IN 1981 Porsche developed two 944 prototypes to succeed the 924 GTPs which raced the 1980 24 Hours of Le Mans.

To coincide with the release of the 944 in fall of 1981, Porsche prepared a GTP version to promote the car before the launch.

The GTP was equipped with a special Type 949 cylinder block with dry sump lubrication, KKK K28 turbocharger and an air-to-air intercooler. At a boost pressure of 15.5 psi 410 bhp was possible from the 2,478 cc block.

At Le Mans chassis 924-006 was prepared with Hugo Boss for Walter Röhrl and Jürgen Barth and they finished finished 3rd in Class as well as 7th overall.

Our feature car was built as a development car for the run-up to Le Mans. After the season was over it was dismantled and the engine was used to power Alan Hamilton’s Spirit of Australia. IN the 1990s collector Jim Edwards purchased the 924-006 tub and reunited the original engine with it. It was finished in time to be present at the 1998 Monterey Historics when Porsche was celebrated.