1989 PORSCHE 928 GT

• To be professionally inspected and recommissioned prior to the auction as a Channel 4 project
• The recommission will focus on both mechanical and cosmetic aspects
• Only 1,500 miles following an extensive engine rebuild. Dry stored last four years apart from MOT visits
• Full Porsche and specialist service history accompanied by a massive file of receipts and invoices
• The whole process will be recorded and the finished project will be offered, ready to go and MOT'd at the auction

Channel 4 has commissioned a pilot episode for a new and exciting series that involves members of the public having their antique objects or vehicles restored then sold and, pleasingly, these objects include classic cars. We are delighted that Silverstone Auctions have been chosen as partners to facilitate the sale of the completed classic car projects. The new twist in the series is that the owner gets to choose which of the expert restorers completes their project after the respective restorers have pitched their expertise to win the job ('Dragon's Den' in reverse). Within each restorer's pitch is the percentage of the sale price they wish to take at the end, as payment for their services and parts required. On this occasion, the production company have selected a Porsche 928GT and its owner who will be recorded during the restorer pitching process. The final part of the programme is the sale where, on this occasion, the Porsche will be filmed going through the auction capturing the subsequent bidding and final result. Any bidders wishing to remain anonymous can of course bid via telephone or online. We believe the programme will be broadcast in early 2020.

This particular 928 GT was supplied new to its first owner by Glenn Henderson of Edinburgh and is one of only 69 cars destined for the UK during 1989, the first year of production. As a really early car, it remains fitted with mechanical limited-slip differential which, with the benefit of hindsight, has proven to be more reliable. It was purchased by our vendor, a collector of the Porsche marque some four years ago and has been stored for most of this time occasionally coming out for MOT tests and being gently exercised to maintain smooth running and good mechanical health. As a particularly discerning collector, the car was serviced prior to being put into dry storage.

Prior to purchase, this fantastic manual 928 GT benefitted from an extensive engine rebuild and has covered less than 2,000 miles since. The accompanying comprehensive history file documents all work completed during that rebuild including the relevant invoices. At the same time, it was decided to replace the front brake discs and pads and more recently, a new quality battery has been fitted with the balance of the five-year warranty remaining.

The comprehensive history file is described as extensive by our vendor, containing previous invoices, tax discs, MOTs, photographs and parts invoices for the engine rebuild and the original service book with 21 stamps from both Porsche main dealers and 928 specialists. Clearly this 928 has been well maintained during its 30 years and benefited from considerable expenditure. Despite the impressive maintenance history, this wonderful car is displaying a few symptoms of her 30 years and, consequently, is going to enjoy some proper TLC from one of the UK's top automotive restorers. Not requiring any significant restoration, but an assortment of both cosmetic and mechanical issues associated with recommissioning that would frustrate any fastidious owner.

We are confident that when returned from the Channel 4 team, recommissioned, serviced and enjoying a fresh MOT, this will be one of the best examples of a 928 GT manual you will find. We understand the Channel 4 film crew will be present and filming when this car is offered, capturing the bidding excitement that accompanies any of our star cars.