The 924 was introduced in February 1976 with a front engined, 4 cylinder, water cooled 1984cc VW/Audi sourced (but Porsche developed) engine which was good for 125 mph; this was a radical departure for Porsche, previously they were best known for their rear engined 356 and 911 models as well as the mid engined 914 model. This new 'transaxle' Porsche with its gearbox at the rear of the car (giving near 50/50 weight distribution) was an important test bed for the 928 which followed soon after which also used essentially the same transaxle design.
A turbocharged model was soon added to the range in September 1978, giving the 924 Turbo a top speed of around 140mph, compared to the normally aspirated cars 125mph. 1980 and 1981 saw the release of the (now rare) 924 Carerra GT and Carerra GTS which were, and still are the ultimate 924 models.
The new 944 model was introduced in January 1982 with a Porsche 2.5 engine (good for 137 mph) and ran alongside the 2 litre model for some time, until in Septenber 1985 the 924 got the same 2.5 engine (As the Porsche 924S). A few years later in August 1988 the 924 was phased out entirely having proved itself worthy of the Porsche name.
The 944 itself enjoyed many years of development and classic status, during the German metalworkers strike nearly-new cars were actually selling for list price! It's engine size was uprated from 2.5 to 2.7 (for 1989 model year) to 3 litres (1990 model year on the S2 model) before being phased out on the 22nd of April 1991 in favour of the 968.
The 968 was a further evolution of the 924/944 line which was introduced in 1991 (for the 1992 model year) till early 1995. The main changes were to the bodywork (with the car taking on a 928 feel with the front and rear lights), the variable camshaft timing or Vario-Cam engine (still the 3.0 944 unit but good for 152 mph) and a 6 speed gearbox.
At that point the front engined 4 cylinder water cooled range came to an end when the excellent Boxster took over its production line.
2001 was the 25th anniversary year of the first 924 model that was made by Porsche in February 1976 in a 2 litre form, production continued until August 1988 in a 2.5 litre 'S' form
So as you can see the 924/944/968 model range was as important as any 911, and when you consider that the 924 and 944 pulled Porsche out of a financial slump its no surprise that the range is well thought of.
Paul Hedges 2002