1981 Porsche 924

2dr Coupe

4-cyl. 1985cc/110hp MFI

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$8,500*

equal0%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair

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1977-1988 Porsche 924 stats
Highest sale
$385,000
Lowest sale
$540
Most recent sale
$10,500
Sales
254

Photos

2 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1987 Porsche 924 S Coupe. Courtesy RM Sotheby's.
1979 Porsche 924 Coupe
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Model overview

Model description

Porsche in the 1970s was a company that thought it had its direction figured out. The air-cooled cars (911 and 914) were to be phased out and replaced with two new water-cooled designs: the Porsche 924 and 928. CEO Peter Schutz was eventually to throw this plan out the window when he extended the life of the 911 indefinitely. But for a brief period of time, the 924 and 928 looked like the future at Porsche.

Developed originally as a Volkswagen by Porsche (which was VW’s de facto research and development department at the time), VW got cold feet about a sports car that would not share a platform with any other VW product so it sold the design back to Porsche who produced it at Audi’s Neckarsulm plant. It was a fundamentally sound bit of engineering, front-engine and rear-wheel drive with a rear-mounted transaxle connected to the engine by a rigid torque tube in lieu of a conventional driveshaft. Weight distribution was 48/52. While not exactly looking like a Porsche, the 924 was at least clean and attractive with a useful glass hatch continuing the fastback roofline.

Testers clamored to get their hands on a 924 but, in many cases, were let down when they did. Early U.S. cars came with an anemic 95 hp version of the rather coarse Audi 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and the car suffered from suspension tuning that was maddeningly harsh, particularly on freeways. Porsche steadily improved the 924, particularly in the ride department, but there was only so much that could be done with the Audi four-banger. Turbocharging, which became available in 1980, improved power, but the engine lacked balance shafts and would forever be a rather buzzy unit.

The 924 was finally Porschefied in the eyes of many when it morphed into the 944 for 1983. Aggressive fender blisters and a Porsche designed four-cylinder with Mitsubishi-licensed balance shafts addressed the car’s major shortcomings. It wasn’t the end for the 924, however, which returned as the entry-level 924S for 1987 and 1988 with a 150-hp version of the 944’s engine.

Today, the tables have turned somewhat and to some entry-level collectors, the 924 (particularly those in bright colors with the wild op-art checked “Pasha” interiors) can occasionally be more desirable than the more complex and maintenance-intensive. With fully galvanized bodies after 1977, the 924 can be a durable, simple fun first Porsche. The remaining few good ones are worth seeking out.

Vehicle specifications

  • Wheel Base Shortest - Inches94.5
  • Wheel Base Longest - Inches94.5
  • Shipping Weight2509
  • Drive TypeRWD
  • Manufacturer NamePorsche
  • Front Tire Size14R185
  • Manufacturer MSRP16770
  • Market SegmentationLuxury Sport
  • Manufacturer CodeC168
  • Front Tire Size Code15
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Common Questions

The value of a 1981 Porsche 924 can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $8,500 for a 1981 Porsche 924 in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1981 Porsche 924 at auction over the last three years was $6,750. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1981 Porsche 924 at auction over the last three years was $3,911. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 4 1981 Porsche 924s sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1981 Porsche 924 was $3,911 on February 13, 2024 by Car and Classic.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.