After introducing the 911 in 1964, Porsche’s comittment to it wavered. It was a tiny car, with an engine in the rear that presented some handling challenges, and an air-cooled design that required many compromises.
Porsche began to pour resources into its 928 design, aiming for a larger car that had (slightly) more usable rear seats, and a water-cooled engine placed up front.
It was quite controversial when they decided to shoehorn a v-8 into it.
They manufactured the 928 from 1977 to 1995. The styling is simply out of this world, with nothing that looks like them on the road then or since.
I saw a 928 in Tom Cruise’s movie Risky Business as a kid, and it really made an impression on me.
Here in the US, it launched initially with a 4.5 liter 16V v8 making 219 hp. At a curb weight of 3,200 lbs, this was very sporty.
Car and Driver magazine published an article on the 78 model and their introduction to it in June of 1977. They were utterly flabbergasted and described the car in glowing terms. From their article:
“About once every ten years, some car comes along that forces the automotive community to re-examine all of its preconceptions and conventional wisdom. The Porsche 928 is exactly that kind of automotive phenomenon. It will blow your mind, knock your socks off, toss your hat in the creek.”
Their initial tests showed a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, along with a top speed of 140 mph.
The engine got a horsepower bump in 1980, moving from 219 hp up to 228 hp. But bigger things were brewing.
By 1983, a the engine displacement was increased to 4.7 liters, bumping horsepower to 239hp. And by 1985, Porsche dropped a 5.0 liter into the car with 32 valves. Horsepower jumped to 288.
Just as they spent decades improving the 911, Porsche continued chipping away on the 928. By the mid 1990’2, the 928 GTS rolled down the production line with a 32 valve 5.4 liter V8 making 345 horsepower.
For a relatively expensive car, the 928 was successfull. Production numbers…
| Model | Model Years | Production Qty |
|---|---|---|
| 928 | 1978-1982 | 17,669 |
| 928 S | 1980-1983 | 8,315 |
| 928 S/S2 | 1984-1986 | 14,347 |
| 928 S4 | 1987-1991 | 15,682 |
| 928 CS | 1988-1989 | 19 |
| 928 SE | 1988 | 42 |
| 928 GT | 1989-1991 | 2,078 |
| 928 GTS | 1992-1995 | 2,904 |
| Total | 1978-1995 | 61,056 |
This 1985 928 S is for sale in Powell, Ohio right now (Facebook Marketplace link).
It’s white, with a 5 speed manual transmission. It has 151,777 miles on the odometer, and the gentleman is asking $27,999 for it.
That seems like a lot, given the miles, but the seller’s ad lists tons of work that has been completed:
Hi! You are looking at a Porsche 928 S in Grand prix white with carrera 3 wheels. (OEM Wheels Included)
This vehicle has undergone over 150 hours in a comprehensive restoration, with major investments in mechanical reliability, electrical functionality, and cosmetic appeal. Comes with clean title in hand.
Highlights & Upgrades:
Mechanical Excellence: Engine refreshed with new timing belt, crank seal, oil pump seals, accessory belts, and motor mounts. Compression checks show healthy cylinders (150–155 psi). New fuel pump, fuel lines, shocks (konis over hypercoils), tie rods, ball joints, and oil pan gasket installed for smooth, reliable performance and leak free driveway.
Electrical & Lighting: All interior and exterior lighting systems serviced—new bulbs, switches, connectors, and fuse panel troubleshooting. Upgraded stereo system with hands-free microphone and Alpine S40 door speakers.
Interior Restoration: Front seats, steering wheel, and stick shift leather reconditioned. Door panels refreshed with new door clips, and sound barriers. Armrest and door hardware repaired for a secure, comfortable cabin.
Cosmetic Enhancements: Repainted grills and trims, new front spoiler, and OEM ride height adjustment. Full exterior and interior detailing completed. No Rub Strips!
Modifications: Key-less entry and & “Hans” short shifter for a modern shift experience.Recent Service & Quality Checks:
Over 500 miles to confirm performance and reliability.
4 Wheel Alignment Completed
New WindshieldOther Items:
Taillight dummy light remains illuminated (all lights function).
Passenger door speaker has a slight slit in the leather
Original Paint with Minor dings and paint chipsThis is a rare opportunity to own a classic vehicle with extensive restoration and upgrades. All major systems have been serviced, and the car is ready for its next chapter. Vehicle purchase includes the original set of manhole cover 16″ wheels.
He has a short video in his ad of the car really ripping up an industrial street. It sounds great! Unfortunately Facebook doesn’t make it very easy to save their videos as a separate file, so I can’t include it here.
I am not a big fan of the wheels. I would definitely prefer the OEM look here.
The body looks straight and the paint looks clean. Seller doesn’t mention a repaint, so that’s an open question. He has removed the trim strips.
Front seats, rear seats, steering wheel, arm rest, and shifter boot look great.
One one of the photos I can see the inside edge of the driver’s door. It looks like there is decal goo, or maybe rub marks on the paint. The corresponding view of the driver’s door jamb also shows some peeling decals.
There is an updated stereo with hands-free and bluetooth input. Good for functionality, but a bummer for originality. You guys know how I prefer the old-school radio appearance.
Underhood shots look pristine.
There are no views of the hatch, headliner, or underneath the car, but the seller promises there are no leaks.
Overall, this looks like a really nice, well-sorted 928. But that price…
$28k is a lot. I’m not sure I could justify it. But I love the car, and I would love to own a 928 one day.
