The 1978 Porsche 928 was an exceptionally advanced sports car when first released, combining luxurious four-seat grand tourer luxury with thrilling performance. Its unusual front engine layout set it apart from its rear-engined Porsche 911 relatives and was an appealing alternative to more traditionally German luxury sedans such as Mercedes 300 SL and BMW 7 Series sedans.
This beautiful 1st generation 928 was built as the 29th example for 1978 model year and left the factory without modifications or aftermarket additions, remaining highly original with no modifications or aftermarket additions whatsoever. Sold new in Canada and still owned by its original owner for more than two decades; meticulous care has been given over time in keeping it pristine condition.
Wolfgang Mobius engineered the Porsche 928 as an exceptionally high-performing, large capacity four-door GT with aluminum doors and wings and an ample luggage area behind its seats. Front and rear spoilers were integrated into its bodywork to reduce drag while its front suspension used a strut design featuring springs and shock absorbers to lower its center of gravity and enhance stability.
The 928 was propelled by a front-mounted, water-cooled V8 engine featuring single overhead camshaft technology with an initial displacement of 4.5 liters and Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system. Unlike other Porsche models of its time, front-mounted drivetrain enabled for much more balanced weight distribution at 50:50 than other Porsches did at that time.
A signature feature of the 928 was its independent double-wishbone rear suspension, featuring two separate wishbones with swivel arms for each wheel – this enabled movement in either direction to toe out the car while movement in either direction would toe it inward. This eliminated trailing arms and created an immensely responsive, sure-footed and confident handling feel that was truly unrivalled at that time.
At the time, Porsche 928s were slightly more costly than other Porsche models; however, they offered much more technology and comfort features, including an advanced climate control system with separate rear air conditioning. Furthermore, they were well known for their exceptional driving dynamics and luxurious yet sporty personality that far surpassed other cars on the road at that time.
An investment-grade 928 can make an excellent grand tourer today; just be sure that it is serviced regularly by professionals and properly. A well-kept 928 will not only offer exceptional driving pleasure, but its beauty will only appreciate over time as its value rises – be sure to find a shop which understands these classic Porsches so it will remain rewarding ownership experience!
The Porsche 928 GTS was the ultimate 928 and was only produced towards the end of its 17 year run.
The GTS stands out from its late 928 models by featuring flared rear wings, full red light panels and 17” Cup wheels. MotorWeek especially enjoyed driving it.
340bhp
The 928 was an iconic design statement, its recessed pop-up headlights and expanse of glass around its tail creating an air of space age grandeur. A classy yet elegant car, offering rear engine enthusiasts something different from what the 911 could offer at that time; combined with its impressive refinement and pedigree made it incredibly desirable; with prices beginning just over 20,000 euros and top examples such as this low mileage blue GTS nearing 50k euros it proved hugely popular with drivers worldwide.
It’s easy to see why it was such a hit: this car can accelerate with incredible force. Just press down on the throttle pedal and watch as your car transitions from being an effortless cruiser into something much more urgent, complete with an engine that sounds more like an American V8 than those found on modern BMW or Jaguar cars – surely one designed for racing?
At the 1991 Frankfurt Motor Show, the GTS received some updates to ensure its debut with a larger 5.4-litre engine that produced 345bhp. There were also styling adjustments such as adding body-coloured wings and new 17″ alloy wheels; its equipment levels remained generous – featuring everything from an advanced Blaupunkt stereo system and climate control to power adjustable seats and power adjustment features.
However, sales dwindled so significantly that Porsche decided it had reached its sell-by date and discontinued this long-wheelbase 2+2 coupe in 1995. Since then however, there has been an enormous surge of enthusiasm surrounding this iconic German machine, making the GTS an excellent candidate when searching for used vehicles.
Maintenance costs for this car reveal its high running costs when things go wrong, so prior to making your purchase it’s essential that you inspect and read all warranty documents carefully. Furthermore, before handing over the keys you should speak with an independent specialist and identify any potential work needed before handing them back over to the dealer.
5.4-litre V8
Contrasting with its 928 cousin’s image as an effortless cruiser that covers continents like flies, this GTS stands out. A true sports car, its dogleg-shift Getrag five-speed manual gearbox channels all 1620 kg of its power through Porsche’s limited slip differential and unleashing it with just one throttle tap to race down Oxfordshire’s damp spring lanes at high speed.
This engine is identical to that found in any GT, but has been altered to displace 5.4 litres by overbore and fitted with pistons which increase compression from 9.5:1 to 10.0:1, creating an output rating of 240 horsepower (177hp in North America).
This 1989 GTS first registered in the UK was purchased in 2017 at only 140k miles by its current owner – who promptly had it serviced by an official Porsche dealer, including a complete timing belt service, Continental Extreme Contact tires installed, replacement of clutch slave and master cylinders, rotor replacement, caliper replacement and full four-wheel alignment service by an approved Porsche dealer. Additionally, a Shark Tuner performance chip, 18″ Carrera III wheels with power adjustable front seats as well as Blaupunkt CD stereo music have also been installed into this GTS car since.
This vehicle still possesses its original delivery materials – including its original delivery folio and factory sales literature, VINnalytics build report, and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity – and comes complete with full main dealer/specialist service history to deliver years of excitement!
This is an unparalleled opportunity to own an iconic and desirable successor of the Porsche 911: the Porsche 996 GTS. While prices have seen significant increases since 2010, standard GT’s can still be purchased for around PS20,000; manual examples will cost more. We often see leggier, fully-historied automatic GTS’s available for under PS90,000. Though perhaps less iconic, these cars present unmissable opportunities; so if this car interests you please get in touch for more details!
Spectacular handling
Porsche took its reputation for roadgoing GTs a step further with the 928 GTS, adding body-coloured rear wings, increasing V8 capacity from 5.0 to 5.4 litres and upgrading brakes, suspension and passive-steer ‘Weissach’ rear transaxles as part of a bold upgrade plan that resulted in class-leading speed, power and handling characteristics – bold moves but well rewarded – making the GTS an essential model in its class.
Light yet responsive steering points the car precisely into corners, even on B-roads with bumpy surfaces, providing vertical movement over bumps while remaining unimposing; an attribute made more evident by its 17in alloys wrapped with 255/75R17 tires.
Traction is enhanced by its 50:50 weight distribution, making the car far more versatile than a BMW 850i with its restrictive 225/255-tyre fitment. Autocar measured an acceleration time to 60mph of 5.4secs and top speed of 168mph – figures enough to challenge modern 911s.
And as you push the GTS harder and harder, its performance only grows more impressive. Brakes don’t fade, transmission remains light and precise and engine has plenty of character compared to more modern flat-plane crank units which feel more like two four cylinder units stuck together.
With just 14,300 miles on its odometer, this Porsche 911 Carrera S is in outstanding condition. It comes equipped with its original Certificate of Authenticity as well as service invoices dating back to 1996 as well as recent cambelt replacement.
It was designed as the embodiment of old enthusiast’s dreams: a sports-racer made suitable for daily driving. Although its advanced abilities did not appeal to traditional 911 buyers at first, its advanced abilities eventually won over Generation Xers who have recently experienced this car for themselves with fresh eyes. A true engineering icon and incredible value, only madmen would pass up such an offer at this price!
Comfort
The Porsche 928 GTS marked their inaugural effort at crafting a large displacement, luxury front engine rear wheel drive grand touring car. Their inaugural effort proved so successful that it earned them the 1978 European Car of the Year Award, outstripping mainstream hatchbacks and sedans from major European manufacturers in terms of comfort and power. This success served as an important marker of progress for Porsche, showing their innovation was far ahead of its contemporaries at that time.
Porsche also used this milestone to diversify their market reach and model lineup by targeting buyers not limited to sports car enthusiasts. This allowed the company to broaden their market presence and expand product options.
This 1995 928 GTS, built on December 12th 1994 and featuring Black Metallic paint over Marble Grey leather interior is equipped with am/fm radio/cassette player with six CD changer, auto climate control system and Porsche Crests on wheel caps, as well as power seats with lumbar support for driver. Furthermore, its Certificate of Authenticity lists other options including AM/FM radio/cassette player with six-CD changer, auto climate control, six CD changer changer, six CD changer changer player for six CD changer, power seats with lumbar support for driver and an automatic transmission system.
Inside, the cabin feels almost sterile in order to maximize speed. This was intentional, and works well with the car’s sleek shape. Features of note include flat door panels with classic RS fabric latch pulls; an amazing three-spoke steering wheel which obscures part of the speedometer arc; and hardshell bucket seats suited for those attempting monastic-like control over their beer and chocolate intake.
With its powerful 5.4-liter V8 and 345 horsepower, the 928 GTS can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in only 5.7 seconds! Plus, its sleek shape allows it to easily cruise the old N7 autoroute from Paris to Monte Carlo casinos without breaking a sweat!
While purists might still favor a 911, Porsche has made significant efforts with the 928 GTS to craft an affordable GT car designed for long distance driving and comfortable comfort. It provides an unrivalled combination of style, performance and refinement not found with other premium manufacturers’ offerings today; thus making this rare breed worthy of being appreciated and preserved for future generations to enjoy.
