The DP Cargo was developed in the mid-80’s by Eikkehard Zimmerman and according to DP’s website was “an immediate success”. Since then, DP has converted a limited number of different transaxle Porsches into their version of a shooting brake. What we’re most used to seeing is a Porsche 944 Station Wagon known as the DP44. The Porsche station wagon we’ve found today is, however, based on a 924.
Manufactured in 1977 as a “regular” 924, this Porsche was converted into a station wagon in 1986 by DP. In addition to the standard modifications made by DP in the process (details on that below), the engine was upgraded to 924 Turbo Specifications inclusive of all the needed running gear, engine, gearbox and 5 stud alloy wheels.
Interestingly, this Porsche station wagon seems to have been for sale for some time as it appears to have originally been listed for sale over on Pelican Parts in their forums on a thread covering DP conversions. The seller then listed the car with a dealer in the UK and earlier today BaT included it in their newsletter.
Listed at $25,995 Pounds Sterling, this DP Cargo seems to be fairly priced depending on its condition. DP says they have 5 to 10 remaining kits awaiting a donor car. Cost for a “ready to go” conversion is noted on the DP web-site as EUR 18,000. So, by the time you find a decent 924 Turbo donor you would probably be over the purchase price on this example and that’s before you even try to negotiate.
How DP Turns a Porsche into a Station Wagon
In order to turn your Porsche coupe into an “estate” version, DP cuts the body and mates it with a host of custom parts including a highly modified roof from a VW Passat. In addition, the interior gets a little love in the form of color matching seating, side panels and headliner along with a flat rear floor. More details in this post.