1984 Porsche 928 S

Background:

When Porsche launched the 928 at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show it represented a sea-change for the company. Since its earliest days, Porsche had manufactured essentially one model – a rear-engined sportster. By the mid-1970s, management felt the air-cooled flat-six was nearing its maximum power output and environmental legislation would make it increasingly difficult for the engine to meet new emissions standards, as well as fitting catalytic converters and the like in a small, rear engine bay. Something had to be done.

That ‘something’ was totally alien to Porsche – putting the engine in the front! To replace the 911, the new model would need plenty of power and rear-wheel drive and that’s exactly what it got – a stirring 4.5-litre water-cooled V8 (words to send a shiver up the spine of 911 purists,) producing 240PS (237bhp) and driving through a 5-speed transaxle for optimum 50/50 weight balance.

Performance was near identical to the 911, despite the luxurious 928’s additional weight and the striking shape clearly identified Porsche’s first pukka GT as something rather special.

The car:

This rare survivor was delivered new by LSM Porsche of Cape Town, South Africa in January 1984, and would certainly have turned heads, resplendent in its Indian Red (IndischRot) coachwork, with contrasting full beige leather interior.

As a 1984 model, it also featured the updated 310PS (306hp) 4.7-litre V8, with Bosch LH-jetronic fuel-injection and fully electronic ignition. Wider wheels and tyres were part of the package, along with revised front and rear spoilers. The 1984 model was advertised as the ‘fastest street legal production car sold in the US.’

During its near-four decades in South Africa, this remarkable 928 has clearly been cosseted and enjoyed in the benign climate, having passed through the hands of just 4 previous owners, the last of whom only parted with the car after a 17 year-plus tenure.

The car remains stunningly original and it’s exceptionally rare to find a manual 928 S in this condition on top, underneath, inside and out. A full service has just been completed which included replacing all fluids, filters, auxiliary belts, and a genuine Porsche cambelt. It also received a new clutch. The speedometer reading in kilometres equates to just 44,000 miles.

It comes with all its original handbooks, stamped service book, invoices, sales brochure, air compressor, plastic gloves, tools and spare wheel.

These special GT’s are tremendous value considering the engineering and as a rare manual in this condition can only continue to rise in value.

Summary:

A remarkably original, cossetted, low-mileage example of Porsche’s landmark GT, in a glorious colour. When will you find another as good as this?

Seller: Private

Photos: Professional

Location: Nr. Guildford