Porsche had gone back to their roots in a sort of indirect way with the 924.
Some may point to the 356, correctly suggesting how close in relation they
seem, primarily with dependence on Volkswagen componentry. But that
would be simplistic without understanding the fundamental difference.
Whereas the 356 was conceived from a dream Ferry Porsche and his
father had to one day build a sports car of their own, the 924's stormy
conception was borne of marketing reports, spreadsheets and serendipity.
This is not to say the 924's roots don't run deep, they do - far deeper
than the 356. The 924 utilized a concept Dr. Ferdinand Porsche created for
Daimler-Benz that would be used on its W25 in 1934 and subsequent
Grand Prix racers along with Ferrari, Lancia, Maserati and Alfa-Romeos -
the transaxle. You can't get any deeper than that.
To truly appreciate the 924 is to accept it as a new beginning for Porsche,
one of necessity rather than desire. It's a car that utilized available
resources in savvy ways but maintained the spirit instilled into every
Porsche before it. It would be unfair to simply wave it off as a cobbled-up
creation by two companies in the midst global economic uncertainty. The
badge it wears on its nose was earned, not simply affixed.
Mark these words: This little number will be the next darling of budding
collectors on this side of the Atlantic. The 924 is a sensible vintage Porsche
that is sophisticated enough for modern times and can be used practically
on a daily basis. Few can claim such a virtue. It was and still remains what
is arguably the best entry-level Porsche that delivers an unfiltered
experience with innocent simplicity.
After nearly 40 years since being presented to the world, has the 924
finally come of age?
About the Author
Pablo Deferrari
A dyed-in-the wool, air-cooled 911 junkie, Pablo Deferrari doesn't
discriminate against other Porsches. Want further proof? He's in love with
Porsche's early water-cooled models and is dedicated to the celebration of
the 924, 928, 944 and 968 series. Pablo is one car away from having all
four of these models in his own collection: the 924.
Pablo Deferrari
pablo.deferrari@flussigmagazine.com
MultiBrief: The perfect entry-level Porsche
But we already knew this!