1977 Porsche 924 Martini Edition

First registered in April 1977, this rare Porsche 924 (factory order number M426) is one of the limited-edition Martini Rossi models. 

Built to celebrate Porsche’s 935 and 936 racing success while it was sponsored by the famous drinks firm, it is one of 3,000 ever built, all of which were assembled between December 1976 and March 1977.

Of that overall number, only 1,000 were earmarked for the European market and just 100 were sent to the UK.

As far as we’re aware, this could be one of two remaining RHD examples registered in the UK, which makes this as rare as teeth on a particularly endangered breed of hen.

Imported new to the UK in 1977, the car lived in Bury, Greater Manchester, with at least two owners (the second of whom bought the car in 2001) until it was exported to the Isle of Man in 2016.

There, it was bought by a man who was assembling a fleet of interesting classics to rent out to visitors who might fancy a something a little different in which to drive around the island.

Unfortunately, the business didn’t work out and he ended up selling the cars. 

Our vendor, who is well-known to us at Bonhams, bought this car from him and is now selling because he is relocating his business and his cars, and needs to free-up some space.

Showing just 69,500 miles on the odometer, this car is in need of mechanical recommissioning and some cosmetic attention. 

It starts and runs but there’s an issue with the throttle sticking at present so we haven’t driven the car and can therefore only comment on its cosmetic condition.

That said, the job of restoring it to some or all of its former glory should be well within the reach of someone who’s ready for an ultra-rare bona fide classic but doesn’t have the time or resources to countenance tackling a Lamborghini Countach or flat-floor Series 1 E Type just yet.   

The white alloy wheels look good, as do the badging and decal graphics.

The Goodyear Eagle Ventura tyres look to be in good condition, although we’re not sure how old they are.

There are no dents, folds, creases or dinks of real significance to report on the bodywork.

That said, there is some bubbling in evidence here and there.

Notably, there is bubbling below the pop-up headlights, along the sills on both sides, at the base of both doors, and in the twin locking mechanisms for the hatchback lid.

There is a patch of cracked paint on the bonnet and paint missing from the black metal trim around the windows.

The windscreen is delaminating in various places.

The chrome on the door handles is foxed and pitted.

Overall, the interior has fared rather better than its exterior counterpart.

The really very attractive red/black/blue Martini colour scheme is still exerting considerable appeal although it should be said that the red fabric on the front seats has now faded to orange/yellow.

Redder in the back seats and carpets, the original shade still has plenty of vibrancy in most places and could, we imagine, be resurrected by an accomplished upholstery whisperer with the right products and know-how. 

In general, the levels of wear and tear are far more consistent with the car’s low mileage than its age and, all things considered, the interior is a rather stylish and well-preserved homage to the tastes and fashions of the age.

The door cards, dashboard and centre console are decent, as are the steering wheel, gear lever and hand brake.

The luggage bay looks to be in reasonable condition although the trim and carpeting need a little tightening and re-affixing.

We can’t make any claims about the full functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials, or other electrics as we haven’t driven the car. 

The engine and engine bay look intact and dry. Everything appears to be in its right and proper place.

The undersides of the car are showing some rust and a few holes in the sills. 

Elsewhere, there seems to be a decent amount of structural integrity. 

Clearly, you’ll want to see for yourself and reach your own conclusions.

This splendid car comes with little in the way of history (if we unearth more we will, of course, add it to the documents section), but it does have a part photocopy of an old UK V5, a certificate of export to the Isle of Man, and a ‘Letter of Origin’ from Porsche confirming its authenticity and numbers, as well as a couple of old MOT certificates and an invoice for some work carried out on the car in 2017.

We would recommend contacting the DVLA to discuss re-registration of this car in the UK, as it is offered with only a part photocopy of an old V5. It is registered as exported to the Isle of Man.

In need of some work to get it into good condition, this wonderfully of-the-period Porsche 924 Martini Rossi offers the enthusiast the chance to buy a vanishingly rare model and take it to the next level without incurring the sort of eye-watering costs that might come with others classics and, indeed, other models from the Porsche stable. 

We are happy to offer this splendid vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £5,000 - £10,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.