In the early 1970s Porsche management decided it was time to build an ÜberPorsche, one that would allow long distance travelling at speeds beyond 150mph, safely, without inducing driver fatigue. The car would have to be able to meet any and all government regulations that might be conceived in the forseeable future. Its code name: 928. Its MSRP when introduced in Geneva back in 1977: $26,500 in base trim, roughly the same as four contemporary Chevrolet Caprices.
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More refined, comfortable, and luxurious than any prior Porsche, the 928 shares one very important trait with the venerable 911: timeless looks. Even 34 years after its introduction, the Tony Lapine-penned 928 has lost nothing of its breathtaking appeal; like a spaceship from another planet, it is a superb example of the prevailing design virtues of the Seventies.
If you're in lust with its shape and desire to drive the Teutonic supercar today, be forewarned though: the 928 is a very complex automobile, and only the best-maintained low-mileage example should be pursued, or the dream of 928 ownership could easily turn into a nightmare.
Here's such a superb specimen for your consideration!
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The 1984 Porsche 928S presented here, VIN *WP0JB0927ES860475*, was purchased brand new on December 30, 1983 at BEVERLY HILLS PORSCHE by an Emmy-winning Hollywood entertainment industry tycoon (the creation of the immortal TV series "Taxi" and "Cheers" are among his many achievements). It has traveled a mere 43,419 actual miles in 27 years, that's less than 1,700 miles annually, on average.
The car still proudly wears its original, blue-and-gold 1984-issue California license plates with authentic "Beverly Hills Porsche" frames. It has never left Southern California, residing in Beverly Hills until accompanying its original owner to Montecito, the VIP enclave near Santa Barbara, in 1991.
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The Porsche comes with all its original books and manuals, as well as all keys, including the valet keys.
Needless to say, the car's maintenance and mileage history is fully documented. 22 stamps in its maintenance book as well as 33 printed service records vouch for an immaculate past. Studying the records confirms that the car was pampered bordering on obsession, with absolutely no regard to cost.
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Ideally, a keeper 928's maintenance book has to look like this! The car was serviced by the finest establishments only, starting with Beverly Hills Porsche and continuing with Gregg Motors, Schneider Autohaus, and, finally, The Engine Company in Santa Barbara.
Some highlights of the $19,476.85 in repair receipts covering the car's Santa Barbara years include a transmission rebuild (yes, those 928 transaxles are the car's Achilles Heel!) @ 35,866 miles, the imperative water pump and timing belt replacement @ 39,109 miles, and the equally important motor mounts and valve cover gaskets @ 42,347 miles. There are abolutely no "deferred maintenance" worries.
Let's inspect this exceptional Porsche now in more detail, starting up front, with the engine compartment.
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Initially sold with a 4.5-liter V8 engine delivering 230hp, the 928 eventually became the more powerful 4.7-liter 928S. By 1984, the factory proudly called it "the fastest street legal production car sold in the US," a comfortable road rocket capable of seating 4 while giving contemporary Ferraris, Maseratis, and Lamborghinis a run for their money.
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Residing in a toothbrush-clean engine bay is this amazing engineering masterpiece, entirely hewn from Reynolds 390 silicon-and-aluminum alloy. Similar to the 911 engine, a BOSCH Jetronic injection takes care of fuel distribution. The bullet-proof power plant is mated to Mercedes' finest 4-speed automatic transmission, nestled inside a lightweight Porsche case, which itself is mated to the famous Weissach rear transaxle for a near-perfect 51/49% weight distribution.
Having studied the service history above, you can safely surmise that this particular engine is healthy as an ox in its prime. Clean as a whistle, there are no leaks, no untoward noises, no bad behaviors. It's a fitting description to call it like new.
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The exterior, sporting its original Metallic Platinum finish (paint code L655) looks simply stunning; even close inspection does not reveal any notable flaws such as dings, dents, or scratches. Equipped with lightweight aluminum doors and hoods, this Porsche's body is perfectly rust and accident free. All trim--such as the front spoiler--and glass remains in perfect condition as well.
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This 928S still wears its factory-installed light alloy wheels featuring a set of near-new MICHELIN Pilot XGT Z4 ultra- high-performance radials of the size 225/50-ZR16.
Let's look inside now!
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Leather, leather everywhere. Factory option code M480 specifies full leather interior. Even dash surface and headliner are crafted from the finest aromatic hides.
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Note the factory-installed electric sunroof, code M650, one of the most desirable amenities available. Equipped with a wind deflector, it works flawlessly.
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This 928S comes equipped with all the features you would expect of a true luxury automobile. Among them, a height-adjustable instrument pod and steering wheel, ensuring good visibility for drivers of all sizes, and an automatic climate control system that also cools the glove compartment.
All gauges and switches work perfectly, even the clock!
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Sport seats are extremely comfortable and the driver's seat features about every power adjustment a pilot could dream of. Properly nourished, the seats' Dark Chocolate hides are still soft and supple; there are no rips or tears, no wear marks of any kind.
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Close-up of driver's seat. It doesn't get any better than this!
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The 928S being a true GT car, the rear compartment is actually spacious enough for adult use. Interestingly, rear passengers even have their own sunvisors!
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More details. Luxury prevails. Highly unusual, the dash top is perfectly free of the usual leather shrinking or warpage: no wonder, as it has been replaced with a $1,200.00 factory part @ 33,445 miles!
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Viewed from the rear, the 928 still looks futuristic, almost 35 years after its debut.
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Ever tried to stow all your vacation luggage, perhaps including a couple of golf bags, inside a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or even Porsche 911? The 928's luggage compartment is cavernous, and its capacity can be increased even more by folding the rear seatbacks forward.
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Worthy of the strict eyes of a concours judge is what lies beneath the immaculately clean velour carpeting. Battery and inflatable spare rest in their own compartments below the trunk floor; the complete factory tool kit is hidden behind a hinged cover. Every layer shows a remarkable state of preservation, down to the factory paper labels.
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From a soft cotton car cover, to cargo net and cover, to unused tire inflator in its original box and mint condition tire jack: almost unbelievably, every factory goodie is still present, large or small. It's the proverbial fussy collector's dream!
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One picture speaks more than a 1,000 words. Just get a few mirrors and strategically place them underneath the car at the next Porsche show; you'll surely win a trophy. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
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Floors are of reference quality. Note remnants of the golden-brown, factory-applied, protective Cosmoline wax.
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Details, details. Notice that the Porsche 928 features a transaxle design to achieve perfect weight balance, the engine being up front and the transmission mounted to the rear axle housing.
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Wednesday, September 21, turned out to be just another nice late summer day here in ye olde mission town of San Buenaventura. We couldn't wait to test drive our 928S!
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From the addictive, burbling sound of the V8 to the feeling of full control at any time, driving the 928S is a visceral pleasure. The car virtually clings to the road during fast cornering; the big, servo-assisted disc brakes can deliver almost 1g of deceleration force.
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It's so much fun to drive a sports car equipped with a big V8 engine and 5-speed manual transmission. There are no rattles or shimmies, acceleration is impressive, and everywhere we arrive, interested passersby stop to admire this rare Porsche, marveling at the fact that a 27 year-old car can be this pristine-looking.
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Returning home, we are once again mesmerized by the capabilities of the 928S. A true supercar, it could run with the best of Ferrari and Lamborghini in its day, entirely unfussy and without the anxiety its Italian counterparts instill in most pilots.
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Combining Mercedes comfort with Porsche performance, this true Teutonic supercar is one of only 3,007 U.S. spec 928s made for 1984. This immaculately cared-for, low mileage, rust free, fully documented California blue-plate example is in museum condition and would be impossible to duplicate.
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Manufactured for almost seventeen years, Porsche's superb 928 long ago was elevated to the status of a truly iconic milestone car. Here's a unique opportunity to obtain one of the very best-preserved examples you'll ever encounter.
Addendum:
We sold this Porsche in October of 2011 to an enthusiast in New York.
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