When was the last year for the 924 Turbo?

I know that on the euro market the last 924 Turbo was in the 1982 model year. However I think that I read somewhere that the model continued on the Italian market??? Anyone who knows for how long?

The tax rules in Italy should have been reason for this. Obin, you're a 924 guy, heard about it or am I making it up?

[This message has been edited by Mikkel (edited 10-03-2001).]

[MAS]

No your are not making this up.

According to Michael Cotton's ever useful 924/944 book:

"The model was discontinued in 1982, except for a small number for the Italian market...." [page 124]

"The last batch of 924 Turbos made was earmarked for the Italy, where a substantial tax-hike on cars over 2 liters threatened to give the 944 model a difficult debut." [page 49].

-MAS

I knew it, just couldn't remember where I read it So does anybody know for how long they sold it? Maybe until 1985 when the 924S arrived (in case the production continued)? In case it was only a surplus of 82 models they probably sold out in 1983 already I guess?

Thanks anyway.

[MAS]

My guess (and only a guess) is that they would not have lasted until the 924S in 85-86. There had been an internal "battle" in Porsche about exactly what shape and form the new 944 was supposed to be. Originally, it was intended to be more like the 924S, but a new department head/chairman liked the flared 924GT look, and so this design was the basis (minus the 2 liter engine) for the new 944. The 924S was only introduced because the strength of the German Mark was making the "introductory" Porsche 944 too expensive by the mid '80s in the US and the UK espescially. The 924S was originally about $5,000 less than the comparable 944 in 1986. So I seriously doubt if the 924S (or the 942 as it was originally known as) could have been predicted in 1981-82, when the 944 design won the day.

-MAS