Using technology proven by Porsche’s racing cars and the legendary 911 Turbo, a high-performance version of the entry-level 924 model was introduced in 1979 featuring a turbocharged engine, stiffened suspension, functional styling, and four-wheel disc brakes as standard equipment. The 924 Turbo was praised for its excellent handling and reliability while offering performance that was comparable to Porsche’s flagship 911 sports cars. Finished in the rare color of Indiana Red Metallic, this 1981 Porsche 924 Turbo has been maintained by its third and current owner since 2001 and is now being offered for auction out of Wisconsin while showing under 27k miles on the odometer.
The turbocharged 924 is distinguished from the standard model by a functional NACA-ducted hood, air intakes in the nose, a black polyurethane rear spoiler, and vertical slits on the front apron which provide fresh air to the brakes and oil cooler. This 924 Turbo is finished in Indiana Red Metallic, a seldom-seen color borrowed from Audi’s paint catalog. It rides on factory optional 16” manhole cover wheels dressed in older Falken tires. Noted imperfections include some bubbling on the right rear fender, driver’s side door dings, a scratch on the rear bumper, peeling clear coat on the left rear wheel, and several other chips and minor touch-ups throughout the body. Detailed images are provided in the gallery along with a clean CARFAX report.
Compared to an entry-level 924, the Turbo included a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear lever as well as a carpeted center console and light green marking for its gauges. This example features brown and beige upholstery with optional Sport Seats, a sunroof, a rear window wiper, and an electric antenna. A vintage Clarion 8500R cassette stereo has been installed along with matching brown carpet floor mats, and some wear is noted on the driver’s seat bolster as well as several cracks in the dashboard. All gauges and accessories are said to remain fully functional.
The 924 Turbo uses the same Audi-sourced VW EA831 2.0-liter I4 engine as the standard 924 but redesigned with an all-new cylinder head assembled in Stuttgart as well as a K26 turbocharger producing 10psi of boost. Up to 150 HP and 155 lb.-ft of torque are sent to the rear wheels by way of a 5-speed manual transaxle. The 924 Turbo came standard with an upgraded dual-circuit brake system with ventilated discs at each corner as well as a stiffened suspension including anti-roll bars front and rear. Service completed under the current ownership includes replacement of the head gasket, timing belt, starter, brake master cylinder, fuel injectors, fuel filter, battery, camshaft, clutch slave cylinder, brake hoses, fan motor, rear hatch struts, and an A/C system recharge. The seller adds that one of the rear brake lines is dented, although this does not affect the car’s performance.
This sale will include a collection of maintenance records, the original owner’s manuals, a toolkit, a spare tire, an air pump, a car cover, and a clean title.
The seller would like you to know: “I have owned this car for 22 years. Never tracked or raced. Series II (latest) 924 Turbo with DITC. 100 percent factory galvanized steel body. No rust ever. Rare original Indianarot LA 3 V factory paint. Actual miles 26767, odometer always functional. Meticulously maintained, oil and filter changed every 3000 miles, timing belt, fuel filter, transmission/differential fluid changed with SWEPCO lubricant, radiator flushed. Always garage kept. Never driven in winter. Transmission is smooth and tight. Runs and drives as new. Stock original. Buy with confidence.”
Comments (54)
@924TurboGuy I bought a 77 1/2 model year 924 Rally yellow from the original owners who bought it from Bruno's Porsche and Jacksonville. For speed manual transmission ice cold AC non sunroof car non rear spoiler that car was so reliable. Maintaining these cars with quality fuels and keeping the entire fuel system clean from fuel filter fuel pump injectors air flow meter etc ignition and all that stuff is the life of these cars
@JBoxerGT2
Hi JBoxerGT2,
Another 924 affectionado. Nice to meet you. Thank you for your kind words.
Thank you everyone for participating in my auction. It was a lot of fun and I hope you all find your dream car. Have a great summer.
I've owned, collected 6 different 924's , 924S's and 2 Special Edition 924S's. This is a clean car. Rare color, and hard to find in this condition. If it sells for $10k or less is a steal.
Bid in the amount of $8,000
Bid in the amount of $7,750
Bid in the amount of $7,500
Bid in the amount of $7,250
Bid in the amount of $7,000
Bid in the amount of $6,750
Bid in the amount of $6,500
Bid in the amount of $6,100
@jbuff172
Welcome jbuff172. Thank you for your bid. GLTU
Bid in the amount of $5,850
Bid in the amount of $5,500
@9146max
Welcome 9146max.
Thanks for your interest.
@ Anj911
Welcome Anj911. Thank you for your bid.
Bid in the amount of $5,250
Bid in the amount of $5,000
Just a little background. I've been a 924 Turbo fan most of my life. Bought my first one finished in Alpine White on New Year's Eve of 1982 with 35K on the clock while on a trip to California visiting my uncle. Was in a grocery store waiting in the checkout line and noticed a copy of Autotrader with a photo of it on the front cover. (Was looking to buy an RX7 at the time. Attracted to the wedge shape.) The 924 shape looked more refined and following a test drive, immediately noticed the smoothness of the manual transmission. An absolute joy to drive. Steering was fully manual and very responsive while giving much improved feedback of tire grip. Turbo whistle was very pronounced, especially at low speeds in town. Gas mileage was quite impressive at the time for a sports car getting 20-25 mpg when others were in the 8-15 mpg range. Had this car for 17 years. 5 years later, I had to have another, so I bought a 1982 higher mileage example from NC using it as my daily driver to this day. Performed many tweeks on that car including adding a 944T intercooler/radiator, Koni shocks & struts. Drove it back and forth to work and on long haul interstate trips. That car is the twin of the one in this auction. Same rare Indianarot LA3V color except with black interior. One month later I saw the one in this auction with only 21K on the odometer and HAD to have it. Took a train with my niece to NJ to pick it up and drove it back to WI while stopping off at Hershey PA for their annual swap meet to show the car. Great road trip!
Bid in the amount of $4,529
Bid in the amount of $4,250
@bill924
Hi bill 924,
Welcome to my auction. Thank you for your bid. BOL
@zzracing
Hi zzracing,
Welcome. I know what you mean. It's an oversized go-cart. You really are sitting on the ground.
@Boathouse3
Hi Boathouse3,
Welcome. Thank you for your bid. GLTU
@Ricmars
Hi Ricmars,
Welcome. Thank you for your bid. All the best.
Bid in the amount of $4,000
Great example. I had a 1980 for many years. Great handling, solid engine with good power. If I didn't already have too many cars now, I would be in the bidding!
Bid in the amount of $3,550
Bid in the amount of $3,200
@duane Hi duane,
The gold sticker you're referring to contains info regarding the spare tire. I've posted a close-up photo for you. Should be up tomorrow morning after admin approval. Thank you.
@Alvir21852 Hi Alvir21852,
Welcome. Tires are 205/55R16 all around. Thank you.
What are the dimensions of the tires front and rear.
@924TurboGuy Thanks! Apologies, I think the sticker should be the one in the wheel well (and/or inside of your manual) and have a bunch of codes on the bottom - It's likely the gold one in your photo I just can't read the numbers. Thank you again and sorry for the hide and seek ! If it's not there then no worries, I appreciate the effort.
@duane Hi duane,
Welcome. I'm not seeing an option code sticker under the carpet on the rear deck lid. I posted photos of that area for you.
@924TurboGuy sweet car - GLWA
@Clinedsgn
Hi Clinedsgn,
Thank you for your bid. Welcome.
@GLTL Hi GLTL,
No, do not have. Sorry. The optional 16" flat dish wheels are what the car was equipped with from the factory.
Hi. Can you take a photo of the option code sticker? Should be under the carpet on the deck lid. Carpet should snap off. Thanks
Are the original spider web wheels available? Thanks!
Bid in the amount of $2,924
@jfrazar
Hi jfrazar,
Welcome. Thank you for your bid. Let me know your questions or additional photo requests.
@939 Hi 939,
I've added the additional photos of the battery tray area per your request. I apologize for the delay. Please let me know if you want to see any additional photos or have any other questions. Thank you.
Bid in the amount of $2,500
@NikeStraws
Thank you for your bid. Welcome.
Bid in the amount of $1,924
A few corrections and additions to my listing:
1.) I've owned the car 21 years since 2002, not 2001, and am the 3rd owner. Had approx. 21,000 miles when I purchased on 2-14-2002. Second owner titled the vehicle with 17,500 miles on 3-30-1984. First owner was a family friend who bought it new.
2.) Paint bubbling is on right front fender, not right rear.
3.) Option codes at Date of Manufacture
CO2 Catalytic Converter
G29 ?
395 Forged Light Metal Wheels
425 Rear Window Wiper
431 363mm Leather Steering Wheel
461 Electric Antenna, 4 Speakers
4.) K26 turbocharger producing 6.8psi of boost.
5.) Up to 154 HP and 154.8 ft-lb. of torque are sent to the rear wheels by way of a 5-speed manual transaxle.
@rwilson5717 Hi rwilson5717,
Welcome. Thank you for your bid. How appropriate! I'll do my best to answer any questions you may have.
@grillage Hi grillage,
Welcome to my auction. You're too kind! Let me know your questions. I will do my best to answer. Thank you.
@939 Hi 939,
Welcome to my auction. Thank you for your kind comments. I have taken additional photos of the battery tray area per your request, uploaded them and received the following response: Your photos have been successfully added to your gallery.
For some reason, I can't see them posted. Hopefully you can. Or maybe an admin needs to complete the upload process.
In response to your question about the mechanical condition, it should be ready to go for a trip to Florida without any issues. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm here to help. Thanks again for your interest.
Beautiful car! Let’s get this auction started…..
Bid in the amount of $924
This is a beautiful example!
Beautiful car in great and rare exterior color.
Could you take a picture of the battery tray area, particularly near the drain hole (that is typically plugged)?
Would the car be in good mechanical condition to be driven to Florida after purchase?