The Porsche 928 remains one of the more attainable classic models from the storied sports car maker. But even with its enormous credibility as a fantastic GT car, the 928 carries with it some risk as a model that isn’t keeping up with other models in terms of enthusiast enthusiasm. What this means is you want to buy a car that’s either the best of the best or one that’s been loved, as anything else will likely be a painful experience of investing in a project with no chance of meaningful return. This 1979 928 has a lot going for it, including a healthy recent maintenance list. Check in out here on craigslist for $18,500.
In the world of 928s, an early car is somewhat of a bigger risk than the later ones. For starters, the early 90s models are typically the most desirable, especially as you get into GTS and S4 trim. They made a lot of 928s, so you always want to opt for one that’s more limited in production. Secondly, a 5-speed is a must. There’s a boatload of automatic-equipped 928s littering craigslist, Marketplace, and the PCA classifieds at any given moment, and almost every enthusiast will prefer three pedals in one of these V8-equipped cruisers. Right out of the box, this car has a huge advantage thanks to the transmission.
There’s also the “slicktop” designation, which is a reference to the fact that it has no sunroof. European cars throughout the 80s and 90s almost always came equipped with a sliding sunroof, and while there’s nothing inherently wrong with this, it does add weight and complexity, especially when the motor inevitably fails. A sunroof-delete car instantly seems more desirable, and it saves on weight and the headache of it breaking at a later date (likely 2 days after you take ownership.) The interior of this 928 also looks fairly tidy, with no cracks in the dah and seats in very good condition for an older model like this.
Most importantly, the list of recent maintenance is quite long. Read the ad for the full list, but major jobs like a new clutch, rebuilt steering rack, engine wire harness, a new starter, a replacement front splitter, and so on shows that this owner took a blank check approach to maintenance. In addition, he has the supporting documentation from the shop that did the work, so it’s a win-win for the next owner. The 1979 928 features a 4.5L V8 good for 219 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque, and when paired with the manual transmission, it will feel plenty sporting. This looks like one to buy for sure if you’ve been hunting for a 928. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Curvette for the tip.
I had a good friend, who worked at a Porsche dealership back in the 80’s, and he told me that a scheduled valve job service, at the dealership, cost $3500.00 back then, and if that were true, I’d hate to think what that would cost nowadays. It was the reason I didn’t buy one.
But don’t forget Thomas that there are a lot competent mechanics out there now who have a wealth of experience on them over several decades so I would expect costs to have come down now and the choice of skilled mechanics to have increased. In short, they are common now. It could be a good time to buy now. And clubs know all the good mechanics and are THE BEST source of info, parts and skills. I’m an Aussie in Brazil have an uncommon car here, a 2005 Fiat Stilo with a 1.8 16v GM drivetrain. A passionate and very skilled mechanic/technician in our Stilo car club saw an opportunity about 7 years ago and he now has a workshop called Stilo Garage specializing in just these cars and he can do anything from an oil change to building you out a custom high spec Stilo from a shell.These are the mechanics that emerge from car clubs. This guy’s garage can have up to 10 Stilos at a time being repaired, built or upgraded and people send their cars to him from within a 1000 km radius in a state of 13 million. Smart guy. Whatever I buy now, I go straight to the clubs. Cheers
Not to mention no sunroof on this car make for much needed headroom.
Good point – I bet that adds 2-3 inches. I had an ’83 with a sunroof, but I’m not that tall and I prefer the seat raked back a bit so not an issue for me.
Heater Core delete? In Washington?
An early all black manual slicktop with recent maintenance.
I like it.
Though I’ve never driven one of these i really dig them. I was in high school in the early 80s in the auto shop program. We got to do a work week at a variety of local mechanic shops. I spent a week at a Porsche dealer and shadowed one of their mechanics. I fell in love with these the first time I rode in one. While now is not the time to buy one, I still consider that I will. This sure looks like a good one to consider for anyone interested. And it’s got the 5 speed!! Love it. I hope it finds a good new home
You really have to drive one of these to fully appreciate what the car can do. They are a great GT touring car. They are solid and well engineered. Wish I had one in my garage. I’m close but not quite yet.
I had a mint euro 82. Drove nice, mint interior, maintenance done.
Sold it.
Years later, I bought a few more, nightmares both!
Never bought one again. I am much happier with my Shelbys and NSX.