In 1979 a Porsche 924 carried Queen Elizabeth II through the streets of a newborn federation. The car, painted in the distinctive Abu Dhabi police livery, has now been returned to that original appearance after a careful restoration. The work was carried out by Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi together with the Al Ain branch, under the supervision of Ali Al Hammadi, head of the police legacy department.
Its public appearance is scheduled for the Icons of Porsche festival in Dubai on 21 and 22 November, after which it will take up permanent residence at the Al Maqtaa Museum in Abu Dhabi. The project highlights the link between the early days of the United Arab Emirates and a model that became the first sports car in the federal police fleet.
The birth of the 924
The 924 emerged from a joint venture between Volkswagen and Porsche in March 1972. Volkswagen asked Porsche to design a front-engine rear-transaxle layout that could replace the rear-engine 914. When Volkswagen withdrew in late 1974, Porsche purchased the project and launched the 924 as an entry-level sports car. The design featured a 2.0-liter inline-four engine delivering 125 CV, a balanced weight distribution and the pioneering transaxle concept, later used for the 928, 944 and 968 series. Production continued until August 1988, reaching 150 684 units.
Porsche 924 in Abu Dhabi police service
German police forces had already tested the 924 in the early 1980s, fitting it with blue flashing lights, sirens and radio equipment. Abu Dhabi police adopted the model for a far more visible role. During the first royal visit of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1979, the sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan personally escorted the entourage, and the police chose the 924 as the escort vehicle. The car therefore occupies a special place in the nation’s history, symbolising both modernity and the protection of the newly-independent federation.
Meticulous restoration by Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
The restoration team focused on returning every component to its 1979 condition. The chassis was stripped, rust removed and the original suspension geometry rebuilt to factory specifications. The engine was overhauled to produce the same 125 CV output, and the interior was re-upholstered with the period-correct black leather and vinyl trims.
Authentic police livery
Rather than applying modern adhesive decals, the workshop reproduced the police insignia and script directly on the body using the original paint techniques. This livery recreation respects the historic visual identity and avoids the glossy veneer of contemporary wraps. Lieutenant Colonel Ali Al Hammadi said, “The Porsche 924 represents an important chapter in the history of Abu Dhabi Police and the development of our vehicle fleet.”
Saeed Ali Al Dhaheri, managing director of Ali & Sons Investments, added, “Restoring this historic vehicle gives us a tangible link to the early years of the UAE and showcases Porsche’s long-standing relationship with the region.”
Public debut at Icons of Porsche festival
After the ceremony at the Al Maqtaa Museum, the car will travel to Dubai’s The Square in Nad Al Sheba for the Icons of Porsche event. The festival, held on 21–22 November, will present the 924 alongside other Porsche classics, celebrating fifty years of transaxle models. Dr. Manfred Bräunl, CEO of Porsche Middle East and Africa, noted, “The restoration reminds everyone that this Porsche was the very first performance police car in the UAE. I am proud of the team for their dedication.” The exhibition will allow visitors to see the vehicle in its authentic state and understand its role in the nation’s automotive heritage.
