1988 PORSCHE 928 S4

This 1988 Porsche 928 S4 is an impressive example of the breed, which is increasingly seen as a great value modern classic GT car. As an S4 model, it is powered by the 320hp 5.0-litre M28/41 V8 engine, and in this case is paired with the four-speed automatic transmission. Due to their fantastic usability, 928s typically have high mileages, so the odometer reading of 109,709 miles is relatively modest.

Beyond the developments to the characterful V8 engine, the S4 also featured uprated Brembo front discs, four-piston calipers and the multi-link 'Weissach' rear axle. Specified with the automatic transmission, as the vast majority of 928s were, this S4 is a consummate grand tourer that combines legendary Porsche engineering with comfort and practicality.

First registered on 16 March 1988, it was acquired by the current owner – an experienced aircraft engineer – around 18 months ago. While it was in impressive cosmetic condition, the car needed mechanical recommissioning having spent time off the road. With this complete, it has now covered around 1,000 miles on the road.

The bodywork is in reported to be in great condition, with no evidence of any accident damage, and there is a clear HPI report. The seller notes that the passenger door has been repainted to rectify some spots of corrosion, and that there are a few marks and light scratches as you would expect on a 32-year-old unrestored car. In general though, the black paint presents well all around the car, with a deep lustre. It rides on 17-inch ‘Cup 1’ alloy wheels that are in pristine condition.

The black and cream leather interior is a fine pairing with the exterior paintwork and is in very good order. There is some minor damage to the leather around the base brackets, and near the electric adjustment controls, as well as some expected wear on the bolsters, but otherwise it wears its miles well. The carpeting in the boot area and by the rear seats is presentable, though there are one or two worn-through sections in the front foot wells.

The bold exterior design carries through the cabin, with the two rear seats separated by a storage box and surrounded by speakers, a cockpit-style area for the driver, and chunky switchgear. The rear seats fold down to create a larger luggage space if needed. Factory-fitted equipment includes automatic air-conditioning, electric windows, and a power operated sunroof – and there are no known faults.

The mechanical recommissioning was carried out by the owner, and consisted of a detailed inspection of the condition followed by replacement of worn and perished components. The wheels are tyres were renewed, and the brakes were refurbished. Its air-conditioning system was also converted to R134a specification and given a service, and any minor electrical faults were rectified.

Underneath the car, the chassis and suspension components were inspected and found to be in good order, and the guard panels below the engine and transmission were repaired. The centre section of the exhaust was also repaired, and heat shields renewed. The bonnet and boot struts were replaced, and a new lid release mechanism was fitted on the latter. Finally, the engine timing was checked, and it was given a full service with fresh oil and fluids for the engine, transmission, differential, brakes, and coolant. The seller will also replace the camshaft timing belt before collection by the next owner.

It was put through an MOT test on 17 April 2020 at 109,706 miles, resulting in a clean pass with no advisories. The wheels are fitted with Porsche N-rated Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, in size 225/45 ZR17 at the front and 255/40 ZR17 at the rear. They are date-coded to 2018, and remain virtually as-new with 7mm of tread.

Peter Morgan’s buyers’ guide for the 928 calls the grand tourer “a sure-footed, confident machine with a gorgeous soundtrack”, adding that its “surprisingly sharp performance is matched with a sumptuous feel of majestic progress along the road”.

This example is accompanied by a digital copy of the owner’s handbook, as well as various receipts for maintenance work, and original accessories that include the spare-saver spare wheel, jack, and tool kit. The cherished plate ‘A6 ONO’ is included in the sale.

This Porsche 928 S4 is a superb modern classic, which has been treated to a recent recommissioning to ensure it starts, runs, and drives very well. It is now ready for a new owner to enjoy its 1980s style, glorious V8 soundtrack, and continent-crossing capabilities.