Lorenzo meets Porsche 924 Carrera GTS
The Porsche dealer Motorlegenden on Lake Ammersee is always worth a visit, without exception. Not only because of the exceptionally good coffee, but above all because of the vehicles that Michael Schnabl, founder of Motorlegenden, has been selling Porsche for some years now. When we entered the hall in spring 2023, however, the visit feels a little more special – our looks: slightly irritated. Not quite sure where to go. 993 Carrera RS, 964 Jubi’ or on the 924 Carrera GTS?
With a little more habit in his gaze, Lorenzo Kikisch also enters the Motorlegenden hall. For the photographer of Motorlegenden, the view at those beautiful cars from Zuffenhausen is somewhat more ordinary, “but still always special” – he adds.
So where to put our eyes now? The exterior of the GTS captivated us shortly afterwards and so the decision in favour of the transaxle was made more quickly than we had thought. Michael starts the engine of the GTS, Lorenzo takes the passenger seat – perfect conditions for a short ride with the 924 Carrera GTS into the surrounding countryside.
Shortly after we leave the hall, we recall the data of the Porsche, the most important thing first: the kerb weight is just 1121 kilograms. By omitting insulation material, dispensing with a comfortable interior and using lightweight materials on the body, the weight could be reduced by another 50 kilograms compared to the GT. What is immediately noticeable is that the interior is only lined with black needle felt and racing seats from the Porsche 935 were used instead of standard seats. Michael Schnabl, founder of Motorlegenden, replies: “On request, however, the vehicle could also be supplied with the comfortable interior of the Carrera GT.
This Porsche 924 Carrera GTS was delivered to its first owner, Dr. R. Nardini, in Rome on 13 August 1981 via the Porsche dealer Hahn Stuttgart. There, the GTS was used directly as a motorsport vehicle in the circuit. Dr. R. Nardini’s greatest success was winning the Italian circuit championship in 1983 in Group B. The GTS was then used directly as a racing car. Without a technical failure, the car completed all the races of the season. Michael Schnabl takes out the suitcase full of vehicle documents and presents us with the congratulatory letter from Porsche Germany.
In 2001, Dr. R. Nardini sold the 924 to a doctor friend from Bolzano due to its age. I briefly lose myself in thoughts of what it must be like to climb the vineyards of South Tyrol in the GTS.
In 2012, the vehicle ended up back in Germany. The owner was actually looking for a 924 Carrera GT at the time. However, he found this GTS, and the moment when Michael Schnabl accelerated the car through the planned location quickly explains why the choice fell on this GTS.
In the 11109 kilometres since delivery, all original documents and certificates, as well as the registration papers, racing certificates, the logbook and all accessories have been neatly stored.
Porsche always saw the 924 as the model that would win back customers who had previously ordered the 912. By the way, motorsport was never the focus. “After all, that’s what the 911 was for. The potential of the transaxle design was recognised not only by customers but also by internal Porsche developers. Porsche responded first by increasing the power from 125 hp to 150 hp and later to 160 hp and 170 hp in the Turbo.
By modifying the engine management software and increasing the compression ratio, 177 hp were finally achieved in the turbo from 1981. Visually, it differed from the normal 924 mainly by four additional flat air intakes at the front and the frequently ordered bicolour paint. Parallel to the market launch of the 924 Turbo, Porsche presented a prototype of the 924 Carrera GT, internal code 937, at the IAA 1979, which, in addition to the air vents of the Turbo, had wider plastic wings and an air scoop on the bonnet. At the front, the wing shape already corresponded to that of the upcoming parallel model 944, while the rear ones were attached to the body.
In 1981, the competition version debuted in the form of the 924 Carrera GTS. The folding headlights typical of the Porsche 924 were replaced by fixed headlights, which were covered from stones and the like by a plastic cover. Thanks to the increase of the boost pressure from 0.75 to 1 bar, the power increased to 245 hp. In addition to the wing flares, the front apron, bonnet and doors were also made of fibreglass-reinforced plastic. For an additional charge, Porsche also supplied a Clubsport version with 270 hp, aluminium roll cage, six-point harnesses, fire extinguisher, emergency stop switch for the electrics, slight lowering and aerodynamic exterior mirrors. Only 15 examples were produced in this version, while 42 normal Carrera GTS and two with comfort equipment from the normal Carrera GT were produced. Except for one car in white, all others, including this one, were delivered in red.
All further information on the vehicle is available on the Motorlegenden website.
Photos by Lorenzo Kikisch
