First Steps of Restoring the Porsche 924 Le Mans Edition
Brand: Porsche
Model: 924 Le Mans
Engine code: XK (1985 cm3)
Power: 92 kW (124 PS)
Fuel: Petrol
Production year: 1980
We bought the Porsche, which was in need of refurbishment, in autumn 2022. Why? It's a limited edition 924, a commemorative version of Porsche's Le Mans successes, of which very few were ever made. The exact number is unknown, but the 1,031 or even 1,002 examples make it without a doubt one of the most sought-after and valuable models in the 924 series.
Features: the "alpinweiss" colour, the unique red-yellow-black sticker set surrounding the car, the sportier shock absorbers, the front and rear stabilizers, the 5-speed gearbox, the rear wing of the 924 turbo, which was launched in 1979, 6Jx15 alloy wheels, 924 lettering on the door sills, interior upholstery with white trim and white and black stripes, leather shift knob, 360 mm diameter four-spoke steering wheel and rear wiper. The chassis numbers for this limited edition of uncertain numbers are WPOZZZ92ZBN400051 - WPOZZZ92ZBN401163.
The car was found half dismantled, " polished and varnished". The disassembled parts were in various boxes and crates, arranged in bulk. The condition survey revealed that the car would need to be completely dismantled, primed and polished to achieve the high quality we represent. The refurbishment process is still ongoing.
We managed to contact the former owners, so we had the chance to hear a lot of fascinating and astonishing stories about the cars. Let's just say the Porsche has been through the wars, and its condition reflects that...
For example, it was once stolen, but the original owner tracked it down and recovered it himself (don't ask why he didn't go to the police instead...). It was also known to have boiled over and caught fire behind the dashboard wiring loom in the middle of the motorway! And the left front wheel bearing shows that they didn't like to maintain it, but they did like to drive it...
The 924 has been listed as a withdrawn car since 2003. Since then, it has been in the hands of several owners hoping for a restoration, but no real work has ever been done on it. It happened to be sitting in a warehouse with tens of other 924s. Then they bought it and started restoring it, but it was never finished.
Now, 20 years later, it is undergoing a full restoration and the end result will be factory quality. The aim is to achieve international FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) certification, so that the car can be recreated in every respect and authentically evoke for its future owner the nostalgic feeling of life and driving culture that Porsche offers.
