Leaving a car at a shop isn’t as hard as you might think. Whether it’s due to losing interest in a project, running out of money, or forgetting it even exists, plenty of shops seem overly comfortable letting a car reside on its premises for years at a time. This 1988 Porsche 928 S4 has been abandoned on shop property after the owner asked them to begin reviving it, starting with dropping the tank and cleaning out the fuel system. Apparently, he disappeared shortly after that, and now it’s offered here on eBay with no title for $2,950.
I wonder if this 928’s interior was in decent shape, or if it’s perished after years of sun exposure. Most shops that end up with a car on their property that they eventually sell off without the owner’s involvement have had it for a few years, so this 928 was likely sitting outside for several years. As an automatic transmission-equipped model, this 928 automatically has less collector desirability than a manual car. However, the 928 suffers less of a price penalty owing to its usefulness as a grand touring model. Still, buying a rough 928 doesn’t make much sense given how many examples are listed for sale at a given time.
The fuel tank being dropped suggests that this 928 was already a bit of a project when it showed up at this shop facility. Typically, the gas tank and the fuel tree being pulled means that there’s rust in the tank and other contaminants in the system that mean it’s easier just to rebuild the whole thing after the tank gets cleaned. Whatever was happening when this 928 got dropped off indicates the owner had a plan with the shop and then apparently ghosted them when the first invoice for this restoration work came due.
The 1988 S4 was actually a pretty compelling specimen when it was introduced. Revised aerodynamic styling made it look significantly more modern, while a bump to 320 horsepower from the 5.0L V8 meant it could now accelerate faster and reach a top speed of almost 170 miles per hour. The 4-speed automatic was also improved, making it less of a penalty box than the prior years’ slushbox. All told, this 928 may have had a chance if the title was present, but with a bill of sale only and the fuel system removed, it’s likely destined to become someone’s parts car.
Drug runners leftover.. cause he’s dead now.
His last boat didn’t show up.
Can that paint be buffed out? If so, doing that would help sell it. Otherwise…
After viewing the ebay ad I’m surprised that this shop doesn’t file for a abandoned title.
By the surrounding photos they appear to be a Porsche repair facility..?
Person would think that they could profit from fixing and selling.
Of course there’s most likely more serious problems lurking around this red devil.
Just a thought..
Agree, they are in perfect position to get a title and more money….
Saw a 928 in Raleigh, NC, with a tree growing out from under the hood. The car was complete.
Seller is too lazy to get a lein title. (Less work than an abandoned title) Being Porsche repair facility you can already guess the required repairs needed. It is currently a parts car at best. The automatic transmission immediately relegats this to parts status. (Besides the additional work required to make it drivable again) Really too bad, I have always liked the body style and thought behind the design. (Front engine rear transmission) 924, 928, 944, 968, Alfetta GT, Corvette. What’s not to like? But the 928 (like many but not all) works better on paper than in practice. I would play with one (manual transmission only) if the correct circumstances (mainly cost, as EVERYTHING FOR THIS CAR IS EXPENSIVE!) presented itself.
i would have left it too.
A perfect lawn ornament for the local Porsche dealership.