Before the Cayenne that ushered in Porsche’s long-roof era in the 2000s, there were other models that kept the maker of the 911 on the right financial track. That role was taken on by the mid-engined Boxster in the mid-90s, but what came prior to it? That would be Porsche’s transaxle model range, which span from the mid-70s to the early 90s. And the front-engined sports car that entered production first is the 924, with this particular example having received a thorough aftermarket rally-style treatment under the “Safari” banner. Update: the original title of the article erroneously stated this is a Porsche 928—we’ve corrected the title to reflect the 924 model being discussed here.
As you may have noticed, rugged conversions of the sort are on the rise in the Porsche world (no pun intedend). And since a 911 of any era currently commends a hefty price even without a rally attire, there are certain enthusiasts who look elsewhere when lifting a Zuffenhausen machine. Case in point with this 924, which got its off-roading additions earlier this year.
The 924 started out as a joint project between Porsche and Volkswagen. VW pulled out of the venture, leaving the vehicle to enter the market as a Porsche. As opposed to its predecessor, though, the 924 was the first production car of an entire range consisting of front-engined machines that kept their transmissions at the rear (transaxle) for better weight distribution.
Porsche’s transaxle years
The lineup consisted of the 924 entry model (1976-1988), whose VW engines and Audi-handled prodution helped its critics, as well as two other four-cylinder models that used Porsche motors: the 944 (1982-1991) and the 968 that replaced it (1991-1995).
There was also the range-topping 928 (1977-1995), which only came in V8 form (you’ll find a 928 Cabriolet unofficial concept here). These models were a success, with Porsche selling nearly 400,000 transaxle cars over their almost two decades of showroom presence.
Now, Porsche gradually convinced naysayers of the 924’s badge worthiness, and it wasn’t just because it eventually introduced the 944’s 2.5L Porsche four-cylinder to the model. For one, 1980 marked the introduction of the 924… Carrera GT, which kickstarted the model’s respectable motorsport career. And, among the multiple racing 924s that followed, we find rally cars.
Back to this rally-like conversion for the 924
Now that we know where this 1978 Porsche 924 “Safari” takes its inspiration from, it’s time to list the mods. So, while this sports the base 2.0L N/A four-cylinder and a five-speed manual, it does come with a host of hardware that can allow the vehicle to tackle rough terrain.
The lifted suspension is mixed with 15-inch alloy wheels using spacers for a wider track and cool stance, which are wrapped on Toyo Radial Open Country tires. There’s a roof-mounted spare wheels, mud flaps and extra lights on the front bumper.
As for the cabin, we’re looking at a pair of Sabelt bucket seats with harnesses, OMP pedals and footwell plates, VDO dials, a black synthetic suede-finished OMP steering wheel and others. In terms of safety, the vehicle is fitted with a fire extinguisher, as well as with exterior and interior kill switches—for the record, this doesn’t seem to be homologated for official competitions, being more suitable for amateur rallies.
It’s looking for an enthusiastic driver
The Porsche 924, which is listed on British auction site Collecting Cars, comes in a Rothmans livery, the kind of advertising that would be officially impossible these days. The 60,000 km (37,000 miles) on the dash is an irrelevant reading, since the odometer is not the original one. However, there’s no apparent body damage or other mechanical/electrical issues, even though the stone chips across the vehicle are accompanied by a “small blister” on the rear bumper.
The restomod job that gave this 924 its Safari identity a few months ago also included replacing several meachnical bits. And the vehicle is said to have covered few miles since then.
Now, in case the Safari name sounds familiar, it’s probably because Porsche used this on a 991 (ex-gen) 911 concept and could feature it again on a lifted 992 911 that should debut within the next twelve months.
