The 1980 Porsche 924 Turbo stands as a fascinating example of how racing heritage influences street-legal performance. This specific car represents more than just a transaxle sportscar; it is a historical bridge to the 924 GTP racing programs of the early eighties. Fitted with an authentic Holbert Racing widebody kit in 1983, it carries the spirit of Porsche legend Al Holbert. Collectors recognize the 1980 Porsche 924 Turbo as a well-balanced platform that rewards precise driving. This example gained further notoriety during its decade-long tenure in the collection of Magnus Walker. It offers a visual impact and mechanical depth that few other transaxle models can match.
Holbert Racing Heritage and Widebody Design
Al Holbert was a pivotal figure in Porsche motorsports, and his dealership offered these fiberglass conversions based on Le Mans designs. This car wears the super-wide bodywork with Alpine White paint and iconic Martini Racing-inspired side graphics. Paterek Brothers Inc. performed the installation in 1983, ensuring the flares integrated perfectly with the factory lines. Massive three-piece BBS wheels fill the expanded arches, measuring nine inches wide in front and eleven inches in the rear. These aesthetic choices predated the modern widebody trend by decades, making the car a true pioneer of the style.
Sport Group Package and Factory Options
This chassis left the factory with the highly desirable Sport Group Package, known by Porsche enthusiasts as option code 471. This package equipped the car with ventilated brake discs and upgraded Koni shock absorbers for superior handling on twisty roads. Larger anti-roll bars were also included to minimize body roll during high-speed cornering maneuvers. Other rare factory options on this build include a limited-slip differential and an electric aerial. These components provide a solid foundation for the significant power increases found under the hood. It remains a driver-focused machine with a pedigree for serious performance.
Customized Performance and Cabin Upgrades
The interior reflects a period-correct racing aesthetic with manual sport seats featuring unique tartan inserts. A Mario Andretti signature edition Momo steering wheel provides the driver with a tactile connection to the front wheels. Green-marked gauges and an in-cabin boost controller allow for real-time monitoring of the turbocharged system. The dashboard remains clean, housing the controls for the factory alarm and the four-speaker sound system. Every detail inside the cabin suggests a vehicle that was owned and cherished by dedicated Porsche Club of America members. It balances vintage charm with the aggressive utility of a track-ready cockpit.
Engine Enhancements and Forced Induction
Mechanics modified the 2.0-liter inline-four engine to reach performance levels comparable to the legendary Carrera GT. A larger K26 turbocharger was installed alongside an Audi 5000 large-throat throttle body for increased air intake. Cooling is managed by a PWR air-water intercooler and a secondary aftermarket oil cooler for sustained hard driving. A Billy Boat stainless steel cat-back exhaust system provides a deep and authoritative note that matches the widebody look. These carefully considered additions ensure the car delivers modern power while retaining its vintage mechanical soul. This setup makes it an ideal candidate for canyon carving or club track days.
Engine Specifications and Performance Data
The 1980 Porsche 924 Turbo is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine featuring a Carrera GT-spec 6.10 K26 turbocharger. It utilizes an Audi 5000 large-throat throttle body and a PWR air-water intercooler for maximum efficiency. Power is managed through a transaxle gearbox paired with a factory-optioned limited-slip differential for better corner exit traction. The suspension features Koni shocks and larger anti-roll bars provided by the Sport Group Package. Braking performance is handled by factory-ventilated discs that sit behind nine-inch front and eleven-inch rear three-piece BBS wheels. A Billy Boat stainless steel exhaust completes the performance package.
The upgraded K26 turbocharger provides a significant increase in boost pressure compared to the original factory settings. With the in-cabin controller, the driver can adjust the power delivery to suit different road conditions or track layouts. The air-water intercooler ensures that intake temperatures remain low during repeated pulls through the gears. Because of the limited-slip differential, the car puts its power down more effectively than a standard 924 Turbo. The wide BBS wheels offer a massive contact patch for high levels of lateral grip in the corners. This combination of factory handling and custom power creates a truly visceral driving experience.
Summary of the Holbert Widebody Turbo
This 1980 Porsche 924 Turbo is a remarkable survivor that encapsulates the experimental spirit of eighties tuning. The connection to Al Holbert and Magnus Walker adds a layer of provenance that is rare for this model. It has been maintained by longtime Porsche Club of America members who understood its historical value. The mix of factory Sport Group options and high-performance engine modifications makes it a versatile collector car. Whether displayed at a show or driven hard on a track, it commands respect from the Porsche community. It represents a unique opportunity to own a widebody icon with genuine racing DNA.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
