In the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, Jay Leno sits down with legendary actor and lifelong automotive enthusiast Kent McCord to explore a remarkably preserved piece of Porsche history: McCord’s original-owner 1980 Porsche 924 Turbo. More than just a celebrity car feature, the episode offers a fascinating blend of automotive nostalgia, racing heritage, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories centered around a sports car that has remained in the same hands for more than four decades.
Best known for portraying Officer Jim Reed on the iconic television series Adam-12, McCord reveals that his passion for cars extends far beyond the screen. A dedicated racer who once competed in the Volkswagen Rabbit Bilstein Cup series, he approached performance driving with the same enthusiasm that made him a recognizable face in American television. His Dolomite Gray Porsche 924 Turbo reflects that passion, remaining largely unmodified and retaining the character that made Porsche’s early transaxle-era cars unique.
The discussion traces McCord’s journey from high-powered Corvettes to the more balanced and efficient Porsche. Introduced during a period marked by fuel shortages and changing automotive priorities, the 924 Turbo offered a compelling blend of performance, economy, and handling. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the lightweight sports car delivered an engaging driving experience that appealed to enthusiasts seeking something different from the traditional rear-engined Porsche formula.
McCord also shares memorable stories from his Hollywood career, including how renowned producer Jack Webb once gifted him a 1971 Corvette during a salary negotiation. Equally entertaining are his recollections of mastering the quirks of early turbocharging technology, including replacing numerous turbochargers while learning the importance of proper cooldown procedures on the oil-cooled system.
As Leno and McCord take the 46-year-old Porsche onto California roads, the car proves why it has earned renewed appreciation among enthusiasts. Its lightweight construction, responsive chassis, and unmistakable turbo surge demonstrate that even decades later, the 924 Turbo remains a rewarding driver’s car and a remarkable survivor from Porsche’s transitional era.
Source: Jay Leno’s Garage
