1988 PORSCHE 928 S4 SPORT EQUIPMENT

This Porsche 928 S4 Sport Equipment is very rare special edition, presented in superb condition throughout, and boasting period competition provenance. One of just 42 examples, it is equipped with the 320bhp Weissach-built 5.0-litre V8 engine, paired with a short-shift manual transmission. These SE cars share the same mechanical specification as the sought-after 928 Club Sport, which was only sold in mainland Europe. The odometer indicates 139,880 miles.

Porsche announced the flagship ‘Porsche 928S Series 4 with Sport Equipment’ in March 1988, which has become known simply as the ‘S4 SE’. Its bespoke mechanical setup included a modified engine and exhaust system, firmer front springs, a 17mm-wider rear track and a limited-slip differential, which helped the car dispatch the 0-62 mph sprint in 5.6 seconds.

First registered in 1988, this particular 928 S4 SE was the very first of the production run, ordered and owned by Porsche GB/Team AFN to compete in the Porsche Production Championship in the 1988 and 1989 seasons, piloted by British racing driver Tony Dron. It has been owned by the vendor for the last four years.

As this particular car preceded the production run of SE models, it retains a number of unique specifications. The rear wiper mechanism is deleted, which was a standard option on regular SE models that followed. The gearbox has the type number used on the 928 Club Sport models and the sound deadening on the bonnet and bulkhead is deleted, which again matches the original Club Sport.

Presented in Grand Prix white, the original factory hue, it has had period-correct graphics reapplied, with the aim of making it a show-quality car that presents in the original livery. The paintwork is in very good condition, with no reported defects, and great care has been taken to re-apply the graphics, highlighting its unique history. The glass, badging, headlights and trims are all in excellent condition.

The bodywork is believed to be largely or wholly original, and Tony Dron previously confirmed to the owner that it was never crashed when raced; at worst only suffering from minor paint scuffs. The lightweight 16-inch Fuchs forged alloy wheels are in good order, with only a few minor marks around the rims.

Moving inside, the two front seats have been replaced with Recaro Pole position bucket seats, with Willans harnesses and a roll cage behind the occupants. However, the original cloth and leather interior is safely stored, and is included in the sale should a future owner wish to refit it. In general, the interior trim is in great shape, with no reported damage, and only minor wear from use.

The current owner has kept this 928 S4 in a static collection for much of their ownership. As such, the last service was in July 2016 at 138,881 miles. This entailed a cambelt and water pump change, as well as replacement fluids and filters. Prior to this, a major service was also carried out at 137,521 miles in June 2014.

Bidders should note that the vendor will conduct a full cambelt replacement service at Tech 9 Motorsport prior to handover to the next owner, to ensure it is in fine mechanical health. The original engine and gearbox have been retained, with the matching ‘SP’ model designation for the engine. The air-conditioning system is non-functioning, as the pump and pipes have been removed, but they are all included in the sale.

The most recent MOT test was on 30 September 2019, resulting in a clean pass with no advisories. Wearing matching Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres all round, these are in very good condition with ample tread remaining.

This former racing Porsche is offered to its next owner with its original handbooks, supporting invoices and stamped service history, as well as its partial tool kit and the original interior.

With only 42 examples of the 928 S4 SE originally delivered to the UK, and with as few as 15 still in good condition and on the road, this is already a very rare and collectable model. However, its racing provenance sets this particular car apart from the other cars of its kind, with a unique place in Porsche GB history.

Writing in 911 & Porsche World in 2017 – and driving this very car – journalist Johnny Tipler compared the S4 SE to the 928 GT, concluding that the SE was “in a different league as far as handling is concerned: it’s precise, there’s no sense that it’s oversteering or understeering, its power delivery is spot-on”.

Offering unbeatable history and presented in excellent condition throughout, this 928 S4 SE could be put to fun use as a modern classic track day toy, or could simply be kept for careful road use when time and weather permits. This is certainly a car for the Porsche connoisseur, and one which would not be out of place in even the most discerning of marque collections.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.