Built to celebrate the collaboration between Martini & Rossi and Porsche in their effort to win the 1976 World Sportscar Championship, The Porsche 924 Martini Championship Edition was a limited-production, special equipment group manufactured between December 1976 and March 1977. The example on offer was completed 1 January 1977 and sold to its original owner through a dealership in St. Louis, Missouri, as can be seen stamped on the original maintenance and warranty booklet on file.
It is believed to be one of 3,000 built during this short production run.
These cars can be easily identified by their “Martini” racing stripes streaking down the side of car, Polizei Weiss (Police White) exterior, and matching painted wheels. The livery continues into the cabin through red carpets and blue-piped black vinyl seats with red cloth inserts and Martini stripes on the headrests. The exclusive package additionally adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a plaque noting Porsche’s sportscar racing success. This example features air conditioning and a rear window wiper as additional options. The E19 code, Porsche’s internal designation for the package, further includes the fitment of front and rear sway bars for improved handling.
Today, just 24,769 miles show at the time of cataloguing, indicating modest use over the past 46 years. Invoices on file from 2016 show the car received a complete brake job with fresh discs, pads, lines, and wheels bearings being fitted. At the same time the ignition system was serviced, and a new timing belt with tensioner was installed. The Porsche was acquired by the White Collection in 2019; it has since been started at monthly intervals in order to confirm proper working order. Owner’s books, an original warranty booklet, and assorted accessories will accompany the car.
One of the more desirable iterations of the Porsche 924, the Martini Championship Edition features an iconic livery and a dashing interior. With a history of modest use and a high degree of overall originality, this example will continue to remain highly collectable amongst the trans-axle faithful.