Ah, the Porsche 928: a car that commands strong money when in minty, low-mileage form, or a project that will go for pennies depending on how rough it is. There’s not much middle ground with these V8-powered grand tourers that to this day combine striking looks with outstanding comfort. The 928 shown here on eBay ran when parked eight months ago but now no longer fires. It’s offered with no reserve and just over 60,000 miles on the clock.
The 928 may still look futuristic from the outside, but the inside is absolutely from the 1980s. There’s no getting away from that. When a 928 is in rough condition, the interior usually isn’t much better and makes the exterior and mechanical condition seem even worse. The cracked dash, tired carpets, disheveled center stack, and blown-out driver’s seat all combine to make this project seem even bigger than you likely thought.
928s aren’t necessarily as scary as everyone make them out to be when discovered in project form, but they’re also not exactly trivial to revive. The fact that the seller says it did run within the last 12 months is encouraging, so hopefully we’re just looking at a fuel pump or charging issue causing it to become a non-runner. But I’d also be wary of a seller who is clearly throwing his hands up when he claims it’s “…just a project I will never get to.”
There’s nothing wrong with waving the white flag but at the same time, you have to see the calculated risk aspect of buying a car like this. It’s not quite rough enough to call it a parts car, but it will be a labor to love to bring it back to life. There’s a reason why the 928 almost runs neck and neck with the 924 for its likelihood to appear in a junkyard, and that’s due to owners who give up, run out of money, or both. The value isn’t strong enough to justify saving for most owners, so hopefully the no reserve auction gives this car a chance at being owned by a tried-and-true enthusiast who wants to see this 928 back on the road.
4400lbs heavy car it wears suspension components like nothing else & parts are $.
Nice enough engine but car is under powered for its weight & style is Meh.
Some like it.
It reminds me of the AMC Pacer.
Pacer is better looking
These did not age well. I think they look like a giant egg! The 1987 and up facelifted models look a little better but still, not a timeless design like the 911. I think even the 944 withstood the test of time better, particularly in the 1986-up turbo guise.
A Pacer would still be running and if not, a lot easier to fix. Buy common cars and you will never be sorry.
I would guess that Porsche – prior to the electricity boom – never approached your weight number. Where did your info originate?
Ugly … I like Porsches, but the 928, 944 and 914? … NEIN!!!
not only what you said but this car has been baking in the Fl. sun like a Bagle in the toaster oven, everything in the interior is toasted!
That car is closer to 3400 lbs. If it is a euro spec it has over 310 HP with high torque coming in at about 2k rpm. Properly set up they can give a
GT3 a tussle.
When is a barn find not a barn find?
When it is this 1983 Porsche 928S.
Saw a black one in Raleigh,NC, had a tree growing out of the open hood. Car was intact. In a farmer’s back yard.
Run Forrest RUN ! ! !
That’s not fast enough Forrest. Lol . The Germans are great at over engineering every thing which leads to headaches down the line. That and they build them to go 100000 miles after which you better have deep pockets. Looks like this one was built Monday morning. Not even if it was given to me. Well…. nope not than either.
One must have a lot of love for them to keep them tip top. There are some enthusiasts in the Radwood community who fit that bill, but it’s a small group.
No 928 ever came close to 4400 lbs. This one tips the scales at something more like 3200. I’m afraid it has got more than 60k on the clock. When the trip is zeroed out in these cars it’s a good indication that the odometer stopped working. An automatic S is also the least desirable model.
Porsche sourced MB S-Class AT … cost $8k to replace back in the 80’s …
A grim description on EBay.
You guys have nailed the flaws of the 928. I loaned mine to a friend who managed to destroy the engine in a showoff move. When it was determined that I would have to spend more on just the engine parts (after I learned its unusual engineering), I actually gave the car away.
I realized that I was in over my head very quickly.
The engine had a self-destruct standard feature that involved a broken timing belt taking out the entire valve system.
Only one person identified the worst part of this car…the slushbox. No one wants an automatic in a Porsche.
We could all breathe a sigh of relief. I found the solution. Gut the over engineered german crap and drop a LS and a six speed. Again less wiring harness and your golden. I’d personally would slide a coyote up in it but I don’t believe there’s enough room.
I’m ‘opposite’ as usual. 924, 928 (even beddah) ESPICIALLY with the auto would (not IS) be what I’d seek.
Each porsche tries to maintain the early (356) model look. Some stretch it
pretty far. I like the style lines (body/sheet metal) of this, probably the only affordable (I have a lift/garage) porsche (or wanted) made.
LS swap it and have some fun.