No ‘Risky Business’ Here: 928 Hero Car Off to Barrett-Jackson
One-of-three cars used in the 1983 hit Risky Business, ’79 Porsche 928 now set for the big tent of Barret-Jackson Houston, mid-September.
With as many icons to come out of Stuttgart as Porsche’s put out over the years, it’s no wonder a few them have turned up on the silver screen. One such film was 1983’s Risky Business, written and directed by Paul Brickman. The film featured Tom Cruise in his first leading role, and a gold 1979 928 as his chariot. Alas, that 928 would take a dip into Lake Michigan, though it was brought back to life before his parents returned home.
Three 928s were used in the film, including the 928 heading to Barrett-Jackson Houston, scheduled for September 16 through 18. This one did not go into the cold lake. However, it does have quite the tale to tell.
Though “there’s no substitute” for Porsche overall, Brickman chose the 928 over the 911, believing the latter as “too mundane” for his script. This one was also one of two driven on the set, and the one where Cruise learned to row his own.
Funnily enough, the 928 wasn’t originally gold. It left Stuttgart wearing green before its Hollywood transformation. After its time in the spotlight, it was repainted again, this time in white. Only after filmmaker Lewis Johnsen tracked it down for his documentary, The Quest for the RB928, was it brought back to how it looked in front of the camera.
Ferrying Cruise around Chicago was not a flat-six, but a 4.5-liter V8 with 219 horsepower linked to a five-speed manual. That power found its way to the pavement (and Lake Michigan, for one of the other cars) through 16-inch, five-hole aluminum alloy wheels.
And of course, keeping Cruise and co-star Rebecca De Mornay comfortable during the ride are the pair of front cork leather seats. Even without the star power, the seats offer plenty of character in their design.
Since restoration, the 928’s been the star of more than few displays and exhibits, including one at the Petersen Automotive Museum. It also has autographs from the cast of Risky Business, plus photos of it wearing filming gear. And since it’s crossing the block at no reserve, it’ll be interesting to see how much this special Porsche will pull in when the gavel falls.
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
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