Own One of the First Front-engine, V8-powered Porsche 928s

Only 1,139 examples of the 1978 Porsche 928 were sold in North America, few of which are this clean.

The Porsche 911 drove the German automaker into the global sports car mainstream through the late 1960s, but as the 1970s drew near, company executives were concerned about the longevity. The mid-engine 911 wasn’t the most comfortable car in the world, nor was it the easier to just jump in and drive, so the automaker looked to roll out a new, more comfortable model.

This new car was to have a front-engine design and a rear seat, offering more luxury and passenger space than the 911 while relying on a new, bigger engine. The team settled on a fastback sports car with a front-mounted V8 and a plush interior for four. That fastback sports car was, of course, the 928, and while it didn’t prove to be the next generation of Porsche success, these cars have obtained a cult following as the first V8-powered, front-engine sports car ever from Stuttgart.

Forum member “Mike545” listed a 1978 Porsche 928 for sale in the Rennlist Marketplace, and while it could use some work, this car is in remarkable shape for a 41-year old German sports car.

The Introduction

When the OP listed his 1978 Porsche 928 for sale, he didn’t provide much information, but we don’t really need much information to appreciate this car.

Looking at a first year car. 91k on the clock. 5 speed. Brakes rebuild, most fuel lines replaced, clutch hydro systems replaced. Car is unrestored driver.

Like all 1978 928s, this car is powered by a 4.5-liter V8 that delivers 219 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque, with that power being channeled to the rear wheels by means of a 5-speed manual transmission. This 928 appears to be stock right down to the factory wheels and the unique cloth-and-leather seats, which could use some love.

Ready to Drive

This 1978 Porsche 928 is listed as an “unrestored driver”, but really, this car looks like it could be shown with pride at your local Cars and Coffee with some simple work. Most notably, the front seats need to be re-upholstered and the floor could use a good vacuuming, but a good interior and exterior detail would go a long way in getting this car show-ready.

Really, the only thing wrong with this 928 is the seat skins, so anyone looking for a clean Porsche to enjoy as a cruiser on weekends, this car is ready to go. For prospective buyers who want a car that can be shown, a new set of seat covers, a fresh coat of wax and a tune up would return this rare V8-powered Porsche back to its original glory.

While the 928 doesn’t get the respect of the 911, there will only ever be one time that Porsche offered their first-ever front-engine, V8-powered car and this is one of those cars. Best of all, it can be yours for just $9,000, so it won’t cost you much to go cruising this spring in a historic Porsche sports car.

Join the Rennlist forums!

Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com

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