Holy Pipe: 50 Years of Porsche Transaxle Models
Originally conceived by Porsche as the successor to the 911, the transaxle models from the late 1970s and 1980s have since become cult classics in their own right. Autosprint had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the 924, 928, 944, and 968.
Porsche is more than just the 911—much more! The four transaxle models occupy a special place in the brand’s rich history, as they broke with everything Porsche stood for at the time. But these sporty yet incredibly practical models, introduced in 1976, also demonstrated the courage to embrace change. The mere fact that a Porsche’s engine was no longer in the rear but suddenly in the front—and was water-cooled instead of air-cooled—shaped the technology and design of these vehicles. With their clean lines, long hood, and large glass tailgate, these true 2+2-seaters redefined everyday practicality. From 1976 to 1995, Porsche sold 386,290 transaxle models in numerous variants—from the Carrera GT to the Cabrio to the Clubsport.
An innovative but ridiculed construction method
In addition to their clean design lines, the transaxle models were also intended to impress with their balanced driving dynamics. To achieve this, Porsche engineers opted for an unconventional solution to ensure optimal weight distribution and avoid having a heavy block consisting of the engine and transmission on the front axle. The engine was mounted up front, followed by a clutch connected to a drive shaft that ran transversely through the entire car, transmitting power to the transmission and differential on the rear axle. The tube containing the eponymous high-speed shaft was often nicknamed the «stove pipe» and also provided stability—a quality that’s certainly appreciated during spirited driving. Fifty years after their introduction, the transaxle models are now experiencing a renaissance. Whether it’s the 924, 928, 944, or 968, they all still look modern and offer everyday practicality that may have been underestimated in the past.
An Exclusive Look at the Quirky
Reason enough for a unique drive around Stuttgart in these iconic Porsches. Before we set off, we marvel at a few curiosities from the transaxle era in the Porsche Museum’s workshop, alongside the cutaway model of the 1991 968 with its 3-liter four-cylinder engine—a vehicle that once offered a glimpse into its innovative technology at the IAA in Frankfurt. Take, for example, the aerodynamically optimized 924 record-breaking car—which did without headlights—featuring a lightweight plastic body and a single large air intake at the front. It was intended to cover (I) at an average speed of 250 km/h. But Porsche halted the endeavor before the car—weighing just 980 kg—could even roll up to the starting line. Instead, the 924 ended up in the museum. No, the 928 right next to it was neither a record-breaking car nor a reinterpretation where the legendary ’stove pipe” could also be placed. The test vehicle, with its 1989 bodywork, served as a mobile test bench equipped with an external noise measurement system and its own power supply.
With a knight's helmet and an automatic mechanism
Here we go; we’re kicking off our journey through time with the 928—but not just any 928, rather the GTS that belonged to former Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking. With 350 PS and 500 Nm, you’d expect plenty of sportiness, but it’s not quite as intense as you might think. The dynamic executive had a 4-speed automatic transmission, and perhaps, like us, he would have preferred the fast Porsche PDK dual-clutch transmission, which wasn’t offered until 2008. What’s fun, as with all transaxle models, are the round pop-up headlights, which featured a system where one swiveled forward and one backward and were internally dubbed the «knight’s helmet» under the hood.
From Beginners to Club Sports
Let’s switch to the bright green Laubfrosch from 1976. Originally developed as the EA 425 for VW and assembled at Audi in Neckarsulm, the 924 hit the market back then as Porsche’s new entry-level model for just 23,240 German marks—the equivalent of not even 24,000 Swiss francs. And the lively, robust four-cylinder engine with its 125 PS is a blast to drive! Even if you have to get used to the manual 4-speed transmission all over again. The checkered pattern on the seats is brilliant and pure nostalgia. You’d almost want to pop in a cassette with the top hits from the TV show ’Formel Eins,’ but we’d rather just listen to the sound of the engine.
With the 944, the series took on its sporty look in 1981, and its confident handling made it the most successful model of the transaxle era. We settle into the fabric seats with their psychedelically distorted checkerboard pattern—the “Pascha”—and enjoy every curve in the rolling hills of the Swabian Alb. This is what makes driving fun! To top it all off, we get to amp up the fun factor even more and tackle the final curves to the museum in the 968 Clubsport with 240 PS, two plastic bucket seats weighing just 13.6 kg each, and a roll cage in place of the rear seats. Technically sophisticated and consistently refined, it brings an extraordinary model family to a close.
Unique Pop-Up Exhibitions
The era of Porsche transaxle models represents not only a period in history but also a certain way of driving and a way of life. The Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, is now dedicating special pop-up exhibitions to the 924, 928, 944, and 968. Under the theme «Forever Young, Celebrating Transaxle,» the Porsche 944 and 968 will take center stage through October 4, 2026, followed by the Porsche 928 through January 17, 2027.
For more information, visit: porsche.com/germany/aboutporsche/porschemuseum
