'77 ('78) Porsche 928, "Number Six", Preproduction Press Car (Updated 3-18-13)
#136
Instructor
Just started reading this thread from the beginning and it's pretty cool that you found a very early car like this one is, but I'm a little confused. The engine and transmission numbers on the car don't match the documentation from Porsche. It looks like both have been changed since the factory build, and having the original motor and transmission would seem important. I guess I'm a little slow- What am I missing?
#137
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Engine and Gearbox confirmation
Just started reading this thread from the beginning and it's pretty cool that you found a very early car like this one is, but I'm a little confused. The engine and transmission numbers on the car don't match the documentation from Porsche. It looks like both have been changed since the factory build, and having the original motor and transmission would seem important. I guess I'm a little slow- What am I missing?
Lets start with the engine number:
Engine Code: M28-01 (confirmed)
Engine Serial Number: 8180021 (visual inspection confirmed 8180026)
Engine Serial Number: 8180021 (visual inspection confirmed 8180026)
It's possible that even though the VIN reads the 6th car built, it may actually have been the 9th, 10th ot 11th.
EDIT: 8180021 is not the correct engine number, as it's confirmed to be in S/N 00011.
Number Six S/N 00016, with engine number 8180026 now makes perfect sense. The build sheet (letter from Porsche) was incorrect.
The trans is a little more tricky:
Transmission Code: G28-03 (confirmed)
Transmission Serial Number: 1280006 (visual inspection confirmed 1181867)
Transmission Serial Number: 1280006 (visual inspection confirmed 1181867)
Keep in mind Porsche tranny numbers were not consecutive, but best guess puts the trans in early-to-mid MY '78.
I believe given the cars history as a press car (and possibly Weissach test car), I'm sure the dog-leg tranny earned it fair share of obuse. That coupled with the fact there were MANY running changes to the gearbox in early production.
- all leads me to believe the tranny was replaced with one off the factory floor, after Porsche fleet duty prior to the car being sold to the public in October '78.
IMHO, the engine is original and the gearbox is an original factory replacement.
Thanks for asking!
Last edited by Jadz928; 08-23-2011 at 01:44 PM.
#138
Rennlist Member
I picked up a SS gas cap at some point. Probably off the table at SFXX. Funny thing is that it does not seem to fit onto the tank of my '79. I suspect the early '78 tanks have a different thread that fits with the SS cap.
#140
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Motor Revue, 1977
Just received the Motor Revue magazine by Auto Motor und Sport.
This is their yearly recap of autos of '77.
I knew Number Six was on the cover, but was astounded by what I saw inside.
Here's the best of the lot...
Folks, that's a 1948 356 prototype!
Does that remind you of Porsche's "Family Tree" Panamera ad campaign?
There's more photos in the full article (german text) you can download 3meg low-res HERE or 12meg high-res HERE.
This is their yearly recap of autos of '77.
I knew Number Six was on the cover, but was astounded by what I saw inside.
Here's the best of the lot...
Folks, that's a 1948 356 prototype!
Does that remind you of Porsche's "Family Tree" Panamera ad campaign?
There's more photos in the full article (german text) you can download 3meg low-res HERE or 12meg high-res HERE.
Last edited by Jadz928; 02-03-2012 at 05:30 PM. Reason: added low resolution download
#141
Rennlist Member
Jim, the photos in the article show plaid seats?
#143
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The 78 tank has a different mounting bracket. I am not sure when the change was made but it was done by 1980.. On the later tank there is a metal bracket at the top filler that takes a cap screw. On the 78 the tank is surrounded by a strap. With some road corrosion the bracket will rust. On one 78 I took the bracket from a newer car and pop riveted it in place and then used a newer tank. Everything else lines up.
Before you do much with the tank drain it and put in some Berryman's B12. Let the Berryman's set for 48 hours. This will dissolve any varnish and allow you to remove the tank screen without damaging the tank. The tank screen can fragment and destroy the fuel pump so it is a good part to replace as soon as possible.
Great find. I do think a Black Pasha interior with the red would be well in keeping with the original car.
Before you do much with the tank drain it and put in some Berryman's B12. Let the Berryman's set for 48 hours. This will dissolve any varnish and allow you to remove the tank screen without damaging the tank. The tank screen can fragment and destroy the fuel pump so it is a good part to replace as soon as possible.
Great find. I do think a Black Pasha interior with the red would be well in keeping with the original car.
#144
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Yea, I saw that too. Don't know exactly what to make of it. The seat bottom shown doesn't appear to match the typical 928 seat shape.
I'm researching when the photoshoot was done for the article (appears to be 2 different shoots). This should shed some light on the subject.
Thanks for the gas tank info, Dan! I agree about the interior color, as long as I keep all the interesting preproduction originality, most of which is not related directly to interior color.
___________________________________
Just picked up some new H4s. I was really excited to find a pair of early NOS!
I've bought and sold quite a few H4s over that past 10 years, and have never ran across this before.
Found the one on ebay, talked to the seller and made an offer, which he accepted. Seller then told me he had another, and we made a deal for that one too!
So far, I have been extremely lucky and fortunate with this project. People are being exceptionally nice...and gracious.
PS. If anyone needs one early H4, used, in good condition (except the nylon socket on the bottom is broke), I will sell it for $150 shipped.
I'm researching when the photoshoot was done for the article (appears to be 2 different shoots). This should shed some light on the subject.
___________________________________
Just picked up some new H4s. I was really excited to find a pair of early NOS!
I've bought and sold quite a few H4s over that past 10 years, and have never ran across this before.
Found the one on ebay, talked to the seller and made an offer, which he accepted. Seller then told me he had another, and we made a deal for that one too!
So far, I have been extremely lucky and fortunate with this project. People are being exceptionally nice...and gracious.
PS. If anyone needs one early H4, used, in good condition (except the nylon socket on the bottom is broke), I will sell it for $150 shipped.
Last edited by Jadz928; 02-03-2012 at 05:31 PM.
#145
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Yea, I saw that too. Don't know exactly what to make of it. The seat bottom shown doesn't appear to match the typical 928 seat shape.
I'm researching when the photoshoot was done for the article (appears to be 2 different shoots). This should shed some light on the subject.
I'm researching when the photoshoot was done for the article (appears to be 2 different shoots). This should shed some light on the subject.
#146
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Then I would surmise Auto Motor und Sport had an early access photo op.
The car had brown w/pascha for the press launch in late February '77.
Last edited by Jadz928; 02-03-2012 at 05:32 PM.
#148
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Woodbridge, New Jersey
Posts: 631
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
8 Posts
If you have not already, you might want to contact the Porsche Classic Workshop in Freiberg/ Neckar in Germany regarding correct parts accessories,etc. as mentioned in the current Porsche Panorama article " Revive The Passion" on page 51.
#149
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
About that 928 - The Road & Track Experience
I was able to get in touch with Joe Rusz, who wrote the June '77 article - Porsche 928 Technical Analysis & Driving Impressions Tomorrow is here
You can download this in PDF here (1.5meg)
Joe was gracious enough to share his recount of the Porsche 928 press launch, February 23rd - March 8th, 1977.
You can download this in PDF here (1meg)
I spoke with Joe's copilot on the trip - phototographer John Lamm, who then got me in touch with research editor, Jane Barrett.
Jane was kind enough to dig up Joe's extra photographs from the trip. Thank you SO much, Jane! Here they are:
You can download this in PDF here (1.5meg)
Joe was gracious enough to share his recount of the Porsche 928 press launch, February 23rd - March 8th, 1977.
You can download this in PDF here (1meg)
I spoke with Joe's copilot on the trip - phototographer John Lamm, who then got me in touch with research editor, Jane Barrett.
Jane was kind enough to dig up Joe's extra photographs from the trip. Thank you SO much, Jane! Here they are:
Last edited by Jadz928; 02-03-2012 at 05:33 PM.
#150
Archive Gatekeeper
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Well, now you know what the interior is going to have to look like.