Back in the 1970’s corporate types at Porsche thought they needed to design a car to replace its iconic 911. The 928 was their answer. The 928 may have failed to supplant the 911 but it proved that Porsche could produce a luxurious grand touring car whose legacy lives on in the Panamera. The 928 was perennially among the fastest production cars available and wrapped its occupants in luxury and creature comforts never seen in the comparatively austere 911 or down market 944.
Over its 17 year production run, just over 61,000 units were produced. The range evolved from the unadorned purity of its initial 240 horsepower iterations to the spoiler clad final edition GTS with a beastly 350 horsepower. But the 928 languished on the resale market with good examples selling for less than $10,000 as recently as four years ago.
Well, for those looking to profit on speculation that ship has sailed. In recent years 928 prices have surged and show no sign of slowing down. Because of the depressed pricing, many were neglected and fell into disrepair. They are undoubtedly expensive to restore with hard to source parts. Restoring interiors, especially those with warped and gaping dashboards can send a project spiraling out of control quickly. It should be no wonder then that well-kept properly maintained low mileage units are now commanding prices more in line with its contemporaries like the BMW M6 and Mercedes 560SL.
The 1986 928S offered for sale here is a stunning example in excellent overall condition. Build date puts it in the desirable “86 and a half” range sporting the new 5.0 liter 32 valve 288 horsepower engine, bigger brakes and 4-speed automatic transmission. Indicating less than 36,000 miles on its working odometer the Carfax shows no accident history and since being acquired from its longstanding caretaker/collector the car has seen thoughtful service and preventative maintenance to transform it from a seldom driven garage queen to the exemplary driver that it is today.
Aside from a recent exchange of all fluids including brakes and transmission, this car has received fuel pump and related service, a new mass air flow sensor, intake boots and replacement of worn components including tie rods, ball joints, steering rack boot and wiper motor. New tires were fitted in July 2019 and in October 2020 cold start and fuel pressure issues were resolved and the all-important timing belt service that includes the upgrade to the PKT-S belt tensioner was performed not because it was showing signs of wear but for peace of mind for the next owner.
Cosmetically, this car is near mint. The original Guards Red paint presents beautifully; glass and rubber trim and plastic lace all in excellent condition; wheels in great shape too. Interior shows minimal wear throughout. The dash is near perfect. Lights are in working order. AC blows cold. Sunroof operates smoothly. The power mirrors are the only annoyance working only intermittently. The original Blaupunkt Reno radio remains but is not operative.
The 928 was a different kind of Porsche. Its initial impression is of its build quality; it feels substantial and solid. Ergonomics are excellent, comfort is uncompromised. It exudes quality. Underway it’s smooth; deceptively quick. Steering, suspension and brakes are not racy but they are more than up to the task, right up to the car’s limits. It’s on the open road, the Autobahn, where this car is most at home. Press hard on the pedal and this car seems to have no end to how fast it will go, its composure at speed is unrivaled. It is truly one of the finest Grand Touring automobiles ever produced.
This Porsche 928S is fully sorted and whether its new owner intends to take it cross county or daily driving or to show it off at the local cars and coffee or PCA meets or whether its tucked away in another collection this car fits the bill.
