The Model 924 is a project that originated in the offices of Volkswagen/Audi in collaboration with engineers from Porsche. The main goal was to create an entry-level sports car, a replacement for the then-current Porsche 914. Since Volkswagen at that time did not have a department capable of designing a sports car, this task was assigned to Porsche engineers with the condition that the car had to be powered by an existing inline 4-cylinder engine from VW/Audi. At Porsche, they opted for a longitudinal engine layout and rear-wheel drive with the transmission on the rear axle. The advantage of this concept is the 48:52 weight distribution between the front and rear axles. The project was successful not only in numbers but also among customers. Porsche later equipped the 924 model with a turbo and later came out with a version featuring wider fenders – the Carrera GT, a homologation special for the Group 4 circuit, with a power output of 210 horsepower.
However, the Carrera GT was not yet the peak. Porsche developed another set of modifications, such as increased power to 245 horsepower, a weight reduction of 59 kilograms, an upgraded drivetrain, brakes from the 911 Turbo, and seats from the 935. Recycled parts helped keep the price somewhat lower, although the then 110,000 Deutsche Marks was far beyond the entry-level sports car range. Production was strictly limited to 50 units, but Porsche still had more up its sleeve. Of the 50 cars, 15 were built to Club Sport specifications. This meant an overbored 4-cylinder engine to a displacement of 2093 cm3, a larger intercooler, and even more stripped-down bodywork to a weight of 1060 kg – for comparison, the standard Carrera GT weighed 1180 kg. The 924 Carrera GT Club Sport produced 284 horsepower at 1.1 bar boost pressure in the intake manifold. The Carrera GT Club Sport was reportedly the fastest production car Porsche had ever made at the time of its launch. It was also exceedingly expensive; back then, you would leave a Porsche dealership with 124,000 Deutsche Marks (DM). The 911 SC at that time was priced at 53,000 DM. All 15 units were hand-assembled at the Weissach factory. Nine cars went overseas, and the remaining six spread out worldwide.
The red Carrera GT Club Sport you are looking at comes from Italy, where it spent its life as a Group B racing special. Its life began in 1981 when it was bought new by Italian Carlos Noce. The car was already equipped with an internal roll cage from the factory. Upon taking delivery, Porsche organized a small promotional event with the new owner, where Noce's 924 Carrera GT was showcased. Under Noce's ownership, the Porsche 924 participated in several domestic Italian rally events during the 1982 and 1983 seasons. The sports team consisted of mechanic Teggi Graziano, driver Luigi Mazzoni, and co-driver Adriano Castagnara. With race number 16, they set off for the Rally Appennino Reggiano event, which comprised 338 kilometers with 12 special stages. The Italians finished 11th overall and secured first place in the class for vehicles over 2.0 liters in Group B.
In September 1982, the Porsche 924 competed in two more events. The results of the first event are unknown to historians. For the second event, we know that the car bore number 18, and after the first RS, the crew Mazzoni–Castagnara placed 20th, then 28th after the second RS, and 29th after the third. During the fourth special stage, technical problems arose, causing the 924 to retire from the timed section and subsequently withdraw from the competition. In 1983, the car reappeared on the competitive tracks of Rally Città di Modena. After 371 kilometers and among 163 crews at the finish, Mazzoni–Castagnara placed 10th overall. The 924 Club Sport then passed into the private hands of Mazzoni, who later sold it within Italy. The current owner purchased it from Gabriele Candrini's collection in Modena in 2000 and moved it to his garage in Norway. He drove the car during several track days until 2002, when engine failure occurred. Since then, the Porsche had been sitting in a garage for 21 years until the owner decided in January 2022 to bring the rare 924 back to life.
The Porsche 924 was mechanically renovated, but care was taken to preserve its unique patina from all the years of tough competitive use. The appearance and livery you see on the car is a replica from its last event in Italy in 1983. It is important to note that the car's engine has been reconfigured to a wet sump specification. The 924 is fitted with an older block according to the then-current specifications. It is assumed that the sump was modified during the car's competitive career. The car comes with a variety of spare parts, including the original steering wheel, an original car VHF rally radio, a tool kit, an original lightweight aluminum jack, and a spare wheel. A Porsche 924 Carrera GT Club Sport with such a rich history is for sale. According to auction experts, the estimated price of the vehicle is between €260,000 and €320,000. It was last available at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Monaco, where it did not sell.
Even in Slovakia, a white Porsche 924 Turbo can be seen on rally tracks in the hands of the crew Mário Krajči – Róbert Pečner under the banner of the Motortech Racing Team, entertaining spectators in the Rally Legend category. You could last see it at the 51st LIQUI MOLY Rallye Tatry 2024 with the number 71. We believe that we will meet the crew in the white 924 Turbo again during the 2024 season, bringing smiles to our faces.
Photo: RM Sotheby’s
Text: Mateo
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