HAVE YOUR SAY
Did you spend more on your classic in 2011 than the previous year?
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| Porsche 924 |
 Fancy a highly-capable grand tourer as your next classic? Then you should consider buying a Porsche 924, says Chris Hope
Photos: Jackie Skelton Although Porsche purists will tell you that the engine is in the wrong place on the 924, that’s no reason to overlook this very affordable German. It’s an incredibly competent machine: 50-50 weight distribution makes this one of the best-handling front-engine rear-wheel drive sports cars around. We’d argue that the 924, especially with that so-called VW ‘van’ engine (it’s actually an Audi 100 unit), is an ideal starter classic. That 2.0-litre lump is easy to work on and maintenance costs are relatively cheap. In short, it’s a Porsche that enthusiasts can keep on the road all year round.
The 2.5-litre 924S delivers more performance (the standard coupe isn’t exactly a ball of fire), but also more of the modern faffery that may turn off some classic car enthusiasts. That said, it also boasts higher levels of comfort and power steering – a real boon for about town motoring. And the Turbo? Well, it’s a brave prospect for the first-time Porsche owner. Everything is uprated, which means that a car with anything less than perfect running gear and bodywork could end up becoming a rather expensive project. The Turbo is also quite harsh compared to the softer 924S. As such, it’s probably more of a weekend weapon – rather than a reliable, sporty, everyday steed. Values - According to the Porsche 924 Owners’ Club, anything less than £400 will only be good for parts. That said, gems can be unearthed in the sub-£1000 category – just don’t expect to find your diamond in the rough overnight. At £1500, you can expect to get your hands on a standard coupe that’s suitable for daily service (expect to pay roughly £2500 for a Turbo in similar condition). factfile Clubs Porsche Club Great Britain - www.porscheclubgb.com Porsche Enthusiasts Club - www.tipec.net Porsche 924 Owners Club - http://porsche924.co.uk
Websites Porsche 924 information/register - www.924.org
Specialists Hartech - 01204 302809 Hillcrest Specialist Cars - 01491 642611 Gmund Cars - 01423 797989
Insurance Quote Quotes for a 1987 Porsche 924S Comprehensive cover, 25-year-old in Co. Durham, two years’ no claims, clean licence, 10,000 miles a year, main car, kept on driveway: £850* (£500 excess) (* based on a bespoke rate, so certain criteria would need to be met – phone for more info.) Comprehensive cover, 50-year-old in Co. Durham, full no claims, clean licence, 3000 miles a year, second car (classic car policy), garaged, club member: £140 (£50 excess) Quotes from Performance Direct (0844 5733504, www.performancedirect.co.uk)
Running on Unleaded Eighties 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated and turbo engines will prefer high octane fuel, but you’ll need lead replacement additive for the early coupes. The 2.5-litre 924S though, is fine on standard unleaded.
Thanks To With special thanks to the Porsche 924 Owners’ Club and Porsche specialist Hartech for their general buying advice.
Specifications 924 ENGINE 1984cc/4-cyl POWER (bhp/rpm) 125/5800 TORQUE (lb ft@rpm) 122/3500 TOP SPEED 126mph 0-60mph 9.7sec CONSUMPTION 26mpg GEARBOX 4/5-sp man (op 3-sp auto) LENGTH 13ft 9in (4.2m) WIDTH 5ft 5in (1.66m) WEIGHT 2300lb (1044kg)
924 S ENGINE 2479cc/4-cyl POWER (bhp/rpm) 147/5800 TORQUE (lb ft@rpm) 140/3000 TOP SPEED 132mp 0-60mph 7.8sec CONSUMPTION 25mpg GEARBOX 5-sp man (op 3-sp auto) LENGTH 14ft (4.29m) WIDTH 5ft 6in (1.68m) WEIGHT 2765lb (1255kg)
924 Turbo ENGINE 1984cc/4-cyl POWER (bhp/rpm) 170/5500 TORQUE (lb ft@rpm) 181/3500 TOP SPEED 144mph 0-60mph 6.9sec CONSUMPTION 18mpg GEARBOX 5-sp man LENGTH 13ft 9in (4.2m) WIDTH 5ft 5in (1.66m) WEIGHT 2602lb (1181kg)
The full story is available in the March 2011 issue of Classic Car Mart. |
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