car. Biggest mistake was putting the Porsche name on it. Had it been sold as a VW or even an Audi, it would have been a much bigger hit and people would love them today!
OTOH, Porsche really needed a new, modern, lower-priced and higher-volume model to keep them and their dealers afloat. If not for the 924, then what?
The 914 was never a huge success and becoming outdated, and the 912E was just a stopgap between the end of 914 production and its replacement. Both used powertrains from the VW Type 4, which had already ended production in 1974, tho’ a variant of it would be used in the T3 Transporter (Vanagon) up to 1983.
Whatever the origins and early production history of the 924, it served as the basis of the 944, one of Porsche’s most popular, iconic and enduring models, arguably playing second-fiddle only to the mighty 911 in Porsche’s storied history.
My recollection of the 924 is, generally, unfavourable, but they barely made my radar, at the time. I was under the impression this was a car built from the parts bins of other cars, am thinking it was an Audi engine? There’s some lingering perception regarding poor build quality, as well. All of these are a teenager’s biased memories though, I take a grain or two of salt with them.
Something about the body design doesn’t resonate quite as well as the 944’s body – the fender flares, I think, make a difference, to my eyes. Perhaps it’s the 924’s front bumper ruining the otherwise clean lines?
The original 924 powertrain was derived from the first (C1) Audi 100, basically taking the 100’s longitudinal FWD package, separating the trans and differential and moving them to the rear. Porsche did redesign the cylinder head for this application, and some suspension components were adapted from the VW Golf.
That said, altho’ it originated as a VW-Porsche joint venture—hence VW’s insistence on basing it around existing powertrain components—it was really Porsche that did all the engineering development work (as they did under contract for most other VWs in that era), tho’ actual production was handled at the ex-NSU Audi factory in Neckarsulm.
The fenders are really the only significant difference between the 924 and 944 bodies; early 944s even used the same bumpers and dashboard as the 924. Perhaps the large round side-marker lights/reflectors of the US-market 924 may be throwing you off, as the 944 incorporated a more integrated design for those units, tho’ IMO the 924’s round units have a certain designerly geometric appeal.
I drove one that was here for test in the U.S. I was very unimpressed with the car and was glad I bought a new Scirocco. A year or two later when the 924 was released of sale here. I had a customer that brought in his new 924 that kept overheating. The dealer could find nothing wrong with the car and brought it to me. It would idle all day long, but once driving at a slow speed it would get way too hot. While standing in front of the car while idling, the cooling fan clicked on and started blowing hot air at me! Yes, the lines to the cooling fan were reversed and the fan was turning the wrong way. That bit of “lack of care” building the car AND the forementioned Audi engine kept me away from these cars. I like the body style (I like the 944s better) But I was never impressed with the 924.
Proving the adage “it’s an ill wind that blows no good.” One of the many reasons friends and family still bring the motoring mysteries to you, my friend.
I believe the 924 is the Porsche that lent its engine (in much stripped-down form) to AMC mainly for the Gremlin though I’ve also seen it in a Concord. (Part of the deal was AMC had to agree “You don’t tell anyone where you got this engine!”)
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/uncategorized/vintage-r-t-review-1977-amc-gremlin-with-4-cyl-engine-a-porsche-engine-waiting-for-a-better-car/
You made me blush! I’m just an old guy who has been around for a long time!