1988 Porsche 928The Second Generation Porsche Panamera is thought to be the spiritual predecessor to the Porsche 928, which just celebrated its 42th anniversary. The 928 is a...
1988 Porsche 928
The Second Generation Porsche Panamera is thought to be the spiritual predecessor to the Porsche 928, which just celebrated its 42th anniversary. The 928 is a unique car that was in many ways significantly ahead of its time. Even today, it invokes many oohs and aaahs when one rolls through town. And for many, it served as a poster child for many people's dream car, particularly for those who grew up in the 1980s.
Gracing our hallowed halls here at Classic Auto Mall is this 80s dream car, the Porsche 928 from 1988. This car has an added secret, so I'll let it out of the bag now, which is a Vortex Inter-cooled Supercharger addition and horsepower is now up by a whopping 100! For those worried about the extra compression on a 127K mile engine, this one has been thoroughly tested, and oil pressure is very steady, and there was a new fuel delivery system put on. For even less stress, the A/C has been left to discharge. Interestingly also is most of the delivered 928's were automatic. Not this baby, its manual! Read on…Rock on…
Exterior
Stunning deep end of the pool red paint drapes the straight rust free all aluminum rounded panels for this sports car. Flipping over rounded headlights which are fascinating to watch, come to life with the flick of the switch, and appear to be floating on top when open. Low low drag coefficient had this model car pegged at the fastest normally aspirated car clocking in at over 171 MPH in 1986. The floor pans, roof, and rear quarters are galvanized steel, and totally rust resistant. Integrated bumpers al around all body matching and rounded inset taillights compete the aero package.
Interior
Certainly not perfect, but original and tear free as well as fairly clean. High backed infinitely adjustable black leather buckets with a high sleek back reminiscent of the 911's are up front, and a 2 plus 2 setup is in back sporting a center storage console and armrest. Way back is a storage area accessible from the rear lift gate. The dash contains all the essentials, and the central console maintains enough buttons to satisfy even the most discriminating 747 pilot. Black carpet floods the floors, and on the passenger side is pulling away from the door jamb just a bit. A sunroof is noted in the headliner, and a note that a few of the toggles for centrally located window controls are loose or missing.
Drivetrain
A 302.38 ci V8 topped with the aforementioned Vortex Supercharger, with an intercooler adds some serious horsepower to this otherwise light 50/50 weight distribution car. The 5-speed manual gearbox is on back for that weight distribution, along with the famed Weissach axle. Its purpose is to increase the amount of cornering grip and stability by eliminating the toe-out tendency caused by mid-corner throttle lifts. This translates into incredible mid-corner composure and grip and with that 50/50 weight distribution, made it not just fast in a straight line but in the corners as well. The Weissach axle is one of the earliest passive rear-wheel steering setups and a precursor to active rear-wheel and even four-wheel steering systems.
Undercarriage
Rust free, leak free, and looking garaged and just fine structurally sound underneath. Plenty of ground effects panels the German engineers were famous for, and front and rear wheel disc brakes extra large for plenty of woah when you need it.
Drive-Ability
Slipping inside this car fired right up and took off like a rocket to the test track. Here it handled very nicely, has tight steering, straight bias free panic stopping, and was all working save for the one window toggle. This car will keep you off the edge of your seat due to its added acceleration capabilities. More like at the back of it!
The Vortex Intercooler Supercharger is certainly a plus, as is the beautiful red paint, but all aspects of this 1980's dream car seem to be just right. With the manual transmission, power steering and braking, and overall sporty aerodynamic look, how can you go wrong? …And we'll have fun fun fun on the Autobahn!!!