I've just found this thread after the mention in Porsche Post and it has generated a few thoughts. I had an original Martini 924 from 1980-85. The one featured on eBay looks a bit of a stray ( as in, it has strayed away from the original spec). I agree with a number of observations - the console dials did not have green characters, neither did the hatch have a spoiler. The spec of these cars was basic, not Lux. Consequently the wind-up windows are correct, the manual-adjustable black door mirrors are correct, the exposed lockable filler cap is correct and the trim looks the correct colour in the photo, though I also agree the fit in the rear seat well area leaves something to be desired. However, there are other giveaways. The original did not have side repeater flashers, nor a rear window wiper. The hatch was unencumbered and gave a totally smooth line. Neither did mine have a sunroof, and I understood at the time that all 100 cars brought into the UK had the same spec, but I suppose someone might have managed to get a sunroof as an option. Finally I seem to remember the metal badge name ' Porsche' preceded the ' 924' on the rear. This seems to be missing on this car ( though it can be seen on the example pictured on the 'retrorides' website just mentioned. This one has also got a hatch spoiler and sunroof. Maybe it was an option after all.....Strange!)
So IMHO, a bit of a mongrel, though how much of a dog, if at all of course, is impossible to say. I only sold mine ( at 115,000 miles and after 85,000 miles of ownership) because the early half-body-galvanising rust-proofing was failing to keep up with the tin-worm. The engine was better than ever. I saw it twice on the road after it was sold, and a couple of years later was mailed by an owner who had done some restoration work. Any clue as to where VEC 314R is now?
Although I would not buy even a genuine-spec original Martini now, unless it had had an unlikely ground-up restoration, I did succumb to a replica Martini a couple of years ago - a 1984 2.0l Lux whose exterior had been 'retro-ed', with stripes and correct four-stud white wheels. It's the best of both worlds and at 105k miles is still great fun to drive.
