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Market Auction

1981 Porsche 924 Turbo

At a Glance

Tartan Interior | Long Ownership | Market Auction - Seller Created Listing

  • Mileage~30,004 on the clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.0-litre
  • LocationStoke on Trent

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

MARKET AUCTION

Days
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CURRENT BID£1,000
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MARKET AUCTION

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

Introduction

An evolution of Porsche’s entry-level sports car.

Blending affordability with true performance pedigree the Porsche 924 Turbo was introduced to enhance the standard 924’s capabilities, the Turbo variant (internally designated 931 LHD, 932 RHD) retained the same 2.0-litre inline-four engine but received a KKK K26 turbocharger, boosting output to ~170 horsepower and ~181 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant leap over the naturally aspirated 924, allowing the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in ~6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 140 mph—figures that brought it into the realm of more powerful sports cars of its time, such as the contemporary 911 SC. The 924 Turbo was not just quicker but also more refined, with improved aerodynamics, better cooling, and sharper handling characteristics.

Visually, the 1981 924 Turbo set itself apart with a more aggressive stance. The most notable changes included a NACA duct on the bonnet for better cooling, a four-slat air intake in the front panel, and a large air intake below the front bumper. The rear end featured a subtle lip spoiler, improving stability at high speeds. Inside, the cabin was largely similar to the standard 924 with a range of trim levels; the most common is the Pasha trim, but the more desirable option is tartan. The car also benefitted from Porsche’s rear transaxle layout, which gave it near 50:50 weight distribution, making it one of the best-handling cars in its segment.

I have owned my 924 Turbo for eight years and have used it mainly for shows. I have always ensured it has been well maintained.

Market Auction

Paul, the seller, has created this listing themselves using our free Market Auction tool. Unlike our Curated Auctions, we haven’t photographed the car or written the listing, however we have completed 3 important security checks for your peace of mind.

V5C Checked

Paul provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Paul provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

V5C Checked

Paul provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Paul provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

Exterior

Like a wedge of pure '80s cool, with its pop-up headlights, NACA bonnet duct, and four-slat grille, the 924 Turbo stands out on the road.

Wheels and Tyres

The original cross-spoke five-stud alloy wheels have been finished in Anthracite and are in good condition, with no signs of corrosion on the faces. All four tyres have a good amount of tread remaining.

Please see the image gallery for a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

The bodywork is in excellent condition. The panel gaps are visually equal, and there are no dings or dents. The sunroof is easily removable and can be stowed away in the correct sunroof bag.

Please take the time to review all media files for a comprehensive view of the car’s condition.

Paint

Finished in Innari Silver over Onyx Metallic, the paintwork is in excellent condition, with just a couple of very minor marks.

Images are taken from various angles to present the car as you would see it in person. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos to form your own opinion on the paint’s condition.

Glass and Trim

The windows are in good condition, with just a couple of minor age-related marks. The windscreen has a small chip on the passenger side, and there is a small amount of delamination on the bottom corners.

Interior

The tartan interior looks like a rebellious picnic blanket that has decided to moonlight as a seat cover—bold, unapologetic, and undeniably retro.

Seats and Carpets

The original seats are in very good condition. Finished with tartan trim, this is pretty much as retro as you can get. The carpets throughout are excellent, with little sign of age.

The inside of the boot is clean and tidy. The roller shelf works as it should, and the spare wheel and jack are present.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in relatively good condition, which, as you probably know, is extremely good for a 924, as the dashboards are prone to cracking. There are two cracks, approximately 1 inch long, which have been glued to prevent them from getting worse.

All of the instruments are working correctly, and the odometer shows a reading of ~30,004, which is 130,004 miles.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original steering wheel has been replaced in favour of a MOMO Prototipo, which is in excellent condition. The gear knob is original and has minor signs of use in keeping with the age of the car.

Mechanics

Quicker than a 911 SC at the time, the 924 Turbo doesn’t disappoint in the performance or handling department.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up as it should and runs with no issues. A stainless steel exhaust is fitted, which improves the tone without being intrusive. The car pulls strongly through the gears, and it hits boost as it should, as can be seen on the boost gauge.

The five-speed gearbox has a dogleg pattern. There is a slight crunch between the first and second gears, but if you take your time changing gears, this is fine. I have driven it like this for eight years. However, I have a rebuilt gearbox, which I am including in the sale.

Suspension and Brakes

The brakes have been overhauled, and there are EBC uprated discs on the front. The car comes to a stop in a straight line, as you would expect.

The suspension is Spax RSX, which consists of four adjustable dampers, with the front being coilovers. There are also adjustable camber plates on the front top mounts.

The Drive

Driving the 1981 Porsche 924 Turbo feels like strapping yourself into a time-travelling go-kart, where every twist of the key ignites a symphony of turbo whistles, mechanical whirrs, and the occasional pop from the exhaust. The transaxle chassis delivers a driving experience so well-balanced that every corner feels like a beautifully executed physics experiment. It’s a car that rewards patience—wait for the boost to kick in, and suddenly, the modest little Porsche transforms into a spirited, turbocharged time capsule, eager to remind you why the '80s were such a glorious era for analogue driving thrills.

Electrics and Other

The switchgear appears to be in good condition and is working. However, the windows move a little slowly.

A Kenwood Bluetooth head unit is fitted, enabling you to stream music from your phone. This is connected to Kenwood speakers, which are discreetly fitted under the dash and in the quarter panels so they can’t be seen.

History and Paperwork

This 924 Turbo has an extensive history file dating back several years.

The car is registered on the V5C as 1982, but it is, in fact, a 1981 model. It spent its first year in Ireland before coming to the UK in October 1982.

The original owner’s manual is present, and there is a nice collection of invoices gathered over the years showing various parts and work carried out.

Today, the 924 Turbo is regarded as a rare and underappreciated classic, offering a unique blend of Porsche engineering, period turbocharged performance, and an engaging driving experience at a fraction of the cost of more famous models.

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From Trade Classics:

This is a Market Auction listing, meaning we have not visited and photographed the car— instead, the seller has supplied the images and written the description. However, we’ve done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID that matches the V5, and also actioned a history check on the vehicle. This is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or has any outstanding finance—note, this does not include a mileage history check.

Viewings are welcomed, so please get in touch with us via the 'contact us' page. We just need to speak to you first on the phone, have you register on the site, and also send in valid photo ID before confirming a suitable time to visit.

Like all our auctions, if there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids. Bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car—the Buyer’s Premium is not refundable in any instance, just like a traditional auction house.

Key Details
  • Model 924 Turbo
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date UK Registered 01.10.1982
  • CC 1984
  • Mileage ~30,004 on the clock
  • Colour Innari Silver/Onyx Metallic
  • Interior Colour Tartan
  • Interior Trim Vinyl/Material
  • Chassis # 93A0141311
  • Engine # 3101377
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes
  • Former Keepers 9
  • # of Keys 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned 8 Years
  • Auction ID 2409


    Auction Bidding

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    Current Bid £1,000
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    Auction Ends Thu 6th Mar at 7.00pm
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a 924 Turbo like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Winter 2025.

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    Vehicle Location

    Stoke on Trent

    Key Bidding Facts

    What is your reserve policy?

    A reserve is the minimum price that the seller will let the car go for. We work with sellers to set realistic reserves in line with market pricing – we don’t take on vehicles with unrealistic pricing. Reserve met / not met labeling may or may not be announced during the auction – this is just like a traditional auction house, i.e. bidders may only know when they’ve been successful at the end of the auction.

    If the reserve hasn’t been met at the end of the auction then we work with the highest bidder to try to work out a deal with the seller.

    Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

    Security – we operate higher levels of security, so you may need to enter further authorisations against your stored card after you select ‘Place Bid’. All this takes time and may mean you miss the end of the auction by the time the authorisation passes. To guarantee your bid, we recommend at least five minutes are active on the auction when you place your bid.