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1989 was the year I got my license and while some might say the 911 Turbo was the top of the line because it cost more, any kid from the 80’s knows the 928 was the top dog Porsche! 30 years later, I was determined to find the right shark to get to know the 928 platform and this 89 GT seemed like a perfect fit. I want to thank Paul and Ed at AutoKennel for a great process, having let a beautiful little Targa get through my fingers there, I didn’t let this one get way after seeing his teaser Radwood pics.
I feel very fortunate to take on the next chapter here, the prior 2 owners have poured a ton of time and money into keeping this car pristine. I’m sure I have a lot to learn about all that went into it and thanks to you all on this forum for all the great threads to learn what makes these cars tick. Just about every nut and bolt on this car has been turned in the process of rebuilding the suspension, respraying the paint and rebuilding the engine (Thanks Greg!) and there is a bunch of sorting do given all the work. Paul does a great job scouring the history so for documentation, I have pasted in his description below and I look forward to learning more from everyone here.
1989 Porsche 928 GT
5-Speed Manual/LSD/Sport Suspension
Fresh 5.9L Engine / 400+ HP
Build by Precision Motorwerks
ENG: 85K00154 (M28/47)
TRN: 2K00609 (G28/55)
Numbers Matching
50,100 Original Miles
Less than 1,000 Miles Since Full Engine Rebuild
Grand Prix White (L908/P5) on Black Leather Interior (VN)
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Clean and Clear California Title
Clean Carfax® Report
Porsche Certificate of Authenticity
Experts often agree that the GT was truly the best iteration (and rarest) 928 to come out of Weissach. This model received the most developed drivetrain and chassis of any other 928 (including the GTS). They were built for only 2-1/2 years with approximately 2,000 built for the world and just over 300 units making it to the U.S. The ‘89’s are considered the most desirable as they were before the heavy and ugly airbag system was added. Only 79 of these first year GTs came to the U.S.
Unique to the GT was the revised 5.0L aluminum V8 that produced 330hp. All GTs were 5-speed manuals with a revised shift rod that was shortened by 1”. These cars were also fitted with a limited slip differential. They also received a different gear ratio transmission, higher compression motor, and sport suspension. All of these elements made the GT the best all-around performer of the 928 production run. However, they were rather expensive with base models MSRP starting at $76,000 and after options, many reaching close to $90,000 (over $175k in today’s money).
This GT was built on March 28th, 1989 and sold new on October 27th, 1989 by Porsche Exchange, Inc. in Highland Park, Illinois. It was optioned with the following from the factory:
158 Radio, Blaupunkt Monterey
220 Locking Differential - 40%
393 Club Sport - Forged Wheels - 8x16 front, 9x16 rear
418 Side Protection Moldings
474 Shock Absorber (SPORTING) Front and Rear
481 Manual Transmission
570 Air Conditioner with Improved Efficiency (Rear A/C)
639 Special Version "GT" 89
650 Electrical Sliding Roof
The MSRP was $74,545. Furthermore, this color combination was actually quite unusual for the day. Most white offerings from Porsche came with either tan, grey, or even blue interiors. Rarely, did white come with a black interior.
The first owner moved the car to New York and serviced it Manhattan Motor Cars (Porsche dealer) in New York City. He kept the car until 2004/27k miles. The next owner was a long time active PCA member in the same area. He only kept the car for a couple of years/2k-miles before selling it to an enthusiast in Connecticut with just over 30k original miles. This next owner as an active participant in the 928 community and spent nearly a decade further enhancing this GT. He sold the car with 48k miles in the summer of 2016 to the current local Los Angeles, California collector/enthusiast.
The previous owners were conscientious with their service regiment. We have a detailed spreadsheet highlighting services from 2004 to 2015 (21k-miles worth). See photo.
Upon receiving this 928 GT, the current owner began a pursuit of making it one of the nicest and best driving examples possible. He ultimately enlisted the help of Greg Brown of Precision Motorworks in Anaheim, California. Brown is one of the most recognized authorities on 928s in the country. Highlights of the work performed by Precision includes:
Full Engine Rebuild (Built to 5.9L):
Custom billet crankshaft 85.9mm Stroke
968 104mm Pistons
Custom Carillo rods and bearing set
Valve job (German high quality intake and exhaust valves)
Custom DLC lifter (factory Mercedes/Lightweight/coated with diamond like coating)
Aluminum heads resurfaced
Kevlar oil cooler lines
Oil pump and thermostat
Timing chain with tensioner rail kit
Upgraded radiator and rest of cooling system
Cosmetic refreshing of engine
Also, the current owner did a cosmetic freshening of the engine bay, exterior, and chassis as well as further mechanical repairs. This included:
Full repaint of body (removal of glass and engine)
Remove all suspension parts
Powdercoated and replated all suspension parts and hardware
Refinish exhaust system
New shocks and struts
Resealed and refinished gearbox and torque tube
Serviced A/C system
Replaced coolant reservoir
Front and rear brake pads, sensors, and lines
Resurfaced rotors
Flushed brake and clutch hydraulic system
Rebuilt axles
The work was completed in April of 2019. The owner then added an additional 1,000-miles of break in. The car went back to Precision at the end of November to have the fluids flushed, inspection, and adjustments to make sure that everything was working properly. We went through the car with Greg Brown at Precision just before picking it up to help the owner sell it.
This 928 looks exceptional. There are hardly any signs of use thanks to the fresh full repaint. The fit and finish of the body panels and gaps are excellent. The front right fender was replaced when the car was near new with the first owner. It was properly rolled to match the correct GT fender. The rest of the panels are original and vin decals on the doors and boot cover are present. The glass is in excellent shape and all original including the windshield. The rare factory GT/Clubsport forged wheels have been refinished and are wearing near full tread tires that are 5-years old. The brakes are near full life. All the exterior lights work properly.
The interior is equally as nice and all original. The leather seats have no tears or rips and just some typical light wear on the bolsters. The headliner looks great with no tears. The door panels fit nicely with no warping or significant blemishes. The carpet has no stains or tears as well. All the interior lights work. The dash is near perfect with only one tiny 1/8th inch crack between two defrost vents (see pic). All the gauges work properly as does the power rear wiper, windows, mirrors, and sunroof. The A/C system blows cold in both front and rear units. The upgraded Bluetooth radio sounds good with MB Quartz speakers as well. The amps and wiring for this sound system has been discreetly hidden on the spare tire area.
This GT is one of the best driving 928s I’ve experienced. It starts easily and holds a smooth and even idle. It has a wonderful rumble to the engine and exhaust. It’s not intrusive, but it definitely suggests the increase of horsepower. The acceleration is intoxicating with tremendous torque. The limited slip gearbox easily rows through the gears with precision and no grinding or slipping. The brakes were some of the best in the day. They have tremendous stopping power with no fading or pulling. The handling is surprisingly nimble and intuitive. It’s easy enough on long road trips as well as being very communicative through twisty back roads.
This GT passes California’s strict emissions test and is currently registered until November of 2020.
Included with this Porsche are the original owner’s manuals, maintenance book, 3 keys, tool kit, jack, Porsche COA, and most service history from new.
As the owner of a 91GT, I'm glad you really appreciate the uniqueness of this model and the current condition of your car is simply phenomenal. I truly admire the work you, and others, have done to make your car even more unique. I hope it won't be a garage queen.
As the owner of a 91GT, I'm glad you really appreciate the uniqueness of this model and the current condition of your car is simply phenomenal. I truly admire the work you, and others, have done to make your car even more unique. I hope it won't be a garage queen.
One question: Why was the engine rebuilt?
PO had the intake sand blasted and powder coated. Apparently they didn’t get all the media out and it sucked it through the engine. Hence the need to bore and stroke! Good excuse!
Congratulations on having good taste and the patience to find a great example of the GT!
P.S. What clutch setup is in it? That 5.9 is putting out some serious torque!
P.S.S. What does the WeiBhai signify?
Thanks!
The 5.9L is indeed strong. Gearing down low is short, so you can really feel it put the power down in 3rd and 4th. I’m not sure what clutch is in it as nothing is listed in all the paper work, I’m sure I’ll get to know Greg and get the scoop, he’s put a lot of time into this car.
As for Weißhai, it signifies great white shark, felt that was appropriate here!
12-25-2019, 11:08 AM
89 Weißhai GT
