1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GT

Porsche wanted to enter the Group 4 Sports Car Class for Le Mans in 1980 and based their car on their successful 924 mainstream model. The left hand drive versions were labelled 937 while the right hand drive was 938. All non-essential elements were removed from the car in an effort to reduce weight. The vehicle was subsequently entered into the gruelling 24 Hours of Le Mans but in order to comply with homologation regulations road going versions had to be produced and Porsche addressed this rule with the Carrera GT. Standard specification included a close ratio dog-leg 5 speed G/box, LSD, Bilstein shock absorbers, polyurethane plastic front and rear flared guards, a polyurethane plastic front spoiler, and a bonnet mounted air scoop for the intercooler. With a 2-litre turbo-charged engine producing 210 bhp, it will reach a top speed of 150 mph and hits 60 mph in an impressive 6.5 seconds.

This 924 right-hand drive Carrera GT was originally delivered to Dick Lovett, Swindon in April 1981 and stored by them until August of that year in order to receive an 'X' registration. A copy of the original bill of sale and various correspondence document an early history between the first owner and supplying UK dealer. The car was maintained by Dick Lovett during its early life and was sold by them in 1983, 1988, 1990 and then in 1996 to the current owner. During his ownership, this Carrera GT has been maintained by specialists such as noted Porsche experts Paragon Porsche in Kent. The original service book is full of stamps and an almost complete set of MoT certificates substantiate a total mileage of just over 75,000 miles from new. There is a substantial folder of bills and receipts that document a car that has clearly been maintained to a high standard.

The current owner describes the paintwork as: "Excellent for its age, with very, very light surface scratching due to poor polishing by previous owner in places. There is some very light crazing on the front wings where the polyurethane has flexed. The paintwork is believed to be all original except for the driver's door which had a minor repair approximately 20 years ago." The interior is presented in very impressive condition with no tears or scratches to the fabric or leather. The engine is described as: "Not concours but generally clean with age-related surface corrosion to some parts. It runs beautifully and is believed to be in very good condition internally." In 2000, the car had a top-end rebuild by Porsche Bournemouth and it also had a new head gasket in 2012. It has seen limited miles in the past decade but has been serviced annually regardless. The cam belt was last changed in 2008 at a 73,371 by Paragon.

Evidently, this 924 Carrera has been maintained to a high mechanical standard over the years and is an honest example of an extremely rare Porsche. Only 75 examples were ever made for the UK market and these delightful driver's cars are seemingly undervalued given their desirable status as the ultimate 924. A true homologated road-special, we love the Carrera GT and welcome inspections on this unmolested example.