A 1981 Porsche 924 GTR that has covered just 109km has emerged from long-term storage in Japan prior to going under than hammer at Coys’ Legende et Passion auction in Monaco on 14 May.
Porsche built 406 Carrera GTs in 1981 to homologate the 924 for Group 4 racing, with just 59 more powerful Carrera GTSs being made in the Stuttgart factory. Only 15 of those cars were finished in lightweight Club Sport trim, but the most desirable version was the GTR, of which just 17 were built, with nine going on to either race in or qualify at Le Mans.
Two of those cars were shipped to Japan, and while one was used extensively in racing, the second was used so sparingly as to accumulate just over 100km in the past 35 years. It’s first and only owner used the car as a track toy, driving at Suzuka and the Fuji Speedway, while keeping meticulous records of the distance travelled during each outing. It went on to live a cosseted existence tucked away in the attic space of a bespoke garage, only moving to be regularly started and serviced.
Porsche 924 GTRs are rarely offered for sale, let alone in such well-preserved condition, while it’s performance levels are comparable with some supercars of the day. The car weighs a paltry 930kg and, thanks to a 375bhp dry-sump version of the 924’s 2-litre engine, is capable of reaching speeds in excess of 180mph, while covering a 0-60mph dash in just 4.7 secs.
Is the temptation to keep this time capsule preserved for future generations, or to blow away the cobwebs – and the competition – at the Le Mans Classic? The choice could be yours for between €650-750,000.
