1981 Porsche 924

The Porsche 924 Carrera GT coupe was produced solely in 1981 due to restrictions on engines larger than two litres, however it was sold in Italy until 1984. The road version of the 924 Carrera GT has two doors and four seats and is front-engined. Only 400 were built.

The 924 was originally the joint project of Volkswagen and Porsche, created by the Vertriebsgesellschaft (distribution company), the joint sales and marketing company funded by Porsche and VW to market and sell sports cars for Volkswagen. It was intended to be that company's flagship coupe sports car and was named "Project 425" during its development. For Porsche, it was to be its entry-level sports car replacing the 914.

After a successful sales run of both naturally aspirated and turbo models in 1980, Porsche released the 924 Carrera GT, making clear their intention to enter the 924 in competition. Porsche was able to develop the 924 Turbo into a race car, calling it the ‘924 Carrera GT’. In order to comply with regulations, the 924 Carrera GT was offered as a road car as well, featuring a 2-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine with 210 horsepower. The claimed top speed for the Porsche 924 Carrera GT is 149mph, although it is difficult to reach. Porsche also entered one of two specially built 924 Carrera GTPs in which the German manufacturer introduced a highly modified 2.5-litre engine. This engine featured four valves per cylinder, dual overhead camshafts, twin balance shafts and a single turbocharger to produce 420 horsepower. The car also has a generous 18.5-gallon fuel tank.

The Carrera GT boasts strong stability and natural balance. It rockets from a standstill to 100mph in less than 17 seconds, having passed 60mph in a little under seven seconds. To drive, it is clear that it was originally developed for racing, as it requires swift and decisive action. At parking speed, the steering is heavy but not unmanageable, and is lighter at driving speeds. The brakes are good yet fairly firm underfoot, and do not lock up unnecessarily. However, it does feature some problems. Reverse is not well enough protected, which can goad the driver into thinking they’re in first gear when they’re actually in reverse, and it is possible to select fourth rather than second when changing down from first, meaning that gear changing does require concentration and well-timed movements. The Porsche 924 Carrera GT is also not that good at rapid starts from a standstill.

Parts for the Porsche 924 Carrera GT are not too difficult to track down online, however with some specific parts you may encounter some trouble. However, the engine is flexible and quite strong and the car’s origins make it relatively simple and cheap to maintain.

The Carrera GT has appreciated in value in recent years due to the low production numbers of the car, and for the fact that front-engined Porsche’s are becoming increasingly collectable.

Similar cars from the 924 range include the 924 Lux, the 924S, and the 924 Turbo.