The Sport Wagon Enthusiast

DP Cargo Porsche 924/944 Shooting Brake

Looking for a Porsche with a little extra boot space—but don’t want to settle for a thirsty and ugly Cayenne? German tuning firm DP Cargo has at least two solutions for you: the DP24 and DP44. As modified versions of the Porsche 924 and 944, respectively, both models offer Porsche handling and power with exceptional utility and exclusivity. This article covers both the 924 and 944 as they are close cousins: the 944 was introduced in 1982 as an improved variant of the 924—featuring updated bodywork and styling, but an almost identical interior.

Both vehicles have been converted from stock using the roof of a VW Passat to create a rakish rump and loads of boot space. Although this method may sound crude, the DP44 is no hack job (like this $500 Evil Genius Racing 928 Brake). To start DP Cargo has a long and successful history—its been tuning Porsches since 1975 and has been converting 924s and 944s into shooting brakes since 1988. Secondly—as the photos testify—DP Cargo’s finished product remarkably refined and pays exceptional attention to detail and fitment. The spare wheel has even been relocated to create a flat load floor. And due to extensive fiberglass and steel tube modifications, the chassis is even stiffer than stock. The interior has been done redone as well, with the side panels and headlining retrimmed in leather.

All this kit isn’t cheap either—the conversion cost $30k. But price is only half the battle; you’ve got to find one of these rare beasts first. DP made seven DP44’s and perhaps only a handful of DP28s—less than a dozen total. DP Cargo converted a variety of 924s and 944s—meaning existing examples can feature any engine or drivetrain, from a 175bhp naturally aspirated four to a 250 bhp boosted four, with either a manual or automatic.  

King among the DP24 and DP44s is the 1980 Porsche 924 Carrera GT Brake. Before Porsche ever made a mid-engined V10-powered supercar, there was the 924 Carrera GT road-going racecar. And DP Cargo converted at least one into the Mack-Daddy of all Porsche shooting brakes. With flared wheel arches, a functional hood scope, and the drivetrain from a 924 Turbo—the 924 Carrera GT Brake is a racewagon. Compared to the standard Porsche 924—and the DP24—the Carrera GT Brake is wider, lighter, and offers improved handling. A 210 horsepower turbocharged four powers the GT and propels the three-door to sixty in 7 seconds. Best of all, the 924 GT Brake is a one-off among one of the rarest 924s. Only 400 production Carrera GTs were ever made.