14 years owned 1985 Porsche 928S

Here is a 1985 Porsche 928S that has been with the current owner for 14 years.  The 928 was Porsche’s first water-cooled V8 and was first launched for the 1978 model year, running through the 1995 model year.  It was at one time thought to be the replacement for the 911, but the popularity of and customer loyalty to the 911 eventually scratched that thought.  Still, being the only V8 sports car and the only V8 of the transaxle cars that began production in the late ‘70s, it remains a noteworthy car for one of the most noteworthy sports car producers of all time.  This iteration is unofficially considered “third generation”, despite there being only one body re-design in the model’s run, for 1987.  The second generation is considered the introduction of the “S” – in 1980 for Europe, in 1983 for us in North America – and this “S3” got the powertrain in 1985 of the 1987-released S4, a 5.0 litre 32-valve V8 – an increase from the displacements of 4.5L and 4.7L in the previous generations.  The 1984 model was known as “the fastest street legal production car sold in the US”, this ’85 was about 10 MPH faster.

​

The crystal green metallic (kristalgrünmetallic, Porsche code 33N) believed all-original paint is unique hue for a 928 – or for any car, for that matter.  It was available only in ’85 and ’86 and covers a body featuring several aluminum panels to save on weight.  It retains a beautiful and striking finish, excepting for some natural road chips on the front bumper cover.  The exterior shows a number of upgrades – the factory 16” 7-slot manholes have been left behind in favour of 17” SP five-spoke alloys by ROH, 7.5” in front and 8.5” in the rear; there is a lower chin spoiler than stock; the rear spoiler has been replaced with an S4 spec. wing; and the original “flag” side mirrors have been replaced with 928 GTS (’92 – ’95) items.  Pop-up headlights with lenses exposed when in the down position are a unique 928 feature (though the short-lived 968 also employed the look), the 928 is also equipped with fog lights.  The SP wheels are outfitted in Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires which measure 225/45 up front and 255/40 out back.  These W-rated tires were purchased and installed in March 2023, seeing under 1,000 km of duty since they went on.  All glass matches original spec. – a SIGLA windshield and Sekurit for the other windows, all OEM/brands as installed at the factory. 

​

​

The interior remains in very good condition.  Owner has used seat bottom covers during his custodianship, folding them up reveals a very good condition leather surface.  Seat leather is a subtle two-tone dark grey insert with black bolsters.  Door cards are matching and the dash is black.  The dash does show minor cracking and there are stainless steel appointments on various dash controls and surfaces to yield additional contrast.  The car is very well-equipped, as one would expect of a car whose MSRP was $68,000 CAD in 1985 (that’s the USD price converted at June 30, 1985).  Cruise control, power windows, power mirrors, power sunroof, central locking, 8-way power front seats, in-door storage, under dash storage shelves, supple leather and air conditioning are all equipped.  The owner will have the a/c system recharged before delivery as it was last done in approximately 2015.  The head unit has been upgraded to a more modern Blaupunkt San Francisco CD70 4-channel AM/FM/CD with remote and multi-colour display.  Other upgrades include the MOMO Corse steering wheel, which gives a more sporting look than the OEM four-spoke unit.  The factory “space-saver” spare is under the carpet in the clean hatch equipped with a cargo net.  The spare tire compartment was engineered to fit a deflated spare and the car has a compressor to inflate it if the new owner is ever “at-need”.

​

Under the hood, the presentation of the 32-valve 5-litre is clean, if crowded – all of that power occupies some space.  The four-speed automatic transaxle getting power to the rear wheels was manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, Porsche’s cross-town Stuttgart neighbour.  The V8 was rated at 288 horsepower (5750 RPM) when new, complemented by 302 lb.-ft. of torque at 2700 RPM.  This car is known as autobahn cruiser, its GT package can cruise at 200 km/h all day in Germany.  This car has been well-maintained, owner’s service records, photographed in the gallery, will come with the car.  In fact, he has records from previous owners, excepting the first.  Also accompanying this grand tourer are workshop manuals on CD.  Most recent items are brake fluid flush, transaxle fluid flush, replacement of trans. pan, front wheel bearings, oil change, and overall inspection in December 2022.  This work was done by well-known local Porsche garage Mantis Autosport in Oakville, On.  The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 W-rated tires were new in March 2023.  Timing belt is an important item for these cars, this example’s t/belt and water pump were replaced 65,000 km ago.  Ontario bidders, please note:  this car will come with an Ontario Safety Standards Certificate.  Underside of the car is all but corrosion-free, with hints of some surface rust in specific areas.  There are two non-collision items on the Carfax, one a claim, one an estimate, both 20 years old and before ownership by the seller.  He was advised by his selling dealer that they relate to a (i) windshield and (ii) a wet sand and polish to remedy car wash scratching – report is linked in “CCC Vital Info” and shows continuous registration in Ontario since 1985.

​

This 1985 Porsche 928 is available from the 14-year owner with Ontario Safety Certificate, service records, original owner’s manual and wheel lock key in Milton, On.

More videos and Photo Gallery appear below the bidding section.

COMMENTS