Slowly but surely, the Porsche 924 – once a car of derision for many Porsche enthusiasts – is becoming appreciated for what it’s been all along: an accessible, entertaining way into the world of Porsche ownership.
Though if more 924s had been like the GTR racer due to be auctioned by Silverstone Auctions at the upcoming Silverstone Classic, perhaps it would have avoided its downmarket reputation altogether.
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Take the engine, for example. A 2-litre unit, like earlier non-S 924s, it was heavily boosted by a turbocharger and featured a dry sump. We’ve got used to powerful four-cylinder engines but a figure of 375bhp is still a jaw-dropper given the 1981 build date of this car.
Few transaxle Porsches are quite as dramatic to behold, either, with bodywork that eclipses even the road-going 924 Carrera GTS, enhanced here by a set of gloriously period centre-lock wheels, hiding Porsche 935 four-piston brake calipers, 310mm discs and adjustable suspension.
There’s not much to suspend with a weight of only 930kg, and combined with the mighty power output the 924 GTR could hit 60mph in 4.7sec and 180mph flat-out.
Not that this example will have attained such speeds very often – it’s covered just 109km since new, and then only in the first seven years. Since then it’s been stored in its previous, Japanese owner’s collection.
Those limited miles were all covered on the Suzuka circuit and Fuji Speedway, but putting any buyer’s mind at rest is the knowledge that the car has been regularly started and run since, and the car was serviced every year from 1981 to 2006, despite the lack of running.
Unsurprisingly, price is another area this GTR shares little with your average roadgoing 924. While those are steadily creeping up in value, the GTR has leapt to a £475,000 to £575,000 estimate.
Sadly, that means it’ll probably never hit the circuit again. Luckily, that’s something regular 924s are now perfect for.
The Silverstone Auctions' Competition Car Sale takes place at the Silverstone Classic on July 28th.
