Porsche had been debating whether to add a more comfortable and practical car to their line up of sports cars. And after several years of design they launched the Porsche 928 in 1977 being one of their more expensive offerings.
The Porsche 928 sold alongside the 911 as something different. With plans to eventually replace the 911 with their all new front engine coupe. Its statistics were impressive with equal pace to the non turbo 911’s of the time but also included 50/50 weight distribution to aid balance. More comfort and extra storage space made the 928 far more practical than the now long in the tooth 911 showing signs of decline in sales.
The 928 came with a manual 5 speed transmission or the more popular Mercedes-Benz derived automatic. It performed well with its aluminium V8 4.5 engine equal to the performance of the flat six used in the 911 model. With an increase in power from 240bhp to 310bhp the 928 S2 model was offered in the early eighties. Today the 928 is finally recognised by enthusiasts as prices continue to increase.
Buyers Guide
With the Porsche 928 corrosion isn’t a big issue as many body panels are aluminium such as the roof and doors. Any steel exterior wise was also galvanised but do check wheel arches and where the rear quarter windows meet the hatch for any signs of rust. Also look out for repair work to accident damage.
Engines have stood the test of time if well looked after. Just make sure that in the documented history the timing belt and water pump have been replace every 60,000 miles. Also make sure pitons and valves are ok. Transmissions are hard wearing with the auto model requiring little attention. However manual versions can have synchronization issue and any grinding noise from the box should mean walk away.
Brakes need thorough inspection making sure brake fluid has been renewed on a regular basis. If not you could be looking at new brake lines and callipers. Suspension may need inspection as ball joints wear. Control arms are normally used to correct this problem. Changing the aluminium ball joints to steel ones renders the car not serviceable.
Leather dash boards had been replaced with longer life vinyl and if seats are tired they can be re-trimmed. Make sure you check all the switch gear works and look out for any stress cracks inside.
Specification
| Years Produced | 1978 - 1987 |
| Performance | 0 - 60mph 6.2sec / Top Speed - 158mph |
| Power & Torque | 240bhp / 257Ib ft |
| Engine | 4474cc / V8 / 16 valves |
| Drive-train | Front engine RWD |
| Transmission | Five speed manual / Three speed automatic |
| Weight | 1468kg |
Valuation
Porsche 928 (1978–1987) Valuations
| Launch | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concourse | £19,500.00 | £10,000 | £15,000 | £20,000 | £25,000 | £35,000 | £50,000 |
| Excellent | £6,000 | £10,000 | £15,000 | £20,000 | £25,000 | £35,000 | |
| Good | £3,000 | £5,000 | £8,000 | £10,000 | £15,000 | £25,000 | |
| Fair | £2,000 | £2,500 | £4,000 | £5,000 | £8,000 | £15,000 |
Interesting Fact
When Porsche launched the 928 at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show it was the company’s first front engine V8 car that they had ever produced.
Mark Wilkinson, Managing Director Says:
“The 928 was a slow starter at first. The new Porsche wasn’t going to be the big seller they envisioned. It would never have replaced the 911 as it wasn’t an out and out sports car more of a 4 seater GT car. However it was an important addition to the Porsche range with luxury and practicality as well as performance to match.”
