Walter Röhrl Reunites With Long Lost 924 Carrera GTS Rally

Big Surprise

Legendary driver Walter Röhrl racked up a lot of wins in quite a few different cars over his career, but he only participated in rally racing behind the wheel of a Porsche for one season - 1981. At that time, Röhrl and co-driver Christian Geistdörfer competed in this gold and black 924 "Monnet" Carrera GT, which the automaker recently restored and surprised Röhrl with.

Photos: Porsche

Racking up Wins

This year marked 40 years since Röhrl debuted the 924 at the 1981 International ADAC Metz Rally. After finishing second place in that race despite technical difficulties, the Porsche team secured victories at the Hessen Rally, Serengeti Safari Rally, Anterior Palatinate Rally, and Baltic Rally, as well as a second-place overall finish for the season. 

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about Röhrl and his 924 Carrera GTS right here on Rennlist.com.

Coming Home

Röhrl and Geistdörfer moved to Opel the following year, while the 924 Carrera GTS had its last race outing at the Boucles de Spa Rally in February 1982 with Jacky Ickx behind the wheel. In August of 1982, the "924 GTS test car" was handed over to the museum. At that time, the Blue livery applied for the Belgium rally was replaced with the original gold and black paintwork of the cognac producer Monnet. The car's technology and paintwork remain unchanged to this day.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about Röhrl and his 924 Carrera GTS right here on Rennlist.com.

Original Engine

The restoration of this special car took place in the same location it was built four decades ago - Porsche's historic motor racing department in Weissach. One of just nine prototypes built in total, the 924 still has its original 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine underhood, which made it through the entire 1981 season with no damage and has just over 10,000 kilometers under its belt.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about Röhrl and his 924 Carrera GTS right here on Rennlist.com.

Patina Preserved

The focus of the restoration was ensuring complete originality down to the very last detail and also preserving the car's patina. Even the slightly sun-faded red seat belt harnesses under the large glass dome are still the originals. A large "R" is embroidered on the harness on the driver side, and the initials "CG" are featured on the passenger side, signifying Röhrl and Christian Geistdörfer's presence in the cockpit.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about Röhrl and his 924 Carrera GTS right here on Rennlist.com.

Keep a Secret

"The biggest problem in recommissioning the car," said Kuno Werner, head of the Porsche Museum's workshop, "was not the technology, but keeping it secret." The plan was that the 924 Carrera GTS would turn up at the front door of the two-time World Rally Champion on his 74th birthday. "But Walter Röhrl knows so many people here that it was difficult to keep the project quiet." Regardless, the rally revival was completed successfully when the team from the museum and Roland Kussmaul surprised Röhrl with the roadworthy "Monnet" Porsche on his birthday.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about Röhrl and his 924 Carrera GTS right here on Rennlist.com.

Time Machine

"It was a huge surprise for me," Röhrl said. "I stepped out of the car 40 years ago and haven't sat in it again since. So I was astonished when Roland showed up all of a sudden in this car. This car opened the door to Porsche for me. That is why I feel a particularly close bond to it. For me, it's a journey back in time. I immediately feel 40 years younger."

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about Röhrl and his 924 Carrera GTS right here on Rennlist.com.

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