In the mid 1970’s it had become clear to virtually everyone in the car business that Porsche’s entry level car – the 914 – needed replacing.  The car was based on technology dating back to the 1930’s (albeit with major engine and transmission improvements).  Unfortunately, Porsche did not have a clear successor to the car as it had focused most of its in-house design work on the purported replacement for the 911 – the 928.

However, Porsche designers had been working on the design of a small sports car for VW – the Type 477 (or the EA435).  This car was intended to be built using existing VW-Audi parts and as VW’s bargain entrant into the sports car market.  As the 1970’s progressed and the fuel crisis spread, VW made the decision to cancel its support for the Type 477.  Porsche, in need of a design for a 914 replacement, bought the rights to the Type 477, named it the 924 and almost immediately began production of it in a VW factory in Neckasulm, Germany.

The car was, essentially, a VW-Audi in a Porsche skin.  As originally intended, the car was comprised almost entirely of off the shelf VW components.  The engine was one of the original car’s major downfalls.  It was a water cooled VW 2.0 litre used in VW vans and Audi 100’s.  It was loud, noisy, and produced a meager 95 hp.  The front wheels had disc brakes while the rear had drums.  The car had three redeeming qualities:

1. The body shell was quite attractive;

2.The transmission was located in the rear of the car giving it perfect 50/50 weight distribution; and

3. It was dirt cheap for consumer – about $9,395. 

It was also very profitable for Porsche.  These qualities helped it survive its initial incarnation.

As with the 914, the VW sourced engine was problematic for Porschephiles.  However, in contrast to the quite advanced Type IV in the 914, the Audi powerplant in the original 924 was an unrefined and discordant contraption.  It was simply not the right engine for the car and the Porsche nameplate could do nothing to hide this fact.  With the exception of turbocharged variants, the problem with this engine continued until 1987 when Porsche made the decision to place a 944 engine into a 924.

In contrast to the 924’s use of a VW-Audi engine, Porsche designed and built an engine in-house for the 944.  This engine was derived from the V-8 the company had installed in its then flagship car – the 928.  In order to develop a smaller engine for the 944, Porsche essentially took a 928 engine and cut it in half.  This gave Porsche the right number of cylinders – 4 - and the right displacement – 2.5 litres – for its mid-line car.  Porsche then “borrowed” technology from Mitsubishi to compensate for the new engine’s “slant 4” design.  This technology –  a harmonic balancer – compensated for the pistons slant toward the passenger side of the car.  Thus, Porsche produced a small 4 cylinder engine with roughly 150 horsepower.  This engine was capable of propelling the 944 from 0-60 in 8.3 seconds. 

Owing to lagging sales of the 944, Porsche made the wise decision to install a 944 engine, powertrain and suspension in a 924 body.  Further, Porsche made the decision to market the car at lower cost – $19,990 USD.  Thus, the 1987 Porsche 924S was born.  This car was, in almost every mechanical respect, a Porsche 944 in a 1924’s body.  It had the same engine, the same transmission and the same suspension.  As the 924 had a lower coefficient of drag (.33 vs. .35) and weighed less (about 50 pounds lighter), it was also slightly faster off the line than a 944.  Further, given its initial price, it had a distinct sales advantage over its bigger brother.

When it debuted, the 1987 924S was embraced by both Porscheophiles and the automotive community.  In example, the July 1986 issue of Motor Trend stated:

“If I were standing in the doorway of the local Porsche dealership with $25,000 in my pocket and an unquenchable need for a front-engined Porsche with four pistons, I think I’d save $5,000 and buy the 924S.  Two thousand bucks would get me a killer set of tires and wheels, which would be the only real difference.  … While you are in it, it’s all too easy to forget you’re in a 924.  The performance, braking and acceleration are truly counterfeit 944.”

Motor Trend, July 1986, page 33.  Incidentally, this car will be sold with this issue of Motor Trend. 

Today, the 1987-88 Porsche 924S remains a much sought after car.  Its combination of good looks, competent performance and affordable price make it desirable to both collectors and weekend racers.

The particular car presented here is a superb example of the road that Porsche stopped traveling down. The car was sourced from Arizona and its red paint presents nicely.  The paint is believed to be original to the car.  While the hood has a few rock chips and some swirl marks, it remains in acceptable condition..  The car has no sign of body damage and it is believed to be accident free.  The tires on the car are less than one year old and have virtually no wear on them.  The phone dial rims are highly presentable and show signs of being recently repainted.  The rubber portions of the car are in superior condition and do not need replacing.  The drain holes on the rear of the spoiler are not clogged and drain water easily.  There is no sign of water penetration into any of the interior spaces and the rear deck lid does not leak.

The interior of the car is in absolutely stunning condition.  The gauges all work (including the clock).  The seats show no obvious signs of wear and the side bolsters are not cracked or worn.  The rear seats appear to have never been sat in, the carpet presents nicely and an aftermarket set of floor mats graces them.  The car is sold with two dash covers – one carpet and one plastic.  Neither has been permanently attached to the car and they are completely removable.  The original dash has some limited cracking but the dash covers remedy this perceived problem nicely.  Personally, I prefer the car without the dash covers but you can fit the car to suit your taste. 

The car’s stereo system is of modern extraction and gently bathes the cabin with clean and crisp sound.  The sunroof is completely operational and the car has a storage bag for protection of the removable roof.  The car is equipped with its original tool set, air compressor and floor jack. The car has its original owner’s manual and attendant records which show that over $5,000 has been spent on this car in the last 2 years.  These records show that in August 2012, the prior owner had Stuggart Southwest in Tempe, Arizona perform the following maintenance items:

• Clutch, throw out bearing and fork bearings replaced;

• Flywheel seal replaced;

• Water pump replaced;

• Cooling system flushed and refilled;

• Fuel pump replaced;

• Sunroof gears replaced and retimed;

• Rear shocks replaced;

• Oil change; spark plugs replaced;

• Front motor mounts replaced;

• Front deck lid strut replaced;

• Fuel tank resealed; and

• Drive shaft and bell housing repaired.

These repairs alone totaled $4,732.19.  In addition, on October of 2012, new Yokohama 205/60R15 tires were placed on the car and in May of this year the car’s AC system was serviced with new clamps and compressor o-rings.  As an aside, the car's A/C system works spectacularly and is far, far better than I expected (it is very, very cold!!).

Given the wonderful condition of this car, its design strength and its documented record of proper maintenance, I feel that it can be enjoyed today and, over time, will greatly appreciate.

If you are interested in acquiring this classic example of a 1987 Porsche 924S then please contact Mark Counts @ 713-320-3059.

We are a licensed lender in the State of Texas and can assist you in obtaining financing for your automobile purchase.

If you need assistance with financing then please contract Mark counts at 713-320-3059.

Please ensure that you have obtained financing prior to bidding on one of our cars.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, our cars are sold "As Is" and without warranty.

However, some of our cars are eligible for extended warranties.

Please discuss the potential purchase of an extended warranty with your sales representative.

Unless stated otherwise in the vehicle's listing, shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer.

There are many reputable transporters across the country and the Buyer is required to contract directly with one of them.

If required, we can locate a shipper for the Buyer but will not assume responsibility for the vehicle once it is consigned to a shipper.

Terms and Conditions

All vehicles we sell have clean and clear titles. 

We do NOT sell salvage vehicles or vehicles with reconditioned titles.

All vehicles are sold "AS IS" and there are no representations or warranties except those contained in the written sales contract or bill of sale.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to start the transaction.

The winning bidder must respond within 2 days after the auction with a $500 deposit required via wire transfer, Visa/MC, or certified funds(cashier's check) to start the transaction.

It is understood that the vehicle is sold on an "As Is" basis. 

Buyer are free to purchase with or without an inspection.  

We strongly encourage pre-purchase inspections.  These inspections are relatively cheap and help ensure  that the Buyer is completely satisfied with their purchase.

All sales are subject to a state inspection fee of $40.75 and a Vehicle Inventory Tax based at .2271% of the purchase price. Ex. $10,000.00 X .2271% = 22.71.

Texas residents must pay applicable sales tax and a registration fee.

Out-of-state customers may pay tax and register the vehicle in their own applicable state. Upon request, we may be able to complete the buyer's home state registration.

The buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. We will arrange for shipping, if requested. Also, transportation to and from the airport and our location is buyer's responsibility.

We make every attempt to deliver our vehicles to our clients with two keys, key fobs, manuals, booklets, NAV CDs, wheel locks, tool kits, etc..., however, from time-to-time, a vehicle may be missing one or more of these items and we cannot guarantee that they will be included in the vehicle at the time of sale. Please call for the exact accessories included for the vehicle.

Our vehicles are pre-owned vehicles and they are sold in "As Is" condition. At time, some of our vehicles may still be in factory warranty or an extended warranty may be purchased. Ask for details.

For Canadian car buyers: If the title is to be released at the time of delivery (which is much mandatory to move the vehicle through customs), a wire transfer is the fastest  way to complete the sale.  If the payment is not by bank wire transfer, i.e., certified bank check or approved loan check, the title will only be released when all funds have cleared. Please keep in mind that the funds verification process can take up to 15 days. We will assist you with the documentation needed to clear Canadian customs, but knowing exactly which documents are required by your home province are the buyers responsibility. Requirements for Canada can be found at www.riv.ca under "Registration of import vehicles, Canada".

Notice to All Bidders

Please remember your eBay obligations. When you bid, you are entering into a legal and binding contract. Do not bid if you do not intend to buy this vehicle!

All bidders must have pre-approved loans or other financing.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to complete the sale and to receive a purchase order via fax.

Major Credit Cards are accepted.

Please call for limits and details (credit card charges may incur a service fee).

Payments are accepted through paypal.com (Deposit only-$1,000 max.). Please call for limits.

We do not accept Escrow or E-Loan. Please call for exceptions prior to bidding.

Please remember that you have the option to call for the reserve price direct at 713-320-3059.

We appreciate your interest in this auction and look forward to seeing your bid. Good Luck and Happy Bidding!