Porsche 928S4

Vehicle Story

The Porsche 928 burst on to the motoring scene back in 1978 and was quite a shock for the marque’s enthusiasts, looking like nothing else you could buy. It was of course intended to replace the 911.

A veritable technical tour de force, it so impressed the motoring journalists of the day that it was voted European Car of the Year 1978. Quite an accolade for a non-mainstream car.

Under the bonnet sat an all-alloy liner-less V8 which was attached to a rear-mounted gearbox. The galvanised and highly aerodynamic body had aluminium doors and bonnet plus body-coloured wraparound bumpers – all a bit radical.

It was said that Porsche referred to the 928 as an ethical sports car if that’s not a contradiction in terms. By that they meant it had four seats, modest emissions from the low-stressed engine and performance which was brisk, rather than startling.

In effect they had created a rather cramped GT car and let’s rejoice that they did, as it gave the 911 a reprieve.

However, the original 240bhp 4.5-litre engine was soon increased to 4.7 for the ‘S’ model which appeared in 1980, the extra 55bhp giving the 928 the power it needed to match its dramatic looks.

In 1986 the S4 variant debuted, and this was powered by a 316hp 5.0-litre V8. Styling updates gave the car a much cleaner, sleeker look and undoubtedly the S4 models are the most sought after today.

The 928 therefore deserves our thanks and praise not only for encouraging Porsche to broaden their horizons and produce a range of front engine cars, but also for saving the 911 from extinction. It could so very easily have been dropped back then and think of all the lovely versions we would have subsequently missed out on…

Vehicle Overview

Most classic car owners take good care of their cars however this owner seems a little more fastidious than most and this is undoubtedly reflected in the car’s condition. Always garaged, regularly serviced, and taken out for a little light exercise at least every few days, the car has wanted for nothing.

The S4 has been treated to a professional bare metal respray a few years back so that the ‘Guards Red’ paintwork now positively pops.

This S4 is a proper driver’s car too, so no slushamatic gearbox. Instead, a slick manual transmission is fitted, ideal for harnessing the power of that sonorous V8.

Exterior

In 2016, independent Porsche dealers, Specialist Cars of Malton, were charged with carrying out a full bare metal respray on our 928. Looking at the vehicle that sits before us, they undoubtedly did an excellent job.

There’s no doubt that Guards Red helps to accentuate the 928’s sharp lines and looking closely you can admire the attention to detail.

The alloy wheels are free from scuffs and parking grazes, and each comes fitted with a premium Bridgestone Potenza tyre. We would have expected nothing less from our seller. Good tyres are always an excellent indication of caring classic car ownership.

You will also note the fully operational electric sunroof, ideal for those days when a little wind in the hair motoring is required.

Interior

Porsche has been making lovely interiors for many a year and the 928’s is a beauty. The electric seats up front are just as comfortable as they look, and the infinite adjustment means that finding an ideal driving position is easy.

There’s a simplicity to the controls that is now so sadly missing in modern cars. All the saliant information is displayed in clear instruments ahead of the driver, nothing superfluous.

The seats are covered in quality hides and considering they have been sat on for over 30 years, they are in remarkably good condition. There is a little gentle creasing in places, quite lovely.

Yes, there are rear seats, but they are really only suitable for children. Better to look upon them as extra luggage space.

The car comes with floor mats, with just a few marks from years of use.

The air conditioning was system was reconditioned and we can report that it is fully functional.

The car has a small crack in the dashboard and a slight bowing. The owner says this was how it was when he bought the car, and it has not changed during his ownership.

The boot area is generally neat and tide and houses a space saver spare tyre and tools. There is also a retractable cover to keep the boot contents concealed from prying eyes.

Mechanical

The stainless-steel exhaust is fairly new too.

That powerful V8 fills the engine bay and is a delight to behold. All the clear signs of careful maintenance are there, ably demonstrated by a lack of dirt and signs of new components.

History Highlights

We suggest you make a cup of tea before wading through the S4’s extensive history. It will take a while but from it you will see the attention to detail that this car has always had

The raft of paperwork includes invoices for regular servicing, most important things like cambelt changes have always been done at the right time to and that we believe was our owners philosophy. If it needed doing, get it done right away.

What We Think

This lovely 928 must surely be one of the very best in the UK right now. And it’s a later S4 model with the power to match those striking looks.

It is a car that can truly offer a sports car driving experience one minute yet can just as easily take on the role of comfortable long-distance cruiser too.

An impeccable maintenance history from a careful long-term owner should give a prospective buyer confidence in this car.