HAGERTY 1988 Porsche 928 S4 Car

FAQ

• Q: What is the top speed of the 1988 Porsche 928 S4?
  • A: The top speed of the Porsche 928 S4 is over 135 mph.
• Q: How many 928 S4 models were built during its production run?
  • A: Nearly 61,000 928s were built during the car’s 17-year tenure.

Information

2dr Coupe 8-cyl. 4957cc/316hp Bosch LH-Jetronic FI

Value adjustments

• -25% for auto.

Model Description

By the early 1970s, it was clear that increasingly tough and complicated emissions and safety regulations were going to change the American automotive market’s landscape. And since America was Porsche’s biggest market, higher-ups reasoned it was only a matter of time before such restrictions hampered the sales appeal of their 911. By developing an entirely new Porsche, one with all the latest federal regulations already incorporated, Porsche hoped to meet the new standards head on. In the meantime, if the Stuttgart company had to kill 911 because of such standards, it would be prepared to transition.

Engineers were given free rein to “invent” the newest Porsche, and plans for the 928 began in October 1971, with a basic design finalized in 1972. And what a design it was, especially within the walls of a company that had in its 30- year history built nothing but cars with a small engine placed behind the driver. But if America was the target market, a front-engined, rear-wheel- drive V8 Grand Touring car certainly made sense.

The 928 debuted in March 1977 at the Geneva Auto Show, and while Porsche purists bristled at the thought of such a pedestrian layout, the new car received much acclaim. The $28,000 928 borrowed no parts from other Porsches, and its shape was like nothing else–a futuristic design with a low, wide stance, a long, sloping hood, a sharp nose, and an evenly rounded rump. “Telephone dial” wheels completed the package. At the time, design head Tony Lapine stated that “a car which is liked immediately will not hold up over time.” Porsche had designed a long shelf life into its latest creation, and at the same time had handsomely incorporated 5-mph safety bumpers front and rear.

The body made use of collapsible polyurethane pieces over front and rear hidden bumpers, with aluminum doors, hood, and front fenders, and steel for the remaining panels. Though now commonplace, at the time, trying to coat such differing materials with a uniform paint job was a feat of ingenuity.

Beneath the handsome and complicated skin lay an advanced and well-balanced powertrain. A 90-degree, allaluminum, 16-valve, 4.5-liter V8 with Bosch Continuous Injection System (CIS) fuel delivery produced 219 hp and 254 ft-lb of torque. It was mated to a fully synchronized rear transaxle with either a 5-speed manual or optional 3-speed automatic, and weight distribution was nearly perfect at 51%/49%, front to rear.

Suspension was fully independent all around, and Porsche worked hard to perfect the 928’s rear suspension, which would allow it to accommodate over- aggressive drivers without the erratic tendencies of snap oversteer. The resulting “Weissach Axle” was an engineering breakthrough, a multi-link setup that made the 928 one of the best handlers in the world.

The cabin was nothing short of plush, with supportive leather seats, an ingenious tilt steering/instrument binnacle, and all the comforts of a true luxury GT. And it could move, too, with 0 to 60 mph coming in just over 7 seconds, with a top speed over 135 mph. By the time the 4.7-liter 928 S arrived in 1983, the car was rated at 146 mph, making it the fastest in America.

Displacement, power, and top speed increased as production continued, with a 5.0-liter appearing in 1985, as well as revised brake and suspension components and a 4-speed automatic to replace the 3-speed. A 928 S4 debuted in 1987, now with 316 hp, and a 928 GT entered the fold in 1989, complete with a limited-slip differential and available only with a 5-speed. The 928 GTS replaced both the S4 and GT for 1993. It featured freshened bodywork and a bigger 5.4-liter engine now putting out 345 hp and capable of 170 mph. It also cost nearly $85,000.

By this time, the 928 had practically disappeared from the American market. Sales had fallen dramatically, and Porsche redoubled its efforts on the 911, which had weathered the regulatory storm mostly unscathed.
In all nearly 61,000 928s were built during the car’s 17-year tenure. Even by today’s standards, it is a competent, comfortable GT, and a well-sorted one will offer plenty of high-speed thrills over continental distances.

Body styles

• 2dr Coupe

Engine types

• 8-cyl. 4957cc/316hp Bosch LH-Jetronic FI

1978-1995 Porsche 928 stats

• Highest sale
  • $1,980,000
• Most recent sale
  • $19,425
• Sales
  • 1196

Equipment

Vehicle’s condition classification

#1. Concours

1 vehicles are the best in the world. Imagine the best vehicle, in the right

colors, driving onto the lawn at the finest concourse. Perfectly clean, the vehicle has been groomed down to the tire treads. Painted and chromed surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and dirt are banned, and materials used are correct and superbly fitted.

#2. Excellent

2 vehicles could win a local or regional show. They might even be former #1

vehicles that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws but will be able to find some. The paint, chrome, glass and finishes will all appear as excellent. The vehicle drives as a new vehicle of its era would.

#3. Good

3 vehicles drive and run well but are not used for daily transportation. The

casual passerby will not find any visual flaws, but these vehicles might have some incorrect parts. #3 vehicles could possess some, but not all, of the issues of a #4 vehicle, but they will be balanced by other factors such as fresh paint or a new, correct interior.

#4. Fair

4 vehicles are daily drivers, with flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome

might have pitting, the windshield might be chipped and perhaps the body has a minor dent. Imperfect paintwork, split seams or a cracked dash might be present. No major parts are missing, but there might be non-stock additions. A

4 vehicle can also be a deteriorated restoration.

Please note: All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. For all Hagerty clients: The values shown do not imply coverage in this amount. In the event of a claim, the Guaranteed Value(s)® on your policy declarations page is the amount your vehicle(s) is covered for, even if the value displayed here is different. If you would like to discuss your policy, please call us at 877-922-3391.

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