For Sale at Auction: 1981 Porsche 928 in Costa Mesa, California

Chassis No. WP0JA0920BS821192
Engine No. 8110578
Transmission No. 1111343

Since 1965, every Porsche model has faced the challenge of being compared to the iconic 911, and the 928 was no exception. However, beyond simply coexisting with the 911, the 928 was originally conceived as its eventual successor-a fact Porsche never officially confirmed but was evident in its design. This front-engine V8 grand tourer offered a modern layout, increased power, and the ability to comfortably seat four passengers in a climate-controlled, aerodynamic aluminum body with an abundance of glass. As a just reward for Porsche's substantial efforts, the new 928 received the 1978 Car of the Year award, the first and only sports car to do so. Its impressive 18-year production run-remarkably long in sports car terms-saw continuous evolution, thanks to Porsche's Weissach development center. Over time many 928 owners upgraded their cars with these updated components to stay current, and today, an early first-series example such as this 928 is a rare and striking sight today.

According to its Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity this matching-numbers 928 was completed on 30 March 1981 in classic Grand Prix White over a Black leather interior. Factory options included a Blaupunkt Bamberg QTS Digital radio, passenger door mirror and protective body side moldings. Most important are two common options not selected-an automatic transmission and a sunroof. Much to the delight of purists of Porsches and front engine GTs the world over, this example features Porsche's five-speed manual. The consignor notes the car was first sold in Sioux City, Iowa, in June 1981 and by the early 1990s the clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report shows continuous California ownership until today. Acquired by the consignor in 2013 with approximately 55,000 miles, this well-maintained example has been an award-winning staple of northern California PCA concours events with numerous first place awards in that time. Outside of PCA concours competition it received a first in class during the 2015 edition of Concours on the Avenue during Pebble Beach Car Week and two first in class awards during the 2014 and 2019 Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance.

While on its way to becoming a concours winning example, this 928's matching numbers 4.5-liter V8 received a complete photo documented rebuild in May 2016 at the hands of 928 specialist Greg Brown at Precision Motorworks of Anaheim California with all new hoses and gaskets, fresh cadmium plating, and a full engine bay detail. In addition, in 2019, Precision Motorworks also rebuilt the five-speed manual transmission with new bearings, seals, and synchronizers. During the rebuild, a rebuilt limited slip differential was added for additional performance. The car features a well-documented service history detailing the extensive work conducted beginning in the early 1990s along with a thorough spreadsheet service log and upgrades that include 928 S-model spoilers front and rear and its dashboard, console, and armrests recovered in black leather. Today, this exceptional example of Porsche's forward-thinking V8-powered GT is offered with 70,732 miles along with an owner's manual, toolkit, jack, air compressor, and spare.