1985 Porsche 928 S

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 the 928 had made over the 911, and the car was universally praised as one of the greatest Grand Touring 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 testers found that their nerve ran out long before the 928's grip.If the 928 attracted any criticism at all, it was that it wasn't quite quick enough. The original 4.4-litre engine generated 240 bhp but, mated to a relatively heavy car, the performance wasn't in the 911 category, so Porsche introduced the '928S' fitted with a 4.7-litre version of the engine and generating 310 bhp. This began to deliver the car's potential, achieving 0-60 times of around 7 seconds, however, the real trump card of this engine which extra power began to reveal, was its in-gear acceleration around the mid-range - 50-70 mph or indeed any acceleration from 3,000 rpm was now in the supercar league.Porsche continuously developed the 928 throughout its life, initially with the S2 which received the 4.7 litre engine and front and rear spoilers to reduce lift at high speed and subsequently with the 928 S4 in 1987 with smoothed off front and rear bumpers, a bigger rear spoiler, more interior equipment and a 5-litre version of the V8 engine developing 330 bhp. The 'S4' style was largely retained for the rest of the car's life but Porsche created several later model variants including the 928 GT and 928 GTS.

This particular 928 S is finished in Saphire Blue with a sumptuous deep blue leather interior which clearly has not had a hard life. It's recently arrived on our shores from South Africa where it has been enjoyed by just one previous owner. The car comes with some decent provenance, owner's manuals, and a very good service record showing all the stamps, with the last one only having been completed some 800 kms. ago. This attractive 928S has covered the equivalent of just 88,000 miles, which for a V8 of this nature is nothing. Long underrated, 928s have just started to turn the corner with values rising, so if you were thinking about becoming a 928 owner, this cracking car must represent a serious option. Drive one and you won't be disappointed.