LOT 169
1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTR VIN. WP0ZZZ93ZBS72010
Estimate: US$450,000 - US$550,000
Lot 169
One of just 17 factory-built customer race cars
1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTR
1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTR
1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTR
VIN. WP0ZZZ93ZBS72010
VIN. WP0ZZZ93ZBS72010
1,984cc SOHC Turbocharged, Intercooled Inline-4
Bosch/Kugelfischer Fuel Injection
375bhp at 6,400rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*One of just 17 customer race cars built at Weissach
*Reportedly never raced in period
*The ultimate transaxle Porsche for privateer racers
*Delivered new to Japan, and used sparingly since
*Exceptionally original, unmodified condition
*Recent full fluid service by Porsche North Houston including fuel and oil change
THE CAR OFFERED
In the late 1970s, Porsche began developing the new water-cooled 924 Turbo into a full-fledged racing weapon, with the aim of taking on the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Contrary to Porsche's usual objective of overall victory, the directors instead charged motorsport boss Norbert Singer to show Porsche customers and skeptics that the front-engine, water-cooled, Audi-powered 924 was indeed a "real Porsche." At the 1980 running of the 24-hour classic, Porsche entered three purpose-built 924 prototypes in the then-new GTP category. Despite some teething problems for two of the three works cars, the 924 GTP of Jürgen Barth/Manfred Schürti finished 6th overall and 3rd in the GTP class – an impressive debut and definitive response to those who doubted the 924's capability.
Three distinct customer versions of the 924 were born of this racing program. The road-going 924 Carrera GT, the lightened and focused Carrera GTS homologation special (including the lightweight, caged Club Sport model), and the full-fledged customer racing machine, the Carrera GTR. The latter was a direct descendant of works GTP program, and 17 cars were produced at the Weissach race department for customers around the world, with several coming to the USA to run in the booming IMSA sports car series. The GTR was stripped to the essentials with an integrated aluminum roll cage, massively widened lightweight bodywork, and a dry-sump engine belting out 375 horsepower at 6,400rpm. It also had fully adjustable suspension with titanium springs, 917-derived disc brakes, BBS center-lock 3-piece wheels, and 100% locking differential. At a scant 2,050 pounds, the featherweight 924 GTR could top 180mph in race trim.
As a razor-sharp motorsport tool, most GTRs saw duty on track, with at least 9 heading to Le Mans through the years, and taking starring roles in the hotly contested IMSA GTO category, with the likes of Porsche legends Brumos, Kremer, and Al Holbert fielding entries as well as privateers. As sometimes happens, at least one or two of the 17 built escaped the ravages of track use, only to reemerge as the ultimate collector's Transaxle Porsche.
This remarkable 924, sequence number 72010 is believed to be one of just two customer GTRs sold new to Japan. The importer immediately put it in storage for about two years, before selling it to a Japanese businessman, who in turn put it on display in his private collection. It is said to have come out its garage display once a year to be transported to Porsche specialists for annual service and run occasionally to ensure fluids could circulate in the engine. It has been said that the car ran a few times at Suzuka and Fuji, though no record exists of the car having been raced. In 2016, had found its way to the UK, and was sold that year with a scant 109km on the clock.
Having never been run in the heat of competition, this incredibly special 924 GTR remains in exceptionally original condition and is undoubtedly one of the most original, unmolested Porsches we have ever encountered. As one of just 17 924 GTRs built, and one of the only ones never raced, it represents a truly one-off opportunity to acquire the ultimate transaxle Porsche, and a significant milestone in Stuttgart's storied motorsport history.
Footnotes
Offered on Bill of Sale
Additional information
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