Porsche Honors Its Front-Engined Coupes: 924, 944, 968 & 928 Exhibition Opens in Stuttgart

Porsche’s Underdog Coupes Get Their Due in Stuttgart Exhibition

Porsche has launched a dedicated exhibition at its museum in Stuttgart to celebrate its front-engined, water-cooled sports cars—the 924, 944, 968, and 928—models that once carried the brand before the 911 became synonymous with Porsche. Titled Forever Young. Celebrating Transaxle, the exhibition marks 50 years since Porsche introduced the transaxle layout into series production.

Unlike traditional static displays, Porsche is hosting rotating pop-up installations focused on technology, design, motorsport, and the vibrant 1980s culture. The first display opened on May 14, 2024 and will run through June 7, 2026, with additional pop-ups and themed weekends planned throughout the year.

How the Transaxle Revolution Began

The transaxle setup—placing the engine at the front and the transmission at the rear axle—was a game-changer. Porsche adopted this layout for the 924 in 1976 after Volkswagen abandoned a joint sports car project. The arrangement improved weight balance and handling precision while maintaining everyday usability, much like Ferrari’s late 1960s 275 GTB.

Between 1976 and 1995, Porsche sold nearly 400,000 examples of these front-engined coupes. The lineup included:

• 924 (1976–1988): A refined version of the abandoned VW project, powered by a 2.0-liter engine.
• 928 (1978–1995): A grand tourer with a V8 engine, the only Porsche (or expensive performance car) to win European Car of the Year. It was even considered as a potential 911 replacement.
• 944 (1982–1991): Built on the 924’s platform but with a 2.5-liter Porsche engine (derived from half of the 928’s V8) and distinctive fat fenders. Over 160,000 were sold, making it the commercial success of the lineup.
• 968 (1992–1995): The final evolution of the 944, running until 1995.

A Nostalgic Trip Through 1980s Porsche Culture

The exhibition embraces the neon-soaked optimism of the 1980s, featuring graffiti art, quick sketch artists, and race cars displayed outside the museum. Motorsport takes center stage with highlights such as the 924 GTP Le Mans racer and rally versions driven by legendary driver Walter Röhrl.

"For a long while, it was the brand’s front-engined, water-cooled sports cars that carried the company."

Why These Porsches Still Matter Today

For enthusiasts unable to afford a 911, models like the 924 or 944 offer an accessible entry into Porsche ownership. Values have risen in recent years, but these cars remain a practical choice with lower running costs compared to modern performance vehicles.

If you’re in the Stuttgart area, the exhibition is a must-see. For those outside the region, the classifieds may hold a hidden gem—just be prepared to act fast.