The Porsche 928 is a phenomenal GT car when found in sound condition, but it’s also one of the neediest vehicles there is when you take one on as a project. However, there’s occasionally a middle ground with cars like these wherein a decent example shows up that still has loads of needs but may be worth the effort. The seller of this 1983 Porsche 928 listed here on eBay claims it is a European-market example with just over 12,000 original miles, a claim he believes to be authentic. It’s currently bid to $3,500 with no reserve.
I still consider the 928 to be of the best looking cars to come out of the 1980s, and while it is a bit of an unusual design, I also feel that’s what makes it so striking: few cars have encapsulated an era as well as the 928 has, and when it comes to the 1980s, cars like this and the DeLorean are practically synonymous with what was happening culturally at the time. If jean jackets and Reebok Pumps were indicative of fashion trends, flip up headlights and pasha interiors were some of the bolder statements made in the automobile industry – and the 928 combined both of them.
Now, this 928 doesn’t have the checkerboard-style pasha upholstery, nor does it has the standard 5-speed manual. Both of those features alone would make this 928 even more compelling than it already is. The leather interior shown here is fairly tired and dried out, and the seller acknowledges this as a flaw. The clearcoat is also failing around the exterior, but those are some of the detriments associated with a car that lived its life in a near-perpetual state of sunshine in a place like Indio, California, where the 928 is located. The seller has confirmed it will go into drive and move under its own power.
The European-spec engine kicks out a very respectable 310 horsepower, and the under-hood compartment looks fairly tidy. The seller did have a Porsche mechanic come out to his house to get it fired up, and he apparently noted that the car should be towed to its next repair facility. This makes sense, and especially considering the 928 features an interference-design, meaning a snapped timing belt renders your V8 engine into a huge paperweight in short order. The no reserve listing makes this 928 worthy of a gamble, especially if the mileage is as low as the seller suspects.
Just because it’s a ROW 928 doesn’t mean it has the 310hp engine variant. I had a 83 ROW car and it had an early version of DME with digital ignition and no vacuum advance on the distributor. This one is K-Jetronic with standard electronic ignition. It’s still very important to look at the engine number to determine what variant it is. In its current condition it’s not a desirable car.
I really hope the seller doesn’t actually believe what’s in his description.
It rough, that’s likely why the two previous successful bidders didn’t complete the sale.
Steve R
If this has 12K miles, I have 12 inches you know where. Wishful thinking does not make something so. Look at the grime on that wheel and engine.
I don’t believe for a second the mileage claim… That interior is trashed. But there has got to be a way to put an LS into it! A $3500.00 Porsche as a starting point seems like a no brainer and I believe there were SBC retro kits BITD. All the better with an LS.
This definitely is not a 12,000 mile car!!
Rebuilt title.
I offer the seller my best wishes for his health, first things first.
Euro spec? With that rear bumper?
Wow, this one is only about $25k away from being a $10k car. Too bad, the 928 was my first ever “dream car.” Just not this one.
Cool car, but too hot of price! However, just like JE said, a Chev engine conversion (particularly an aluminum block and head version) would be ideal. I have a buddy that is using one of the LS kits on a 944 right now.
I will add to the mileage doubters on this one. Additionally, these had a Nikasil block. Jaguar of course among others got all the bad press for these, but the 928 suffered the same issues and since they can’t be honed cars with as little as 65 thousand miles had to get a new short block.
Add BMW to to block issues also. (They don’t like suffer in the fuel!)
When dealing with repairs on these, they use “PMU’s”. Porsche Monetary units. Each unit is $1,000. Expect several of these units whilst at the dealer!
Not every critter one finds in a barn makes it past the rendering plant…
Wow, I thought Corvette luggage-rack haters were a tough crowd!
SOLD for $5,752.
I have had three 928’s. I have had both stick and automatic and Euro and non Euro models. I have changed the timing belt and water pumps. This car is not for faint of hard to put back in great running condition. Ist it the longest timing belt of it’s time. It has to be changed ASAP (immediately). It has double over head cams. Never ever try to put any starter fluid to start it. If so it will cost more bucks to fix or you will never get it started. All 928’s are a wiring mess to run down (could cost thousands if mice did a number on them). The 928 is best to keep in a heated garage. The wiring system will build corrosion. No way over time to get away from it. You can start by cleaning all the terminals at the fuse box. (Passenger foot well under the wood board). The torque tube bearing should be replaced. The biggest problem, you have to prove the Euro model and it is definitely a Euro 928. That all the glass, door supports, and headlight has been changed to American standards. The insurance now all requires this update. You have to buy a full set of manuals for it or it will cost you time and money to fix issues. I would consider this 928 for myself as a project with/for my son. However, it would not give over $2,500 for it.. The brake system should be replaced (calibers). The brake fluid if not changed every 4 years. They absorb water into the system.