Lot 044: 1984 PORSCHE 928 S

Introduced at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show, the 928 was conceived (and priced) as the flagship of the Porsche range. A luxurious GT, it was styled in-house by American Tony Lapine as a replacement for the ageing, compromised 911. Ultimately, it failed to usurp its tail-heavy sibling despite becoming the only sports car ever to win the European Car of the Year title in 1978. Built around a galvanised steel monocoque, it made extensive use of aluminium for its wheels, doors, bonnet, transaxle housing, front suspension wishbones, rear suspension uprights, upper links and main cross member. This practice not only saved weight but also contributed to the car's near perfect 49:51 weight distribution. Blessed with excellent handling and strong roadholding, the 928 was able to make the most of the 240bhp and 257lbft of torque provided by its all alloy 4.5 litre SOHC V8 engine. Available with either manual or automatic transmission in its award winning passive rear steer Weissach transaxle, the 928 was subject to a programme of continual upgrades. Unveiled in 1979, the 928S boasted an enlarged 4664cc unit that developed some 295bhp and 280lbft of torque. Reputedly capable of 152mph and 0-60mph in a little over six seconds, the newcomer had need of its four-wheel vented disc brakes. Finished in metallic bronze with beige leather upholstery, this particular example is said to have covered just 65,000 miles from new. Reportedly treated to "eight services by a Porsche dealer between 1984 and 1997 @ 26,000 miles" together with "various other services @ Unipart Car Care Centre", 'YIL 7122' is further understood to have had its "timing belt changed end of June 2004 @ 64,387 miles". A rare and desirable five-speed manual car, it is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until July 25th 2007.