1981 924 Turbo

A solid driver with a few issues sold in the money

The 924 Turbo debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show as Porsche’s answer to enthusiasts wanting more performance from the entry-level 924. By adding a turbocharger to the 2.0-liter inline-four, output jumped from ~110 to 143 horsepower in North American specification, giving the lightweight transaxle coupe a much-needed boost in straight-line performance. Upgraded brakes, revised suspension, improved aerodynamics, and distinctive NACA ducting in the hood further separated the Turbo from the standard 924, creating a far more capable sports car while retaining the balanced handling that made the 924 such an enjoyable driver’s car.

This 1981 924 Turbo 5-Speed came finished in Meteor Metallic over a Black leatherette interior and showed 88,000 miles. While the gallery revealed a few cosmetic blemishes, including a cracked dashboard, the car appeared to be a solid driver. The fuel injection system was serviced in 2024, though the seller did note a valve cover leak. Also included in the sale were a spare set of wheels, Pasha-trimmed door cards, and a collection of additional spare parts.

Over the past twelve months, only two 924 Turbos have crossed the online auction block, with just one finding a new home: a Guards Red example showing 94,000 miles that had its engine rebuilt at 77,000 miles, selling for a final bid of $13,000. While our Spotlight Car was a bit light on service history, it still presented as a solid driver-quality example. It sold at a final bid of $9,540.

Sell your Porsche without the drama.

When it was time to sell my beloved C4S, I had all the options available to me. I could have listed it privately, but I didn’t want to deal with weeks of inquiries from buyers who needed financing, lowballers (I know what I got!), or tire-kickers coming to my house. I could have gone the auction route, and I’m well versed there, of course, but I just didn’t have the time to properly list the car or manage the process. I’ve got writing to do.

In the end, I sold it to a dealer. It was simply easier, and the offer landed right in line with where I would have estimated it had I been writing about it here.

But I really wish I had known SML reader Niket was launching VinBidders.

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