The Porsche 924 may not be the German manufacturer’s most iconic or best-known car. It was always overshadowed by the 911 but it was an innovative machine in several respects. Instead of Porsche’s flat-six set-up, the 924 had a water-cooled straight-four 2.0 litre engine and in some ways, was a forerunner to the Boxster and Cayman. Its racing career included outings at the Monte Carlo rally, the Safari rally and Le Mans in 1980 when three 924s were fielded under the watchful eye of Porsche engineer Norbert Singer.

Andy Rouse and Tony Dron, two British Touring Car Championship drivers shared driving duties in the #2 car, the model that has been restored this year. The other two cars were driven by Al Holbert and Derek Bell (#3) and Jürgen Barth and Manfred Schurti (#4). The latter pair came away with the best result, finishing sixth overall and third in the GTP class. The 924 was not the fastest machine in its class, slowed down after problems with a lean fuel/air mix and a faulty fuel pump. However, the car was pivotal in Porsche’s racing history as the first front-engine car designed by the marque. It did not enjoy a long career but nonetheless signalled the start of the German manufacturer’s GT venture in the 1980s.

The lovingly restored #2 924 GTP is the only Porsche factory-owned race car to have competed under a British flag. It retired from competition in 1982 but has now been brought back to life with a painstaking restoration at the Porsche centres in Glasgow, Leeds and Swindon. The result is magnificent! 

Photo: looking as good as it did on the day it left Porsche’s workshops in 1980, the Porsche 924 GTP is ready to race! This time it is likely to feature in events such as Le Mans Classic or Silverstone Classic. 

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