The Porsche 924 is the best classic 1980s car you can buy for under £5,000, according to a car expert. The front-engine model, which first hit the market in 1974, became a staple of the 1980s, with the 2.0L turbo version still in development until 1982.
A Race-Ready Classic
The 924 boasts a race-ready chassis that took on famous endurance races from the Nürburgring to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1980s. The car bowed out of production in 1985, but more than 40 years on, it has left its mark as one of the best of the era.
The naturally-aspirated 2-litre inline-4 engine delivers 123bhp, with a top speed of 127mph and 0-60mph in 9.6 seconds. The German manufacturer fitted the engine in the front and the gearbox close to the rear axle, giving the model a 50/50 weight distribution that earns it praise for handling.
Iconic 80s Features
The pop-up headlights are a quintessential 80s feature that still look cool today. With the lights down, the 924 looks the part from the outside with a razor-sharp front nose complementing the smooth body panels.
Inside, the 924 may be missing many of the luxuries of more modern vehicles, but that adds to its charm. Under £5,000, cabins are likely to be far from pristine, but above £5,000 this shouldn't be an issue.
Parts and Reliability
Despite being almost four decades old, second-hand parts are generally available. Porsche shared many of its mechanical components with Volkswagen and Audi models, meaning parts are easy to come by, taking out a major headache of classic car ownership.
Porsche Club Great Britain stressed the 924 was a “solidly reliable everyday sports coupé”, praising the car for its “remarkable versatility”. Motorists can pick up a second-hand Porsche 924 for as little as £3,500, well within the £5k budget.
