Highlights
- Extensive, fully-documented engine rebuild
- Full respray in OE Coral Red Metallic
- Significant expenditure in current ownership - fantastic history
- PCGB member / enthusiast ownership
The Appeal
Bearing the distinction of being Porsche’s first V8-powered production vehicle, the 928 was introduced in 1978 and was intended to become the replacement for the iconic 911, boasting sports car-level handling and performance with GT-like luxury and refinement.
Launched in 1986 for the 1987 model year, the S4 model was sold alongside the performance-oriented GT, and boasted a major restyling for a ‘cleaner’ appearance, upgraded 5.0-litre V8 engine producing 316bhp, and other minor upgrades.
Owned by the vendor since 2016 and benefitting from significant expenditure during this time including a full respray and in-depth engine rebuild, this is a wonderful, proven and cherished example of the late-model S4, which is ready to be enjoyed to the fullest.
History/Paperwork
- V5 registered keepers document, showing 9 former keepers
- Over £22,000 spent in since 2016
- Full respray in OE Coral Red in 2017
- Extensive, well-documented engine rebuild
- Fastidious, enthusiastic ownership
- Organised and well-stocked history folder/box
First registered in 1991 during the final year of 928 S4 production, this late-model, late-production example is finished in the rare and eye-catching shade of Coral Red Metallic, over a Light Grey leather/leatherette interior, as confirmed by the Porsche certificate of authenticity which is included in the history folder.
From the factory, this example was well-specified, with the following extras ordered when new:
- Lumbar support in driver’s seat
- Sun roof
- Remote-controlled stereo
- Blaupunkt speakers/radio
- Piping to front seats
Purchased by the vendor in 2016, the car was given a full respray in 2017 in OE Coral Red Metallic, to prepare the vehicle for the 928 60th anniversary event.
In 2020, the cylinder head developed a crack, with the decision being taken to commission a full engine rebuild, utilising a donor head from another 928. This work was undertaken by a local classic/sports car specialist garage, and was completed in March 2020 at a cost of £17,991.
Subsequently, the timing belt failed and another partial rebuild was carried out, details of which can be found in the paperwork section of the gallery below.
Subsequently, the timing belt failed and another partial rebuild was carried out, details of which can be found in the paperwork section of the gallery below.
During 2021, the air-conditioning/HVAC system was overhauled, along with the seats being re-connollised to preserve their condition.
Since the aforementioned engine rebuild works, the car has covered less than 2,500 miles with no further faults or issues found, with the vendor reporting the vehicle to be in the best mechanical condition it has ever been, thanks to the fastidious nature of the rebuild works and other maintenance carried out, the most recent of which has been undertaken by renowned marque specialist ePorsch of Woking, Surrey.
Always garaged and never tracked whilst in the current ownership, this lovely, useable and rebuilt 928 S4 is only being sold due to the vendor having their eye on the next project, and that’s something we can all understand…
The Interior
- Light grey leather with factory-upgraded speakers
- Generally in good condition
- Modern stereo with removable face-plate
Inside, the comfortable and ergonomically-designed interior of this late-model 928 presents very well overall, having been maintained in good order whilst in the care of the current keeper, displaying only light commensurate wear-and-tear in keeping with the rest of the vehicle’s condition.
Naturally, this means the cabin isn’t quite perfect. The headlining/rear window trim is beginning to come away slightly on the luggage compartment hatch area, whilst the carpets also show some light staining/wear which may be remedied with a thorough valet/steam cleaning.
The vendor notes that the rear footwell carpet is missing, and currently employs two over-mats to cover this area.
Elsewhere, the high-traffic areas such as the inner door sills (with 928 script) steering wheel, door pulls and front footwell areas show some light commensurate wear such as minor scuffs and imperfections, but nothing that is not in-keeping with the rest of the vehicle’s condition.
In the rear, the luggage compartment is in good order throughout, and the spare wheel, tools, jack and air pump are present under the floor panel.
The automatic boot release button does not work, although the motor has just been replaced in March 2023 at £280 cost. The boot release mechanism has a worn down plastic plunger that prevents the automatic system fully functioning. The boot can still be opened with the key, however.
The vendor notes that the radio function does not work, due to no signal reception, but the CD and wired AUX function and all the speakers are fully working.
The automatic boot release button does not work, although the motor has just been replaced in March 2023 at £280 cost. The boot release mechanism has a worn down plastic plunger that prevents the automatic system fully functioning. The boot can still be opened with the key, however.
The vendor notes that the radio function does not work, due to no signal reception, but the CD and wired AUX function and all the speakers are fully working.
Otherwise, the vendor reports that all systems are working as they should be, including the memory function for the seats, the sunroof and other electrical systems.
The Exterior
- Full glass-out respray in OE Coral Red Metallic during 2017
- D90 Designo wheels (as per 928 GT model)
- Very good condition throughout
- Pop-up lights in full working order
Subject to a full glass-out, wings and bumpers-off respray in 2017, the paint and bodywork of this 928 S4 present wonderfully, and benefit from the constantly changing appearance of the Coral Red Metallic paint in various lights.
Looking around the vehicle, there is no sign of any accident or impact damage to any of the body panels, bumpers or doors, though the mid-height ‘rub strips’ - particularly on the nearside - show some ripples/imperfections.
The end caps for the rain gutter / roof trims also require some attention, and there are a couple of small touched-in marks visible on the offside door.
The end caps for the rain gutter / roof trims also require some attention, and there are a couple of small touched-in marks visible on the offside door.
Elsewhere, the classic pop-up headlights are in excellent condition, free of damage and work perfectly, whilst the windscreen was replaced in 2017 and the rest of the windows are free of any cracks or de-lamination as far as we could see.
All four wheels present wonderfully, with only a few small stone chips noted. The rear wheels are shod in Avon Turbospeed tyres, whilst the front are shod in Horace Hemisphere rubber.
The Mechanicals
- Rebuilt 5.0-litre V8 engine
- MoT until June 2023 with no advisories
- On-the-button, ready to enjoy and in excellent health
- Air conditioning regassed Feb 2023
The heart of any 928, the V8 engine underneath the bonnet of this S4 - in 5.0-litre guise - is reported to be in outstanding health throughout, on account of covering less than 2,500 miles since its extensive, £17,000+ rebuild.
Starting with ease and settling immediately into a smooth idle with no untoward behaviours or issues noted, the car behaved impeccably during our photo shoot, happily idling for extended periods, re-starting when hot and being shuffled around.
The vendor reports that all systems are working exactly as they should be, and there are no known mechanical issues or problems for the buyer to be aware of.
The most recent MoT took place on 25 May 2022, and resulted in a clean pass with no advisory items, following some rectification works carried out after failing on 09 May 2022.
The most recent service took place in May 2022, and was carried out by ePorsch of Surrey.
Summary
Fresh from an extensive mechanical rebuild, resprayed to a very high standard in its OE colour and boasting a strong factory specification, this is a fantastic and useable example of the classic V8-powered Porsche GT coupé which has been enthusiast owned and cherished for the last six years.
If you’re looking for a 928 S4 to use and enjoy, this is just the ticket - good luck!
If you’re looking for a 928 S4 to use and enjoy, this is just the ticket - good luck!
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