1977 Porsche 924 Martini Rossi 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 only 3,000 ever built, all of which were assembled between December 1976 and March 1977.

Imported from France in 2017, this left-hand-drive example is road-registered here in the UK and holds a no-advisories MoT certificate. Refreshed in the correct Polizei White, it also features reupholstered front seats and a recent mechanical overhaul.

Showing just 76,155km (47,320 miles) on the odometer and only being sold to make room for a new addition to his collection, this is a rare opportunity to get your hands on Porsche’s first limited-edition 924.

The refreshed Polizei White coachwork looks terrific. As you’d expect, there are no significant dents, dinks, or other damage upon inspection, and the flanks are free of ripples and other signs of neglect.

There are some nice shutlines too, and the bumpers and other auxiliary items like badges, light lenses, and window glass are all good - and nothing spells ‘period sportscar’ like a pair of pop-up headlamps, does it?

It’s worth noting that not only is the paintwork in good condition but no colour is easier to touch up than white, so keeping it looking this good should be straightforward if/when the inevitable stonechips occur.

The Martini stripes are in great shape and give the 924 a wonderfully period look. Other nice touches include the raised-letter numberplates.

The alloy wheels were repainted too, so they look just as good as everything else. Finished in white as they were when new, the tyres they’re fitted with all have good tread.

Faults? Well, the offside front window has fallen a little and requires attention (#130) and the boot doesn’t open thanks to a temperamental catch, so they will both need sorting. Some of the exterior rubber trim is slightly damaged and misaligned (i.e. #87, #90, and #104) as well.

There are a few areas of paintwork that could do with some attention as well. Please see slides #100, #116, and #133 to get an idea of what needs doing.

The Martini colour scheme continues inside with seats whose black vinyl outer edges contrast with the vibrant red centres. It’s all brought together with light blue piping and the Martini headrest trim, forming a subtle nod to the famous racing colours.

The front seats have been recovered and so are in great shape being as comfortable and supportive as they are attractive.

They are a slightly different shade to the rears thanks to the latter having faded over the years, so we can see the fastidious among you getting them recovered in time, not least because the rear seat has a few marks on it.

The rest is as it should be. The scarlet pile carpet, which is an essential part of the Martini Rossi theme, is in a decent condition with only light wear to the odd area (i.e. #35).

The door cards, headlining, dashboard, switches and instrumentation are all good. Just as importantly, the plaque that confirms this car’s status as one of the 3,000 limited editions is in place on the rear of the centre console.

Some spare pieces of interior trim come with the car; please see the photos for details.

Flaws? Well, there is some untidy wiring (#47) and the nearside window winder handle is missing (#58).

The Porsche had a set of new HT leads in June of this year, along with a fan belt and a battery. There looks to be a new fuel pump, too.

Addspeed Performance Cars Ltd carried out £1,800-worth of work in 2018, work that included a full service, a partial new exhaust, and a new timing belt and tensioner plus the sort of miscellaneous fettling you’d expect to get the car through its first UK MoT.

The test drive revealed brakes that are ‘scratchy’, and while it starts and runs well initially when it arrived with us, it sometimes won’t start again until it’s been left standing for an hour or so, so that will need investigating.

The engine bay is in a decent condition but we couldn’t find fault with your judgement if you were to add detailing it to your list of jobs to do.

The underside looks to be solid and well protected, with a smattering of light surface rust noted.

The 924’s MoT certificate is valid until May 2023 and it was gained, like the one before, with no advisories.

There are some papers from its time in France in the history file, plus some old MoT certificates and invoices for work carried out since it’s been over here.

It also comes with a photo album documenting the respray.

If you’re in the market for a Porsche 924, then your time as come: as the enthusiast website 924.org puts it, “of all the four-speed Audi gearbox 924s this is the one to have!”

In need of light fettling to get it in tip-top shape, this wonderfully of-the-period Porsche 924 Martini Rossi offers the enthusiast the chance to buy a rare model with the opportunity to add value with every job you complete.

And, because this is an analogue car, it would also make an ideal introduction to the classic car world.

And, with an estimate of between £8,000 and £12,000, it’s not as if the cost of entry is high – and with no reserve, it’s going to sell from the very first bid, so might end up being even more of a bargain than our estimate suggests…

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.