1979 Porsche 928 4.5 Auto

Porsche's intended replacement for the 911 may not have achieved that particular goal, but it wasn't for a lack of performance or technological wizardry. An alloy V8 was attached to a rear-mounted gearbox, and the galvanised body had aluminium doors and bonnet, plus body-coloured plastic bumpers - pretty radical for its time. The 928 was launched to a fanfare and surprised many by being named "European Car of the Year", an award that traditionally went to worthy, but dull, family hatchbacks.

Critics immediately recognised the advances inherent in the 928 over the 911, and the car was universally praised as one of the greatest 'GT' cars of all time. It handled, it was quick, it looked fantastic and it was comfortable. With the 928, Porsche created a serious long distance grand-touring car that could also tackle twisting B-roads with ease, thanks to super-direct steering, 50/50 weight distribution and a clever Weissach rear axle that kept the car firmly planted. Many road testers found that their nerve ran out long before the 928's grip.

The 928 was produced from 1978 until 1995, and from '78 to'80 the initial displacement of the water-cooled, single overhead cam, V8 engine was 4.5 litres which produced 240bhp, resulting in a top speed of 158 mph and a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds.

Styling was the same in both 1978 and 1979, with the body lacking both front and rear spoilers. The distinctive rounded rear end without a spoiler is an unmistakable distinguishing feature of the early 928 – and is now considered the purest example of the design.

The car presented here is RHD, 1979 Porsche 928 4.5 fitted with an automatic gearbox. It has been subject to a full, glass-out, photo-documented repaint in its original Petrol Blue Metallic. This thorough work included the replacement of all rubber seals. Likewise, the interior has recently just been re-trimmed in the period-correct black/blue 'Pasha' fabric with half leather, ordered directly from Germany. Mechanically, the car has been fully serviced, with the cam-belt, fuel pump, ancillary components and all filters having been freshly renewed. The gearbox has also been refurbished and the A/C system works as it should. The electrical system has benefited from an overhaul too, with all new fuse relays, and the distinctive note of that big V8 exits through a new stainless steel exhaust.

The car is supplied with its original book pack including service book and manuals. In the history file there are numerous invoices for maintenance, with servicing records from both Porsche and marque specialists. The car drives and performs as you would hope, and wears its 127,144 miles very well.

Front-engined Porsches are having the renaissance they richly deserve, and this early and very capable model, whilst being competitively guided, opens the door into a very exclusive club of Porsche ownership. Now ready to be enjoyed by a new owner, this is one not to be missed and has the potential to be a shrewd investment.