Porsche 924 Le Mans
ENGINE 1984cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 123bhp@5800rpm TORQUE 122lb ft@3500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 127mph 0-60MPH 9.1sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 21-38mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 95,876 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The Porsche starts on the button and the engine does not smoke or hesitate. It feels planted on the road and there is ample grip in the corners. There is some vibration through the wheel over 55mph but the steering is direct and gives good driver feedback. The engine pulls well and the car delivers decent performance throughout the rev range. The clutch and gearbox feel particularly sturdy and there is no slip or graunching of gears. However, the brake pedal feels somewhat spongy and it takes some effort to fully operate the brakes, although they do eventually stop the car without grabbing or pulling to either side.
BODYWORK CHECK
The paintwork presents well and all of the Le Mans livery is present, correct and intact. The car is rust-free, with even the wheel arches, sills and jacking points clean and tidy. The doors have not dropped and all panel gaps are even. The black stone chip paint on the underside of the vehicle appears fresh, but it doesn’t appear to be covering anything untoward because the chassis and floor pans are solid.
EXTERIOR Tidy, straight and rust-free INTERIOR Great condition Refurbished seats MECHANICALS Strong clutch/’box, Solid performance
The original Porsche spoked alloy wheels are in fantastic condition – they may have been refurbished at some point in the past. Tyres are all Dunlop SP Sport Fast Responses with good tread depth.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The interior is in good overall condition, but it is a little untidy at the rear where the pillars meet the roof and the trim doesn’t quite match up. The seats were completely re-trimmed with new centre panels in 2014 and as such they are firm, comfortable and in excellent condition. All of the switches, electrics and gauges work correctly with the exception of the oil pressure gauge, which bounces anywhere between two and seven bar
when the car is running. The dash, centre console and carpets are clean and undamaged and the leather steering wheel and gear knob are in great shape. The stereo is original.
UNDER THE BONNET
There’s no evidence of coolant in the oil and the dipstick is to the correct level. Both the engine and engine bay are clean and tidy and there is no road grime, oil misting or corrosion. The distributor cap and ignition leads look new and all other pipes, hoses and ancillaries are in good condition. The exhaust does not leak or blow while the dampers and differential are not damaged or leaking. The car comes with a good service history folder, which shows work carried out at Porsche specialist garages
THE CCW VIEW
Surprisingly few of the circa. 1000 Le Mans editions produced made it to the UK. This one performs exactly as a 924 should and the paint and bodywork want for nothing. Bring the brakes up to the standard of the rest of the mechanicals and you’ll have a cracking, usable classic.
PROS Rare, excellent condition, good history CONS Brakes and oil pressure gauge need attention
BUY IT FROM Thurlby Motors, Mumby Road, Alford, Lincolnshire LN13 9JN. 01507 463254, thurlbymotors.com