Porsche 924S

Launched in 1976, the 924 was Porsche’s first foray into water cooled, front-engined, sports cars. Initially equipped with an Audi engine, it was in 1986 that the 924S was introduced which came with the same suspension and 150bhp 2.5-litre engine as the Porsche 944.

It was, at long last, considered a ‘real’ Porsche. Built to the same high standards as the 911, these little cars make a fantastic introduction to Porsche ownership and currently provide excellent value for money. The combination of lighter weight but similar output to the equivalent 944, gives the car spirited performance – a top speed of 137mph and great in-gear acceleration makes the car huge fun to drive.

This example was first registered in 1986, is finished in the most evocative of Porsche colours, Guards Red, and has an MOT to February 2014. It is a non-sunroof, no PAS, model. The vendor says that this 924 is mechanically very good; the engine pulls strongly, holds good oil pressure, doesn’t overheat (also the electric fan cuts in as it should) and further benefits from a tubular manifold. The clutch, manual gearbox and gearchange work perfectly and the suspension is as it should be. The interior is original, and all the instruments and switchgear work correctly.

The 924 comes with a good history folder showing recent expenditure and work done, spare keys, CD/radio and toolkit. Areas for improvement are cosmetic. The body, whilst solid, has small blisters to the rear of each rear wheel arch, slight bubbling to the o/s/f wing and a scab of rust on the nose near the n/s/f headlamp. The front spoiler also has a bit of cosmetic rust.

If you’re looking for an affordable introduction to classic Porsche motoring, a starter classic to use and cosmetically improve, or a good basis for a track-day car (no sunroof or power steering, remember) this 924S could be just the car.