1981 Porsche 924 Coupe

The Porsche 924 Turbo was developed as a Group 4 GT entry for the 1980 24 Hours of LeMans. Its body panels were comprised of aluminum, fiberglass, and urethane, and the interior received a full alloy roll cage. Cross-bracing beneath the hood added to the structural rigidity. A larger intercooler was fitted in the nose section, the disc brakes and axles were courtesy of the 935, and the transmission was an uprated dog-leg five-speed unit with limited slip and its own cooler mounted at the rear. The suspension was fully adjustable, comprised of titanium springs and Bilstein coil-overs. The top speed of 180 mph was thanks, in part, to the dry-sump 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine offering 375 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.

Three examples of the 924 raced at the 1980 edition of LeMans and a single GTR the following year. A 924 GTP powered by the new turbocharged 2.5 engine joined the GTR at LeMans and both finished well.

Beneath the large fender flares of the customer 924 GTR cars were 16-inch center-lock BBS alloy wheels fitted with internally-finned turbine covers to enhance brake cooling. Weight was kept to a minimum through the use of sliding plastic panels, simple latch mechanisms, and thinner glass. The interiors were similar to the factory race cars with the exception of a fire-suppression system, additional instrumentation, and a second bucket seat and harness.

Of the 17 customer GTRs built, nine of them would make Le Mans appearances. It is believed that two went to Japan, including this particular example, which is believed to have been stored by the importer for two years before acquisition by a Japanese businessman. The car has been carefully maintained and there is no record of it having been raced, although it was driven a few times at Suzuka and Fuji.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2021