A very rare, and totally original one owner Porsche 924 Carrera GTR will headline Silverstone Auctions’ Competition Car Sale.
With an astonishing 67 miles/109 kilometres on the clock from new, the 1981 Porsche 924 GTR was hidden in Japan for 30 years. And it’s not just any Porsche 924, this ‘ultimate’ version, a 1981 Carrera GTR is described as ‘by far and away the most original and untouched example of any Porsche Silverstone Auctions have ever seen’.
Delivered new to Japan in 1981 by Porsche importer Garage Italya, this is one of only two cars delivered to the country, with the other example used extensively for racing. In 1983, after being stored for two years, it was purchased by a Japanese businessman and classic car enthusiast who wanted to add it to his private collection.
Uniquely this factory built Porsche race car was only enjoyed a handful of times on the track at Suzuka and the Fuji Speedway. On each occasion, the fastidious Japanese owner made a record of the distance travelled at each track day. According to his records, the car covered just 109 kilometres (67 miles) in the first seven years of ownership, after which the 924 was carefully tucked away in his two-storey garage, with his prized Porsche 'racer' safely in the first-floor attic space accessible by a car lift.
Removed from storage each year, the car was taken on a trailer to be serviced, brought back, and then placed back carefully in position in the garage. From 1981 to 2006 the car was serviced by Porsche specialist Tomei Car Service, then latterly by Porsche specialist Garage Tool Box. In the intervening period, the engine was started and run regularly.
It is presented today exactly as the factory built it, possibly the most original Porsche factory race car in the world. Its authenticity is without doubt and the details even go even down to the initials on the engine management box signed by Porsche factory race technicians.
Now in the UK and offered for public sale, the car joins the auction with an estimated of between £475,000 and £575,000. The car comes with a Japanese title document and records of its minimal usage and extensive maintenance.
Speaking ahead of the sale of the car, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “This fantastic car can only be described as a time capsule with everything original throughout, even down to handwritten stickers on the loom and the last two numbers of the chassis and engine number written on the ECU in marker pen! It’s a very special collector’s item that would be the icing on the cake to any serious Porsche collection.”
Just 17 examples of the 924 Carrera GTR were made available to private customers at a cost of $75,000. Benefitting from constant development, the cars were delivered from Porsche with fully integrated roll cages, fully adjustable suspension and four-piston 935 brake callipers squeezing larger 31cm discs. The engine was a highly modified version of the 2.0l motor used in all 924s, featuring dry sump lubrication, which helped it produce 375bhp. Weighing just 930 kilos, the GTR was good for 180mph and 0-60mph took 4.7 seconds.
Whale added: “It’s the 40th anniversary of the Porsche 924 this year and we’re delighted that we’re able to offer what is surely a total one-off investment opportunity and the best available example of Porsche’s ultimate and rare incarnation of the model.”
Silverstone Auctions’ Competition Car Sale takes place on 28th July.
For more information on the 924 click here