Captain Distraction

Hi All,

I've spent all evening devouring info on websites about the 928 model history and specifications, but I can't find anything to specifically help me with a car that I'm considering purchasing (I'm in the USA).

It has been described to me as a 1980 model, and the A in the chassis number confirms this in my mind. However, at the rear of the car, under the "Porsche" in the bodywork is "928S".

My understanding from my reading is that the "S" model wasn't introduced to the USA until a few years after 1980, but that it was being produced for sale in other parts of the world in 1980. The explanations I have come up with so far for this particular car are:

1) It was imported into the USA later after being produced for the ROW market

2) Somebody replaced the rear body work with the panel that reads "928S". However, in the photo galleries that I've found, I've only seen the "928S" in the bodywork of non-USA cars from the early 1980's.

I would really appreciate reading the opinions of others on this matter.

Thanks!

The Captain

Mike Frye

If you post the entire VIN, there are ways of deciphering exactly what year and model it is.

Captain Distraction

Here is the chassis number: 92a0810431

Jack Riffle

You need the VIN # You will find it on the driver side A-Pillar. A small metal tag.

Nicole

928S came to the US in 1983, with a 4.7 liter engine with little under 240hp. All US models had front and rear side markers integrated (sunken) into the body, and no lights between the front wheel and the doors.

The European / Rest of World 928 S was introduced for the 1980 model year - also with 4.7 liters, but 300hp. Euro/RoW cars had no side markers, but side flashers between the front wheel and the door. They also had separate fog lights in the rear bumper cover, to the left of the license plate.

"S" models came standard with the front and rear rubber spoilers. There was an option to delete those, though. 1980 US models did not have these spoilers -- except when equiped with the optional "competition package" that included the brakes and wheels from the European S model, as well as sports seats.

The VIN indicates this is a 1980 US model. The 928S decals are easy to purchase and install.

linderpat

Sounds like the PO just put the 928S sticker on the bumper cover. That doesn't mean it's an "S".

brutus

A $20 decal is all it takes to make it an S , some 85-86 cars have had S-4 plastered on the back. I even saw GTS emblems on an early car ! lots of people in the mid 1980s updated their 928 with spoilers and decals so it looked NEW. Look how many 911s grew whale tails .

Andre Hedrick

It is a 1980 from the basic part of the VIN

85fortheDrive

I can corroborate this. I put a decal on my back bumped that said 450 rwhp, but I've noticed no improvement in performance in the car.

Nicole is spot on with the history.

Andre Hedrick

Don't forget the Euro 1984/85 came with an optional dual cap distributor that boosted it from 300 to 310hp.

I have one of the distributors brand new in the box for $600, if anyone needs one.

Nicole

...and what would be the option code for that optional dual distributor?

No, that was never optional. All Euro S models from 1984 had this and 310 hp.

And most of us know that these cars have no standard S4 to fear...

Charley B

I'll take one in a 5sp please.