MODEL HISTORY

In 1976, Porsche launched the 924, a 2+2 coupe entry-level replacement for the 914. Unusually for Porsche, it employed a water-cooled front-engine, rear wheel drive arrangement, and it was the first car from the German manufacturer to be offered with fully automatic transmission.

The styling was by Dutchman Harm Lagaay, a member of the Porsche styling team, and it proved very popular, with distinctive pop-up headlights, grille-less nose, and distinctive wedge shape. The 924 was produced until 1988, and its external appearance changed little during that time.

A higher-performance 924 Turbo with manual gearbox was introduced in 1978, and this was followed in 1981 by the Carrera GT, a special limited edition race-ready version, also offered as a road car in order to meet racing regulations needed to homologate Group 4 racing regulations (although the racers were eventually entered in the GTP class).

Differences from the 924 Turbo included an intercooler with top-mounted air scoop, lighter forged pistons and slightly lowered suspension. Externally there were Fuchs alloys, wider front and rear wings, a polyurethane plastic front spoiler, a much larger rubber rear spoiler and a flush mounted front windscreen.

Inside the cabin, the Carrera GT was surprisingly comfortable, featuring electric mirrors and windows as standard, and air conditioning and a large lift-out sunroof for UK models as options.

Just 406 examples of the Carrera GT were manufactured in 1981 in red, silver or black, including six prototypes. Around half were destined for the German market, with 75 right-hand-drive models going to the UK, and 131 left-hand-drive models to other parts of the world.

Equipment

C07 LHD, Guards Red, Black Carrera GT Graphics, 5-Speed Dogleg Gearbox, 16″ 2-Tone Fuchs Alloys, Black/Red Fabric Interior, 4-Spoke Leather Steering Wheel, Fire Extinguisher, Heated Mirrors, Electric Windows, Rear Wiper, Cigarette Lighter,

EXTERIOR

Finished in a traditional shade of Guards Red the motorsport derived silhouette of this Carrera looks sensational. Developed as a homologation special to meet 80’s group 5 requirements it features a host of aerodynamic changes over the standard 924; with boxy rear arches, an extended rear spoiler and a front air scoop to feed the all important top mounted intercooler. In case the body modifications weren’t enough to separate this track special from the standard 924, black Carrera front script runs along the right front wing to clearly distinguish this as a Carrera GT.

Condition of the car is excellent with the body completely rust free showing a deep lustre across its angular lines and a glossy red finish. The car has had some paint in the past and on close inspection are some signs of microblistering at the front end, but otherwise it presents well across its plastic panels. The windscreen is pleasingly still the original still proudly displaying its running in sticker and while clear and crack free it is starting to delaminate in places around the edge.

INTERIOR

Upholstered in a combination of black cloth with red pinstripes unique to the GT, the cabin of the 924 carries with it clear 80’s design flair. The dashboard is crack free, with the dials fully functional and some additional running time info on the central binnacle inclusive of oil pressure, voltmeter and lap timer (dash clock!). The cloth presents extremely well, maintaining good original shape and profile whilst pleasingly free of marks or tears, with seat operation and adjustment working as it should. It’s clear from the condition that the mileage is genuine.

Of course being a GT Porsche there had to be some weight saving compromises, so a blanking plate sits in place of the radio to bring the 924 a step closer to its racing counterpart.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Homologation of the engine needed some considered steps with Porsche aiming for class victory at Le Mans and as expected there are some unique parts; namely the lighter forged pistons, a slightly larger version of the 931 KKK turbocharger running at .75 bar and a unique – although still similar to the European Series II 924 Turbo unit – Digital Ignition Timing Computer (DITC). Transmission comes courtesy of a 5 speed dogleg box that is slick in operation and in good order.

Last serviced by Porsche Padova, at 26,860 kms the car has spent much of the next 7 years in storage and therefore would benefit from a major service again should it want to be used as intended and can be carried out on sale if needs be.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The two-tone Fuchs alloys stand as a style icon that spans generations of classic Porsche and look entirely at home in those blistered arches. Wheels a wrapped a matching set of Premium Continental Contisport Contacts, with plenty of depth left at each corner.

Brakes sit in fine fettle, preforming well on test they sit free from lipping with plenty of material left on the pads.

HISTORY FILE

Supplied new by Porsche Torino, Italy this C07 EU spec 924 Carrera GT was first registered on 13/01/1982 and is 1 of just 335 LHD cars produced by Porsche to meet homologation requirements. Italian ACI documentation tracks the ownership of the car throughout its life, staying with the first owner for 20 years before being sold in 2002, with 5 Italian owners shown in total. In 2014 the car was exported to Germany with 27,000 km on the clock before being purchased by the current owner, who imported the car to the UK in 2016 and had it fully registered with a V5 in 2018.

Service history is sporadic with 3 stamps in the original service book from Porsche main dealers whilst the car was Italy, its last at 26,860 in 2014. It is therefore difficult to verify the mileage however the condition of the car suggests this is genuine.

Present with the car is the original Carrera GT service book/owners manual, ACI Certification and ownership log alongside its UK V5.