m750rider

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?

Jadz928

Great question!

Lets start with the engine number:
The code is period correct, and the number is off by 5. Keep in mind, this was 1 of 11 cars built in January and early February '77. My guess is they installed whatever engine that was ready for whatever car, out of the eleven.
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:
The code is period correct and the number is off by many. As listed, the 2 in 1280006 should read 1. That being said, the number is off my 1861.
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!

karl ruiter

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.

Jadz928

^^^
Karl, that's intesting. I'm not aware of any differences in gas tanks.
Folks quick on the PET, what say you?

Jadz928

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.

tilac999

Jim, the photos in the article show plaid seats?

BRB-83-911SC

Jim, you're keeping good company these days....

Podguy

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.

Jadz928

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.

Vilhuer

Seats are from period 911. They were used on early prototypes before correct style seats became available.

Jadz928

Interesting Erkka.
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.

Cosmo Kramer

Looking forward to your pics of the restoration! I can just see you with this car at a show with all of the documentation.

vze2jshn

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.

Jadz928

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:

Rob Edwards

Well, now you know what the interior is going to have to look like.