928 #1
 

As some of you know I took possession of 928 #1 from 928 Classics in February 2017. It's undergone a lot of archeology since then and I took hundreds of photographs along the way, many of which I will share with this forum. Its a fascinating 928 with significant variations from production models due to its hand built construction methodologies and prototype materials. Built after approximately 19 development prototypes and crash test cars, this is the first car using the production 10 digit VIN format 9288100011 (prototypes had 6 digits) and the first of 12 cars built to go to the Press Launch in France in February of 1977. These "Press Cars" were the first 928s that were intentionally shown to the public and photographers, although industrious photographers managed to capture previous prototypes in action despite the development team's best efforts at concealment.

Despite its pedigree #1 suffered some serious indignities along the way, including a full S spoiler set (holes) a full side molding installation (holes), a passenger mirror (more holes), federalization (saw holes), two right front fender collisions, a 12-pack respray, years of outdoor storage, rain leaks, rust, mold, squirrels, and mice.

Somehow it managed to retain its entire original driveline, 2 original 1976 dated phone dial wheels, original radio, and it's entire original and unique pre-production interior.

928 Classics and Landseer managed to find and procure this car from a craigslist ad in 2011. It had a good chance of becoming a parts car or going to the junkyard had they not grabbed it. While 928 Classics didn't do that much work on the car itself, Jim did properly store it and put in a serious and successful effort of DOT and ownership research, so we have the entire ownership history for #1 including a few years of factory use. My recent archeology turned up some more information on its factory history, we'll get to that later. Jim also found (and included) an incredible stash of NOS NLA parts for the eventual restoration of #1.

Ed Rice was aware I had taken the car, and was kind enough to invite it to the Pittsburg Vintage Grand Prix as a feature car. While i was very pleased with this invitation, the car had not run in 22 years and had said collision damage along with a hundred other issues. I had essentially three months to make the car into something presentable for PVGP.

First was a big push for functionality; running, driving, shifting, stopping. Needed everything that a 928 parked for 22 years needs in this department. Next was the body...those holes haunted me, all 36 of them. With help from some talented friends and a parts car the body took its proper shape again. Aside from door jambs, no original paint remained on the car, and there was no time to paint it "properly" for PVGP, so it is presented in white primer until further notice.

#1 should be and will be properly restored at some point. It's a driver for now, another step in it's fascinating and unlikely journey.

If you want lots of pictures, take them yourself! #1 will be on public display at these PVGP events:

http://www.pvgp.org/parade/

http://www.pvgp.org/tune-up/

http://www.pvgp.org/jetcenter/

http://www.pvgp.org/car-shows/schenley/


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I am..............speechless. What a job.

Wowser....I want it... :)

Congrats....please keep posting more about this amazing and special gal.

Looks a hell of a lot better than when I saw #1 just 3-4 months ago. Great job Droo and very much look forward to seeing her again at PVGP :thumbup::thumbup: T

That's freakin awesome!! I'm definitely trying to make it so I can see it in person. Great job so far!

Amazing. Job well done.

Damn
 

Damn that's incredible.

Andy

Awesome, can't wait to learn more about it!

Andrew, I remember seeing number 1 when down at you house last fall....wow!!! Unbelievable. Looking forward to seeing you and number 1 at PVGP.

Will you be convoying out in your turbo with Tony and I?

It'd almost be worth going to PVGP just to see this car. It's not to be for this year though. :(

Casper for sure!

Appropriate! it is returning from the dead.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...047abaacfb.jpg

Factory photos of #1 from 1977-78:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...54a3670b07.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...7af260cc4a.jpg

#1 at the 928 press launch in late February/early March 1977. (S-CX 2132) https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...or-france.html


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Wow, what a story!!! What a car!!!
Thank you.

ownership history:

1977-1979: Porsche
1979: Raffay Porsche Dealership, Hamburg Germany (still has windshield sticker)
1979-1983: Private individual, Nordestodt and Hamburg Germany
1983: Imported to USA
1983-2011: Private individual, NJ and NC
2011-2017: 928 Classics, VA
2017: Drooman

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...a7a492dba8.jpg

Private owner, Hamburg, 1979-80:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...906507be43.jpg

Nordestodt, Germany, 1980, passenger mirror and spoilers appear:

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...07cdba8525.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...a61d86211e.jpg

Craigslist photo, North Carolina, 2011:

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...2874ba7c7c.jpg

Credit to Jim Doerr for finding these owners and photos...no small task.

That is a hell of an effort in only 3 months. Look forward to seeing this car at PVGP!

Is the paint flat or is that just the pic? I don't mean that in any bad way at all .

Wow. I am praying people will take plenty of pictures and post them.

Congratulations on your hard work!!

Outstanding work, can't wait to see the finished product! Thanks so much for preserving this important piece of automotive history.

Wow!

^^What he said!

You wouldn't be interested in selling the radio, would ya?

Hey, they say it never hurts to ask...lol.

But, seriously...the car looks great and you've done a very impressive job so far. Can't believe #1 & #6 will be together in two short weeks. This is turning into an epic 928 event, just glad we'll be there to witness the reunion.

Brian.

Drooo, unbelievable effort, unbelievable results. Can't wait to see her at the PGVP...has come a long way since I last saw her.

Amazing!

That is really, really cool. Actually quite like the primed "body in white" look! Did the owner from 1983-2011 know what he/she had?

:thumbup:

You certainly own a master piece of the 928 history :bowdown:

Please take your time to discover the car. It seems that you already know much of its history, thanks to Jim.

And now; something to read and think about it:
http://cartechstuff.blogspot.fr/2016...estore-it.html

Congratulations.

I wish I could make the Pittsburgh show to see it. That car has some serious mojo. Is it ok that I feel some source of pride that my car was originally a cosmetic duplicate ( color wise) sans the passenger mirror?

Funny, although most folks desire unusual/unique colors...which is awesome...me, personally...my eye and heart is drawn to the "In the beginning" colors.

Wish you could make the event with your car.

Brian.

Very nice , your the next caretaker,
seems the more owners a 928 has the better the service results are.

Every new owner jumps in with cash and enthusiasm,
some are more successful than others,
good luck with your machine

It is indeed flat white primer. I consider this effort to be "Phase 1" with the goals being to evaluate the car thoroughly and make a decent presentation at PVGP.

Evaluation required a complete interior removal and the removal of all bolt on body panels. The roof paint was totally blown up, and lots of hole repairs meant every body panel ended up with primer on it.

Evaluating the mechanicals meant getting it running and driving. Of course every square centimeter of the fuel system needed to be rebuilt, and I found some very interesting pre-production mechanical improvisations built by the factory in a number of systems. I will share these here.

As one would expect, electrical systems were in need of service. Fortunately every single strand of original wiring remains un-molested in #1. Just for fun a good amount of the circuitry is wired DIFFERENTLY than the production cars (and diagrams) which made for some extended hours at electric repairs.

The interior is the most interesting part of the car. Every piece is hand crafted out of some sort of polyurethane plastic or molded fiberglass (not fiberboard) Every panel weighs significantly more than production panels, and the results are amazing... in spite of its hard life the pieces remain entirely original. un-warped, and in quite good condition. Getting it all out and cleaning it up was a lot of fun, just because every piece is so unique. The factory used a hand-written numbering system when building the parts and "001" can be found in pink crayon in many parts of the car. More on this later.

While it got significantly drilled on, poorly painted, and banged up on the outside, the rest of the car remains incredibly original, even down to some pre-production cooling hoses that remained along with many hand made original bits.

The still working MPH odometer, probably installed in 1983 at federalization, reads 81K miles, so true miles are unknown. So while running and driving now, it is in need of significant restoration to make it "right" again.


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...1aea5b0625.jpg

I'll comment, having talked a little bit to the gentleman.

Sort of, but not exactly. He said knew it was relatively early in the series, and as such had made a factory inquiry. IIRC, in the return letter, the factory clerk mis-interpreted the VIN as being the 11th car....but didn't realize that the first 10 VINS weren't utilized --- a fact that Jim says has since been confirmed by Porsche!

At the point that the transfer was made from the Craigslist ad, the owner just needed it gone. He said he was happy it was going to an enthusiast and relieved that we were "professionals" ( I assume not redneck buyers ).


Thanks again, Drooman, for doing all the right things with this car and sharing with all of us!!!!! Takes some serious skills and effort to make it look so clean. Major respect here. Awesome.

Speechless :cheers:

Amazing progress ! And thanks for being the caretaker of the hobby's "holy grail" car. :bowdown::bowdown:

Clearly you are worthy!

Thanks tass and to all who have supported the efforts. This community has been a huge help in my 928 adventures in general.

I very much wanted to bring #1 to Tass's wilbraham event this weekend, but I'm working on the car pretty much non stop just to get it to Pittsburgh. Unfortunately I need very day between now and when the transporter shows up.

a prototype camshaft on #1...notice anything different ?

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...c7eefc8c29.jpg

Wow , is that some sort of protective layer over the teeth. It looks like a thin metal laminate. Also the gear appears to be made from solid gold that was reclaimed from the Ark of the Covenant. Those darn early cars.

The heavy duty hand made interior construction methods paid off. These are all original panels, vinyl, pasha, pod, dash, carpets, etc. All were removed, cleaned, a few areas of pealing vinyl re-glued, and reassembled. Imagine if they never cut costs in production interiors...how many could look like the oldest original 928 interior in existence?

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...a0aa9401ee.jpg

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The interior has a unique look to it, while predominantly green vinyl, the A pillars, headliner, and hatch liners are black. Note no rear sun visors. Every piece of original carpet along with unique pre-production pedal pads remain after 40 years


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...aefcaf3283.jpg

The junk tray under the glovebox... heavy polyurethane construction in a complex shape. Strangely covered in green leather (the only green leather in the car) Also has an added aluminum panel with green carpet to close up a hole next to the kick panel

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Wow, that's impressive. When I was a kid I always wanted to be an archeologist, and it seems like what you're doing with #1 would be my grown-up equivalent to that dream. Keep up the amazing work!

The worst interior damage...those look like little dog teeth!

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...07151f567c.jpg

Wow those interior panels and carpets are in remarkable condition. Wish my '79 had been built with the same industrial quality materials.

I want it.....

Me, too! :)

Absolutely awesome! Nice job!

BTW, where in NC was it?

Speechless was the first word, then came amazed, followed by happienss - the latter which actually came first when Droo expressed interest in acquiring #1 from me.
It was perfect timing. And the perfect next parent.
I'm seriously deeply moved by Droo's efforts and ambition for #1, from the onset... and now I'm just blown away!
I have more to say and pics to show, but will leave for now with a thanks for the kind acknowledgements,
and congrats for the serious effort put forth to bring this special car back to life again. Well done sir!

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...44c1ff2bf7.jpg

Today, 7-6-17. #1 takes its first purposeful drive in over 20 years... a stop at my favorite local gourmet grocery store.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...209bd9f76c.jpg

Fantastic. Simply awesome. Congrats!!

It is great to see such an historic car used as intended by Ferry Porsche.

Andrew.......:bowdown::bowdown::bowdown:

I'm surprised I never saw that Craigslist post as I lived near New Bern NC at that time... and I'm always looking.:confused: lol

My 78 has also been Federalized with fender turn signals and a PS mirror. Tell me what method(s) you used to repair/fix/fill the holes please.

Brad

Thanks Bob, No caravan for me I need to get #1 out there on Tuesday as it has a full schedule of events. Leaving the turbo at home, just don't want to deal with taking care of two cars down there.

Fantabulous :thumbup::thumbup: T

Easy for him to "intend"...since "he" wasn't the one keeping things clean...lol.

Car looks great though.

Brian.

Beautiful, almost surreal having observed those "early" photos taken so many years ago at its inception, to now seeing it in a supermarket car park in 2017, looking, might I add, as fantastic as it did back then!!
An absolute credit to you.

Great job. :thumbup:

Congrats.

This car is truly part of the Porsche 928 history.

Amazing to see it on the road and in this very nice shape. :bowdown:

Is Pano editor Rob Sass going to be at PVGP? This is no doubt worthy of a Pano article.... or even Excellence.

drew, feel free to drop off the turbo here right outside Philadelphia when you head west to Pittsburgh:-). I'll take good care of it.

Hoi

George - I tried to raise some interest in this and #6 with a local guy, Rich Chenet, who is a staff photographer for Pano and 000, and Excellence too I believe, and could not get interest from him to run with it back to Pete Stout, or the other folks at Pano and Excellence. If anyone knows the editors, feel free to reach out. These magazines should be there for these cars, or at least capture #1 somewhere, even if at Droo's home.

Awesome work! Well Done!

Great! It's due for tires and brakes

Hey Ed,

The car looks great, and I even like it in the primer white. Adds another twist to the story. I've been watching your project, on and off, with keen interest. Would definitely be interested in 000 doing a major feature, with a couple of caveats—the car being finished (probably) being the biggie. If you care to PM me, we can take it from there.

Best,

pete

Have you considered doing something like a Kickstarter for the car or seeking sponsors to get the car back to how it was on day 1? I certainly wouldn't mind pitching in to see #1 restored.

This is just such an awesome story! Definitely keeping track of this as it progresses. Great job.

Ahhhh, that's near BFE! Date on ad is my bd....

Great find, really nice job on resto!

That's a pretty big coincidence, the birthday.
That ad wasn't up long, that's for sure, that part got handled.

Such an unlikely place.
Who'd a thunk there'd be anything related to Porsche in BFE Elizabeth City, let alone 928 ROW #1!

Wrapping that chain up around the axle -- all i could think about was water moccasins.

Well, I guess Chuck and I have the same birthday too!

I appreciate your enthusiasm for the future of this car! Determining the best path/ balance of restoration and preservation is the current challenge. Outside funding/ sponsors /investors are not required.:icon107:

Thanks Pete. It's Drooman's car. However, maybe give Rich Chenet a call and ask him to swing by for some candid shots? Something for later use? This will be the first time #1 and #6 are together since 77. There's a good story here.

If Hemmings sports and Exotics had not collapsed, they would surely have come for this. Those guys loved the PVGP and the historical cars that were brought in.:bigbye:

Contact 000 directly and pitch the story:

https://www.000magazine.com/contact

Stopped by Droo's house today and caught a ride in # 1...what a thrill :rockon: T

Too cool! Can't wait to see the old girl again.

Car and Driver was at the Press Launch of the Mas d' Artigney Hotel , February 1977.

#1 in the courtyard of the Hotel:

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...a359ac2140.jpg

Brock Yates, David E Davis, and LJK Setright bang around southern France in #1 and various other Press Launch 928s. Imagine the Abuse these cars took!


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...4fdb5d864c.jpg


Tony Lapine and David E Davis hanging with #4 at the Hotel


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...087cd07fc2.jpg

Engaging Chenet, or any other shooter at that level, is generally no small affair. I'll reach out to Drooman and see where we go from there. I agree there is a good story here—just need to think about the how/when/who before committing significant monetary resources to telling it the right way.

Never took the time to really look at the body language in that last shot—all three of them are saying something...

^^^ that's one my all-time fav early 928 photos!

And the whole C&D article is stellar
http://928classics.com/blog/the-best...iver-june-1977

1 and 6 together, so awesome.

Here are some amazing photos from the press launch, courtesy of Leonard Turner
http://928classics.com/blog/from-leo...-pano-april-77

This is how close #1 & 6 are in lineage.
http://928classics.com/uploads/3/5/2...76245_orig.jpg

#1 is one of these four, which one is she?
http://928classics.com/uploads/3/5/2...34231_orig.jpg

In answer to your question Jim, rhetorical though it may be.

Using this photo and the tree in the background as a reference, she is 2nd from the left as we view it, providing of course, the cars were not moved between shots, (it does not appear as though they were).

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...94f3570c8.jpeg

How exciting...

Kiwi, nice connection btw photos by Turner and Rusz. I love this kind of dialogue.
Chances are likely you are correct in your fair assumption, however it appears that in the meantime (as it were), someone parked a white econobox where a red 928 was.
Maybe Joe Rusz and John Lamm took #6 out for a spin. :)

Truly wonderful car & incredible story!

Some guys have all the luck! The only good thing I ever found on Craigslist was a glass patio door.

^^^ was it free? If yes, you did good (or better). ;)

It wouldn't surprise me at all if the Porsche family reaches out at some point to try to buy the car and bring It back to Germany for the museum or the family's collection. Such a cool artifact!

They would likely have the best chance at an "interesting trade" ;)

Looking forward to caravanning around town with this special car starting in about an hour or so!

Or, Jim, perhaps Leonard and John had manoeuvred the cars in such a way as to provide subterfuge for Joes little faux pas with a certain teal coloured number...:p

I was under the impression that Jim had reached out to Porsche and got a response that could be described as "lukewarm" at best.

I see the pics of it in the parking lot, and when Tony was riding around in it and marvel at the fact that it's an almost certainty that nobody who sees it out there has any understanding of what they are seeing.

^^Funny you should mention that. Someone almost pulled out in front of # 1 while we were in a rotory and Droo muttered "you really don't want to hit this car" :eek: T

That white econobox, my friends, is a VW Rabbit (or Golf, as the rest of the world called it). Fine company, especially if it's a GTI.

Hanging with some Stuttgart brethren in PPG plaza downtown Pittsburghhttps://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...cec28f97f5.jpg

It's happening!!!!!!!

#1 is out there!!!

Congrats, Droo, we would love to hear any comments about it...am wondering which of the folks will realize the significance

Fine company my foot! Even if it's a GTI it has no business next to a 928.

Variety is the spice of life. They're all fun in their own way.

They get along just fine parked next to each other in my garage.

Ed rice with the low VIN at the PVGP bridge party https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...3e42ce6819.jpg

Oh yea that blue car is here too 😁https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...2d07744fbc.jpg

Oh Brilliant!!! The history!!!

Great "synopsis" board in the rear Droo, incidentally what are the cards that appear tucked into the outer window trim?

Didn't Porsche cram a 928 motor into a golf for testing???

Maybe that's her?

Wendy "6er" stopped by..what a nice lady!!https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...4516350cb1.jpg

No it was an Audi 100 that was the test mule.

There were a handful of 928s that were rebodied to look like the VW Golf. While superficially similar, anyone looking closely could see that they were not really a stock golf.

The Rabbit GTI up until recently (and still sometimes) is worth more than the same year 928. $8,000 new vs $50,000. Plus the GTI is a ball to drive. I had an A2, still may be the best car I've ever owned.

And let's not forget this "marriage" of the 928 and Golf...


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...33e7b5246.jpeg

Can't wait to see that car!

It's the closest I'll ever be to the 928 history for sure.

Beautiful car.
Congrats sir.

Wow, I just love this stuff. Keeps me inspired, keeps me going.
One more day and I'm on my way. Can't wait to be there!

Love that pics of Ed too! Appears the driver seat with the VIN plate is the money-shot. ;)

The PVGP bridge party brings out serious iron like this 300SLhttps://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...a912074d22.jpg

Chris there is no doubt folks understand the significance of that car. Droo has given a number of interviews to press and media people on it this day. It is generating a lot of buzz, and was invited to the very exclusive hangar party to be displayed in the hangar. This is awesome and I am humbled that Droo brought it to our show!


Jim - cannot wait to get #6 here too - this is a double whammy - such a historical event for Porsche people (who definitely do seem to grasp the signifcance) and for us 928 guys in particular!

Ha! Nice. I'm glad my sister ran into you guys. Was also nice chatting with you today on her phone. She sent me a nice video tour of your car. I especially like the door tag with the name of the importer etched into it. Cool quirky stuff on #1. Hope to get to see it in person someday and cash in on the beer offer!

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...1abaf4ce74.jpg

Hotel parking garage fun...take that you inaccurate unreliable factory temp guage! https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...a2989882a7.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...7a7b0067dd.jpg

Nice fix! See you tonight.

Setting up for the hanger party at Voyager jet center at Allegheny airport https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...0c15d5c968.jpg

In the shadow of a 1945 b-25 Mitchell..https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...22605de38b.jpg
yes those are machine guns
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...4e2ceb78c5.jpg

We plan to be at the double wide welcome party this afternoon. We're looking forward to showing #1 to what will likely be the most appreciative crowd of the week and first time meetings with many of you. Hoping for a safe, successful, and fun drive for everyone coming in today.

Andrew, looking forward to catching up and seeing #1 in all its glory!

Fantastic!

Flying in today and your car is one of the primary highlights for me! Looking forward to meeting you.

Brian

Nice Droo!

Best Saturday breakfast I have had!!! Brilliant!!! great interview Droo, so good to hear people that obviously have both the knowledge and passion for their vehicle.

Got a real sense of the occasion.

Cheers for posting Nate

Yep, worth the trip!

I can't wait to see these early 928s together again!

#1 at the PVGP porsche welcome party Friday evening. Got to connect some faces with avatars and see some phenomenal 928s. Otto's car just blows me away every time I see it.https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...19e6dfba72.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...3c56a8e639.jpg

....

Awesome pics guys, thanks for sharing. Great interview Andrew.

Ah, she is beautiful!!! (#1 is not bad either...) well someone had to say it right?

Nice pic Tony.

The #1 spokesmodel https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...3476392fd6.jpg

...with the hardware
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...79a51cae1a.jpg

Congratulations, Andrew! Sorry I missed the event and in meeting you and others.
Have a safe trip back home-Hoi

Oh well done!!!

Well done Droo! Thank you so much for coming to the event and bringing your car. I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with you, and meeting Cheryl too. Your participation put us over the top. And seeing that historic car up close and personal was a special part of the whole event.

I've been fortunate in my role with the PVGP over the years to be in contact with some of the most iconic Porsches ever made, and I've got to say, from a personal preference, this 928 is at the top of that list. It will be fun to continue to follow the story of this car.

Safe travels and see you down the dusty trail!:cheers:

I'm borrowing this pic from the #6 thread...you never know who you'll run into. Stan was chatting with a guy (holding water bottle) Saturday when he casually mentioned that he worked at the factory in 1976 as an intern and likley fabricated metal parts for the press cars. Looking forward to more conversations with this gentleman.


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...c52f05691.jpeg

Amazing, Andrew.
Any chance that #1 could make it to this year's Frenzy in VA?

#1 gets a pic and a mention in the Tribune Review of Pittsburgh

http://triblive.com/lifestyles/fanfa...lemente-bridge


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...1dde1457e0.png

Pose purposely borrowed !

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...75d4d21bab.jpg

https://rennlist.com/forums/attachme...714_192859.jpg

Besides Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston , Droo and Cheryl are the most photogenic couple I've ever seen! :thumbup:

The next time you, #1 and a drone are in the same place, you need to replicate Ferry's pose. Talk about wall art!

Very kind of you Rick, but I think that beater 928 in the pics is messing with your head!

Thank you for the invite to frenzy. I have a few friends in that region and would love to go, but I think it is unlikely. #1 was on the road for about 4 days before PVGP, I managed to get about 100 miles on it before we transported it to Pittsburgh, then logged about another 100 during PVGP week with a number of small cable tie and bailing wire repairs while there. The spirit of the 928 development team (both living and passed) followed me around all week and arranged things (what we call luck on our planet) to keep #1 going and in attendance at all events...Thanks guys!


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...6bc06e7393.jpg


So the car is currently in no condition to be making 600 mile trips under its own power, it requires significant mechanical maintenance before I would be comfortable on a trip like that. Work is going to begin on the car as soon as I decide what to do, how much to do, and in what order.

Andrew, if you want to go to Frenzy (sans 928) you could hitch a ride with Tony or me and take your pick....mokka or red GT!!! just saying ;)

Who knows, you might even get some seat time on the left side of the GT !

Andrew, if you need enclosed transport, my trailer is oftentimes available and there is an Enterprise truck rental across the river in Old Saybrook. Plenty of room inside the trailer for a 928.

Andrew makes the Social pages in the local Pittsburgh newspaper, along with #1:thumbsup:

Linky: http://triblive.com/lifestyles/fanfa...lemente-bridge

Shifting gears into research mode. While there is a known but relatively uneventful ownership history after Porsche (1979 to present) the time at Porsche remains shrouded in mystery. In response to a previous owners inquiry, Porsche has stated in writing that they sold the car in 1979. No date or month was given other than "1979." The only confirmed (by tag number) photos of the car are during the press launch in France (February and March 1977) and the June of '77 Car and Driver photos were taken at the press launch. As of this writing I have no confirmed photos or information on the car's location or use by Porsche from April 1977 to its sale sometime in 1979.

Knowns:

The first 4 press cars were white (S-CX 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135)
As it turns out the rear wiper configurations provide one of the few visual queues outside of the license plates:
2132 had provision for rear wiper (plugged holes in hatch)
2133 has unknown rear wiper configuration
2134 had a provision for rear wiper (plugged holes in hatch)
2135 had no provision for rear wiper (no holes in hatch)

rear wiper references:

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...3da018b0d0.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...a046b92f3b.jpg


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...715ebf8634.png

2133 (#2) and 2135 (#4) show up in ads and magazines after the press launch:

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...c10ac28397.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...fad2622e5c.jpg

A white press car with a temporary license plate and rear wiper (but with metal expansion tank) shows up in an Australian magazine in august 1977:

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...17b465e13.jpeg

wish I could read that VIN plate..


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...5954199428.jpg


So, not much to go on so far, what was #1 doing while in possession of the Porsche Factory from march of 1977 to 1979? Possibilities include: Sitting somewhere doing nothing, Executive use, testing and abuse, all of the above.

As a teaser (to me and everyone else) is the note scrawled in large handwriting on top of the headliner board. This note was written in the same pink crayon and handwriting as other notations found inside of interior panels, faded and difficult to capture in a photograph but photoshop brings it to life:

Weissach
Pass on to
Hr. Teugler (Tergler?)

Who are you Hr. Teugler?


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...0ca4fb2735.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...30c68f3a96.png

That little VIN plate generates lots of buzz and interest, I made some great connections at PVGP that may lead right into the factory archives. This story is just starting.

Interesting engine compartment shot, never seen it before.

1) Am I hallucinating or is there no heater box installed in the dash? I'm probably hallucinating.

2) Never seen that configuration of the aux air valve hose routing before. Interesting.

3) Unique upper airbox molding- very pronounced 'gutters' for the straps.

3) Not sure if it's the same, but the Behr sticker on the radiator looks like one I've seen in Mark's inventory before. I'd be happy to replicate it if anyone would like one.

https://webfiles.uci.edu/redwards/pu...%204-18-17.jpg

1. the heater box is there, you can see the rubber boot sticking up and the heater fan motor.

2. Aux valve bracket and hoses are like that on very early cars, #1 and my #24 are that way

3. Airbox is unique and heavy, here's the one from #1

(3) 4. YES PLEASE !!!!


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...775f969c4f.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...a2cd8b8845.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...603f26efcd.jpg

SO much going on in that engine shot. The air intake hoses have no rubber boot for timing cover vents. So cool to see these preproduction cars.

I would guess that your investigation may reveal Mr Turgler to be an employee at Porsche. Someone who was probably waiting on that headliner. Just a guess ....

also note: metal expansion tank, unusual brake reservoir, "pre jump post" treatment, "wrapped" tank to water bridge cooling hose, all intact on #1

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...1573f77153.jpg


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...163341773a.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...b65fd52212.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...23c5fdfbe6.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...0ff21123be.jpg

Have you reached out to the factory yet? I am curious if they would be able to tell you about the car's history or not.

I'm in the process...the "official channel" for all inquiries from north America is Porsche North America, and their COA, and It is limited. Other information has trickled in from 928 Classics' efforts over the years...some of that factory information can be confusing. The access to and organization of the factory data from that long ago is not exactly straightforward.

They were pretty optimistic early on...with the "no need for a jump post" mindset.

Great photos, Andrew!

Brian.

+2 Rob, yes please.
#6 was fitted with production stickers on the radiator (possibly late Porsche weeks ownership).
However, I'd like to return to original build, which had only the rad p/n and Behr sticker.

I think the jump post thread is the same size.

Yeah, what Droo said about cryptic Porsche info, Woah. I'm looking forward to a reinvigorated search. Hope to be a part of it.

"Weissach
Pass on to
Hr. Teugler (Tergler?)

Who are you Hr. Teugler?"

Don't think its Teugler or Tergler... Its likely a reference to Edgar Tengler who was on the 901/911 team prior and a senior development figure back then.

He's in this pic: https://en.wheelsage.org/porsche/911...ctures/ncddn0/

Good call newcollector! That is the first confirmed match to a name inside of the company, and one more bit I can chase at the factory.

COOL! Hope you can now get them to open up with more details.
He's also referenced as part of the 914 Rally R&D Team. (see screen-grab from book).
I'm guessing he was a speciality lead within the senior development team. Perhaps chassis / body?

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...e614f80fd6.png

Droo,

I am friends and fellow country club member with Fred Schwab (President and CEO of PCNA from 1992-2003). I'll give him a ring if you provide a list of specific questions for him to forward to the appropriate corporate staff.

DD

:cheers:


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...ab503eab99.jpg

Just a car on errands today

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...b52ac27747.jpg

Hr. Tengler
 

As a teaser (to me and everyone else) is the note scrawled in large handwriting on top of the headliner board. This note was written in the same pink crayon and handwriting as other notations found inside of interior panels, faded and difficult to capture in a photograph but photoshop brings it to life:

Weissach
Pass on to
Hr. Teugler (Tergler?)

Who are you Hr. Teugler?

================

My German friends read the name as Hr. Tengler. The "n" in Weiterleitu-n-g” corresponds to the "n" in Tenger.

Another friend knows of Edgar Tengler, who has been identified. More to come.

While digging around in the holes the web leads me into I found a few new (to me) pics of S-CX 2132 at the press launch in france, March 1977. Photos by Karl Ludvigsen

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...53811af899.png

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...59a4cc8018.png

nice:thumbsup:

Sooooo - Droo,

What up with numero UNO?

You've come a long way, and with your tenacity and attention to detail, you'll probably have this car in spectacular condition for all of us to admire (drool bibs required) in no time.

BTW, Congratulations!

Care for another creative match of Bocce Ball in the garage?

Thanks GT R for the kind words. Not barreling into restoration at this point, as anyone who saw it at PVGP can attest to the car is "functional" "stabilized" "complete" and "preserved wherever possible" and as such is perfect for occasional use. More attention is going into research of #1 during its time at Porsche (1977-1979) which is proceeding along with the help of a few very generous and well connected individuals. Thanks, you know who you are.

As far a garage bocce I no longer have time for those shenanigans...its lawn bocce these days.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...5db9ed7067.jpg

Some interesting fuel tank bits for #1. Note smooth barrel steel sleeve threaded insert for tank strainer. Strainer is hand soldered stainless screen over steel barrel with holes in it. I found these same parts in car#24 as well. Tank manufacture is 1976.


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...c407257431.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...735c30c867.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...a08d744c1c.jpg

Cool story, and cooler car

kool parts Drew

So what's the plan there? Run a newer type strainer and keep the original on the shelf?

The oe strainer is going back in...I was having flow problems with that screen because it's so fine and was significantly restricted by old fuel gunk. An overnight soak in wd-40 rust remover soak followed by another overnight bath in laquer thinner made it like new again.

Another case of better quality than what made it into production...how many 40 year old plastic strainers can you "service" ?

Just so happens the thread size is smaller on the first few thousand cars too, and those strainers are NLA.

Cool. Glad to hear you are refurbishing it.

I'm with you on the smaller strainer. #30 has the small strainer. I ended up popping the old strainer off the hub, and popping a new version onto the old hub. That worked great. As you know it is a press fit.

Sooooo Drew,

How are things going with the factory on the research?

:thumbup:

Somebody has to say happy 9/28 day to number one!

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...995257e137.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...9c3444ea0b.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...f3e0788737.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...814722a36e.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...22106685ae.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...52deae8489.jpg

Great thread drooman, I saw your video a few months ago with #1 and loved seeing it and hearing about the background. I'm following this thread and hope to see your car at some point. The car that is in my possession has been in my family for the past 30 years, so we have loved 928s for a very long time. Keep up the good work! And keep posting on this thread.

Rich Hall
1981 928

An article soon?

Looks like Number 1 is goin be in the movies! 😉

Can't wait to see it!

Stay tuned:icon107:

okay, the intrigue is palpable! Like that 70s disco song, "More, more more"!

Will do! Good stuff.

Brian.

Waiting with baited breath! Looks great Droo!

Petrolicious perhaps?

Sorry guys I'm bound by confidentiality until published

Totally understandable and typical.

That won't stop the peanut gallery, though.

Please let us know when it hits the stands (somehow I don't think I need to worry about that).

Amazing car. What a find!

It IS an amazing car...but forget the VIN for a minute. Even with all of its rough edges and age wrinkles, it seems to be really embracing racking up the miles for its first driving season in decades....still fabulous at 40!

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...d49f084402.jpg

You ever going to sell?

that's a very large and open-ended question. "Ever" encompasses a very long time, and eventually, except for what goes in the casket with you, it all gets sold.

Sweet Alfa.

Did the very early cars not have the rubber gaskets between the bumpers and the body?

Based on this launch press pic from earlier in the thread, it appears not.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...59a4cc8018.png

Well, I have received my issue this morning, in French of course.
Congratulations!

https://www.porsche.com/usa/aboutpor...iew/article02/

​​​​​​​https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...ab60830894.png

Outstanding. Tell us more - did you meet the other gentlemen referenced in the article? Did they recall #1? And of course, I assume a hard copy of Christophorus can be bought somewhere.

Very cool! It's nice to see good press like that!

Nice!
Is it a coincidence that your photo looks like it was set up on the same road as that in the S4 ad?
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...56574b7b8e.jpg

Excellent article. The photos of #1 look amazing. Congratulations!

Phinney-ous Foggg,

Great job on getting the 928 some well deserved press. As we know, these cars are incredibly under-appreciated and mis-understood.

Cool that you scooped it on Feb 22nd! reminds me of a certain solstice 56 T-Bird arrival.

Keep the lights on!


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...585bd00a0d.png

That is very cool. Great pics of a great classic. #1 is look awesome.

Had to post the obverse...https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...6d5144f4c2.png

Thanks for everyone's kind words. It is an interesting process to work with Porsche, it takes a lot of time and patience but it is worth the effort. Unfortunately I did not meet the other guys featured in the story…yet ;) I did do a few phone interviews with an editor of Christophorus, but the majority of the creative and visual content was prepared by RennFilms http://rennfilms.com/christophorus-magazine/ Rennfilms has done a number of projects for Porsche in the past, they make spectacular films. http://rennfilms.com/films/

While I very much enjoyed working with Christophorus, the editorial process has its limitations. With the phone interviews there was a slight language barrier and as such a few details in the publication are incorrect…but they are just that; details. This is the first time they have publicly stated that 9288100011 is indeed "number one," putting their stamp of verification on Jim's research regarding the early VIN series. Christophorus and Porsche has done a tremendous service to the car and to all 928s by continuing to draw attention to the model. There is a video of our exploits available to Christophorus Subscribers, but it is only viewable by scanning the magazine QR code with the Christophorus app on your IOS or android device. https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/comp...ine-14298.html

The guys from Rennfilms did a spectacular job over two long days in October. The 3 man crew flew in and showed up with a rental car packed with cameras, sound equipment, and drones. We captured hours of video, thousands of photographs, and hours of interviews in a total of 9 locations. We worked for 17 hours on the first day, and around 10 on the second day. It sounds like a lot of fun, and it was, but it was a lot of work too. We did many miles of driving footage at speed on my local rural roads…think rental car chasing your special car from 5 feet away at 40 MPH…hour after hour, mile after mile. If you're not accustomed long stretches of being filmed, its challenging and exhausting…there's a lot of takes and a lot of repetition but its all part of making a good media production I suppose. They were quite pleased with the various locations available to us in my area..spectacular rural roads, shoreline sunsets, scenic towns, and even my friend's abandoned warehouse made the cut. The guys taught me a lot and were super patient and cool. I hope to work with them again in the future.

If it seems like a whole lot of work for that short bit in Christophorus, you're right. Rennfilms is cooking up more video that'll be more easily accessible…stay tuned.

​​​​​​​

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...caebac5548.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...abc5b5db16.jpg

Don't buy rental cars
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...04051bd35c.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...bac59479b7.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...06bd1f69e5.jpg
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https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...5241471081.jpg
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https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...bfbe045b29.png
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Great shots Droo. And an even greater addition to the legacy for #1. I look forward to seeing the videos when they become available.

Andrew, #1 could not have been in better hands than yours for helping to bring it and the 928 a lot of respect it deserves after many years "in the shadows" of the 911.

Big congrats on all you have done for #1 and the 928 brotherhood!

Congrats Andrew. :thumbup:

Well deserved.

Like Bob said, #1 could not have been in better hands than yours.
You are a true 928 - Porsche enthusiast!
It was an honor for me meeting you last July in Pittsburgh.

Real happy to see that Porsche has decided to make something out of this beautiful story.

Can a hard copy of Christophorus be bought somewhere?
I would definitely buy one.

Just subscribed to CHRISTOPHORUS magazine. it will be nice to have the article for my "928" library :thumbup:

In Europe, I think that you can collect copies at any Porsche Dealer. Is it the same in the USA?

Andrew, let me know if you would like to have a French copy.

This is great stuff Andrew - I love how you are getting this most significant car out there and allowing the greater car enthusiast population to learn more about these great cars! You are the ideal caretaker for this one.
Are you going to take it to Amelia or any of the other major shows in the New Year?

Two thumbs up! Blast following along.

Brian.

Nice shots!

Droo,

Registration for Weeks Reunion at Amelia Island opened today.

Did numero UNO get it's rightful spot?

Just sayin!https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...7b8fc0f30e.png

#1 will not be in the Amelia Island concours at least for this year, application deadline was actually August 31. ..although Werks Reunion is a possibility for that week: https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...th-2018-a.html so the car **may** be in town for the week. Currently in storage and continuing service for the winter with further media work planned. Did get my complimentary copy of Christophorus, but I won't be opening it...this one stays sealed and added to the growing documentation file.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...bb296322c5.jpg

I saw a pic from the Christophorus article show up on Porsche's Facebook feed today; not as cool as the magazine but I bet a lot more folks get exposure to #1 that way. Congrats again!

Subbed

For those who missed to movie (at least I did):
There must be a link somewhere in this thread but I couldn't find it.

http://rennfilms.com/

Great movie!

http://rennfilms.com/films/the-first-928/

No one missed it, as it was just released yesterday. This is a variation of the Christophorus film that was only viewable with the phone app and a print version of the magazine.

Thanks for posting that. Excellent video. Andrew you definitely are an impressive custodian for this most important of 928s. I love the shot at the end. Beautiful!
​​https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...8b5dddec79.png

That truly is an awesome video, and I echo Nate's sentiments - our community is quite fortunate to have Andrew be the custodian for this very special car! And kudos to Jim for rescuing it and holding it safe for the right person to come along and move it to the next stage!

One of the better 928 videos out there, number 1 deserves it and your custodianship! It is very fortunate for all fans of the model that this car did not get lost and destroyed along the way after all these years.

Thanks for all of the positive messages about the film... Rennfilms really deserves ALL the credit for the quality, content, story flow, and presentation of it all. I'm just talking about it and driving it around, stuff I do all the time anyway. Only took two days to get together 5 mins of useful stuff, hopefully a comedic version of bloopers and cutting room clips never surfaces!

Rennfilms is always looking for stories of interesting cars and their owners, RL is loaded with passionate owners with unique and fascinating cars. Submit your stuff: contact@rennfilms.com

Congratulations Andrew! Great movie and way to bring out the 928's beauty

thanks-Hoi

Drew thats a great film, thanks for making it happen,
thats another way to raise the bar of our car!

Wow what an awesome piece of history!

Great work sir

Nicely done. You are a great story teller, very artistic. Kudos.

Wife watched the film with me.

You should have seen her face when I told her it was the same care that Jim and I used her suburban to tow home from Elizabeth City.

Complete shock.

Similar response from my gf today when I told the same story. What a great story that was!
Been thinking about you, hope all is well. Lets catch up soon!

THAT really came together well. Fantastic. Glad the car is in good hands and being recognized for what it is!

Very cool - love the video and the purity of design in number 1 that it demonstrates. The cars look so much more alive and yearning to be driven when viewed at speed than in a static picture Really revives the passion we all have for the 928.

Drew,

Simply a great representation of the character of the 928 and past and current owners. I particularly liked the reference to Stanley Kubrick & Steve Jobs.

I too have always enjoyed the unique characters that I have met through 928 ownership. This group on Rennlist is a good example. 928 Owners Club activities are another source of fun, knowledge and lasting friendships. A new generation of owners is appearing who are beginning to appreciate what we have known for years are great cars. Serious collectors are finally figuring 928's out and are wondering how they were influenced to ignore the 928 in the past. Financial appreciation is rewarding those of us who have been willing to maintain our driver sharks, and especially reward those who would resist driving them. I was never one to resist driving my sharks... they were simply too much fun!

Over the years I have chuckled at the notion that 928's are expensive to maintain. Hmmmmm, I've owned quite a few 911's and given the rebuilds at 100k for my early cars, head stud and valve guide failures of the 3.2's and recently IMS failures, the 928's seem inexpensive.

Several hundred thousand miles of seat time in 928's have taught me what wonderful machines we have discovered.

This might be a bit of overkill when a simple "Thanks" would do.

Enjoy!

Very nice video. Thank you for the link, and the preservation of "old #1".

Awesome video. Kudos!

Hey Droo. Came across this on Instagram. Is that #1 on the cover?

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...bbabb8075a.png

Hey Nate!

That is not my car, it is a late production prototype that was probably finished around November 76 - January 77. I refer to it as "White with black door handle car" as it has a black handle on the driver door. It was prominently featured in AutoCar March 12 1977 but made earlier appearances as well. Other notable features are the lack of rear wiper and unfinished or darkish color wheels with no center caps. Incidentally there was a "red with black door handle" prototype as well. I wonder what the black handles, on the driver door only, was all about.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...21c299b339.png


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...8f2f365e09.png
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...43ce46c47d.png


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...e10cca0c19.png

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...dbb8277bc4.png
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...72983980b4.png

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...8b3747d849.png
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...1c4d6ed0a2.png

Thanks for the pointing out the differences. Very interesting. Wonder if they painted the door handle black just to get an idea of what it looked like in contrast to the body color? My guess is they were considering painting the handles black. By only doing the drivers side they could quickly compare and contrast by walking around to the passenger side, maybe?

The latter stage of the 928 prototype era 75-76 is a pretty mysterious place. I'll be sharing more on this later.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...4ddb4ea1e1.png

Just letting you all know this entire thread has given me goosebumps.

That last pic of the red prototype reminds me of this:
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...f801f537a8.jpg

A grainy snapshot of an elusive, impressive and mysterious form not previously seen by the public.

Number 1 and that other guy's blue car made it into ConceptCarz.com

If you dig around in their 928 area a number of familiar RL 928s are pictured.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...99802f0b08.png

Finally out of winter storage today. First stop... $3.65 gas

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...c0e84a585c.jpg

And I thought that the devil was in the details :icon107:

Welcome back to the road.

Looking forward to seeing some #1 summer fun pictures!

Finally done hibernatiing! What a great car, great stewardship as well.
I noticed what looked like correct vintage Pirelli P7s, and in my talks with Pirelli they haven't started making the 16" sizes for 928s yet. Can you share how you got yours?
All the best,
William

Nice shot Droo. Hey your gas is cheaper than ours at least. :)

Mine are vintage, i've been buying them for years.. one here and there on ebay, craigslist, etc. I even found an NOS one once. I only buy ones with good tread, but they're all hard as rocks.

As someone said . "it takes a special kind of crazy"

Always had a place in my heart for the early 928. Reading about yours brings me back.
Thank you for that and enjoy the summer with this beauty.

Ted

Amen! I was afraid that was the tire answer, at this point I am too smitten with spirited driving to have the proper option tires to show. One day soon I hope.
I look forward to tipping a few back with you someday!
W

So I haven't read the whole thread, I do recall the original road trip and recovery. I recall some inquiries to Porsche.
Just wondering...what would come back and whether there would be response to a request for one of their "COAs", if that wasn't already done.

For those of you in the Northeast the #1 will be appearing at Porsche of Warwick RI on June 9th 2018, weather permitting of course.

https://warwick.porschedealer.com/ev.../3041/?lang=en

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...48456dbdea.png
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Ditto!

70 years of Porsche at Porsche of Warwick RI today

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...a69a51ce3f.jpg

Looks like a fantastic day, beautiful company, awesome car.

What kind of comments did you get on #1?

It was a great day and a nice event was put on by Porsche Warwick. There was the usual turnout of 21st century customer cars, the dealership's new offerings plus a fair number of vintage cars 1950s to 1990s drove in. We had the only 928 aside from one on a lift in the service shop...can't imagine how that ended up in there. The real treat was several Porsches from Audrain Auto Museum in Newport. http://audrainautomuseum.org/ Serious stuff.. a 918, Carrera GT, a new 911R a '73 RSR, and a lot more stuff you rarely get up close to.

The #1 gets some interesting attention in this type of environment. A lot of contemporary Porsche customers walk right by it and most of the other older cars... and mine is not shiny so it even gets some "WTF is this doing here?" looks. There's a lot of 928 fans out there now so there were a fair amount of admirers . For some, once they start reading the info board they end up hanging around the car for a half an hour really staring it down, these folks are fascinated and full of questions and they make the whole thing worth it for us. There seems to be about a 50/50 split between "restore it" and "leave it like it is" which is a discussion we never tire of.

There were a few Porsche sales guys at the dealership that have been around for many years and they tend to have the best 928 stories and memories of selling them back in the day. These older sales guys really appreciated #1 and had some real insight into just how out of this world the first 928s were when they arrived in the late 1970s. They report that the cars were very amazing in the context of other offerings by Porsche at the time, but that did not necessarily translate into sales. The pasha seats were polarizing and many buyers did not want them. Among these guys they were commonly referred to as the "LSD seats" or the "Ralston Purina seats" when new... something tells me Porsche was not going for the Ralston Purina look.

Sorry I wasn't able to get to the show yesterday, yard duties prevailed. My brother and nephew were headed over, though, and I mentioned to them that you would be there, so hopefully they stopped by to say hi. Glad you were able to make it and represent us 'forgotten' P-car owners :D

Fun stuff here...

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...0d3e12f980.png


The acceptance / non-acceptance of Pasha is a good comparison to the story of the Sneetches!

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...8b3c9e07f0.png

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...94abfdafcb.png

For those in the Northeast we're planning to get #1 up to Porsche Day at Larz Anderson Museum on Sept 8th in Brookline Massachusetts. This is of course "weather permitting" since its rained pretty much 80% of the summer up this way.

Porsche Day

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...ba2ffab457.png


If you haven't seen this event it is typically a very solid Porsche turnout, and the museum itself is worth the trip.

Hanging out at the house with Rothmans Series 900 today

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Nice Patina on the Rothmans car... Love it when they are driven!!!

IMO the #1 car should be closest to the camera...

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Great weather and turn out at Larz Anderson Auto Museum on 9-8-18. Many beautiful Porsches of all types but my favorite was a nice original HellBlau 1980 Euro S manual with super obscure blue Uni-stoffe!

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...45c473a53d.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...136fcf5a46.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...784e4cde21.jpg





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What a nice looking event. And no driving rain! We need to build an ark here.

​​​​​​

awesome vid. Thanks for sharing. What was the dark grey shooting brake Porsche? Looked like a chopped Macan?

Off to its next adventure.. Updates soon, after a few days of travel time.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...620fd5d639.jpg

Keep us posted. Love hearing about this car and its history and future.

See ya on Saturday!

This is going to be fun! Numero Uno is the Apex of another adventure...


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...5c98b25ed4.png

Planes, Trailers, Automobiles!
...

Watching.

Brian.

Just in case:
https://library.revsinstitute.org/digital/custom/results?search=porsche+928&collection=p17257coll1&CISOSEARCHALL=porsche+ 928&page=1&CISOSEARCHALL=porsche+928&CISOSEARCHALL=porsche+928&CISOSEARC HALL=porsche+928

Some incredibles pictures of the official introduction to the Press, at Saint Paul de Vence!
Example:
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...acd038f5fd.png

Thank you CS! I stumbled upon the Revs Digital Library a few years ago.. be careful with that drug it can suck you in for hours! There's some guys that appear with the 928s at the press launch..there's a few id like to identify if anyone has any ideas, see https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...-france-2.html

You are welcome. So far, I haven't found a CS or CS prototype :crying:

But I think that I know the driver of S-CX 2135.

Every little piece of the puzzle is going to help. Eventually, with enough pieces, the picture of the CS's will come into focus.

Same thing with these pre-production press cars, but the story must be put together before the participants have passed and the story is lost to the winds of time.


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...552765c922.png
Thanks for the image (Revs).

.

and at 41 years, time is short.

David,
I think that this is the interior of S-CX 2142, a petrol blue car, #10. And if I'm right, this is the oldest 928 that I have seen by myself, so far.

I have found original and unpublished pictures of a CS prototype :D
But I'm sure that I still have many others to discover!

Samuel,

I have prepared a contact sheet (sort of a WANTED poster) for the CS's we are attempting to locate.

It is being transported in a plain manila envelope to the TOP SECRET location of the latest adventure for #1.

Hint, we are traveling to a seldom seen and obscure airport outpost... dimly lit, and heavily fortified...

Think; blacked out security vehicles and men in trench coats with sunglasses on cloudy days, parked silently behind decaying billboards from the 1960's :icon107:

Ravens croak in the distance as an obscure white 928 approaches - growling, rumbling, the ground quivers, quakes and trembles in anticipation...



.

In 1977 this car might as well have been a spaceship ---It was that different than anything that had come before it.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...c075e72141.png
c Sebastian Decoret


Saturday, 1.12.2019

After earning it's place among the truly revolutionary automobiles of the century, It is about to be unveiled again.

9 2 EIGHT

There is no substitute...


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So we arrived at the Porsche Experience center in Atlanta last night..
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...efed5fd13e.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...d028cdb2c0.jpg

And by morning the cars to reside for the next six months in the museum were out in the courtyard

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All the car owners were present, and some of us were asked to give the talk about our car...

talking the talk blah blah blah :corn:
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...75bde2685.jpeg

Then after lunch we loaded all the cars into the museum...

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...69fcdb4d6d.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...2ef1069de7.jpg
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In recent days I learned I would be sharing the space with some significant Brumos cars...
Maybe I brought the wrong 928

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...1a82de8caf.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...11687c541a.jpg
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The entire staff at the Porsche Experience center was fantastic, and I thank them all for their hospitality and assistance to arrange a space for #1. This guy, Ray Shaffer, (on right, Classic Restoration Manager) gets the majority of the credit for managing the museum displays and arranging the exhibitions. Thank you again Ray for bringing our (and all) 928s to the attention of your visitors.

#1 will reside at the museum for around six months.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...18e076d3ba.jpg

Holy Sh!t Andrew! This is awesome news. Absolutely perfect place for #1, and carrying the banner proudly for all of those sharks that came after it:bowdown::cheers::thumbsup: Great job campaigning this most important car.

+1, this is really cool. Now you have 5 months and 29 days to get the Brumos car shipshape, you can swap it in in July. :)

+1.

This car fully deserves his place in an event - museum like this.
It's part of the Porsche history for sure.
And It's just the beginning…

Andrew, you brought this car back to life in a very exceptional way.
You have all my admiration.
Thank you so much.

I had the chance to see this car, sit in it, and talk to you at the PVGP in 2017.
I will never forget that weekend for the rest of my life.
Thanks again for taking the time - and I know it's a lot - to bring this very unique car back to like.
To me you're now part of the Porsche 928 history just like #1.

All the best. :bowdown:

A fleet of Brumos race cars surrounds us and almost everyone is fixating on the 928... Changing times, and real interest in the car...

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...7ea347b05f.jpg

The car will be displayed with the door open and the Pasha revealed in all its glory!

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As night falls here we wrap things up. Thanks to 928 GT R for his support today. Our work is done here, for now.

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Speedster hubcap with the 928 reflected...

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Hushed and reverent tones...

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Your car looks like it absolutely belongs there.

What a great story on so many levels!
:cheers:

Highly recommend a visit to this facility and staying at the Solis hotel. Walking distance and great restaurants.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...aff0c9862a.jpg

One of the most interesting lighting fixtures I have encountered!


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...70a856a912.jpg

Thanks go to drooman and the entire staff at PCNA for their hospitality and support.

Congrats guys!

This is great to see #1 in such a good company, for a temporary display.

And hopefully this thread will reside here in infamy.

What an impressive and deserving journey this iconic car is realizing.

What an experience for a deserving car and owner!

I'm just a stop along the way for this car. The journey would not have gone this direction without the awesome insanity and commitment of others!

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...657f67d0ca.jpg

Thrilled for you and all long time enthusiasts for the prominent and public display of this important 928.

Been said before but bears repeating to give the context of what Andrew has provided this exhibit:

#1 represents the culmination of more than a 6 year effort, from the vision Tony Lapine began to formulate back in his days at GM design, and the ultimate expression of engineering and design excellence executed in a way unlikely ever to be repeated.

Wow, and congrats!

Weird stuff...If you've ever been to the experience center you know it is pretty big, with lots of levels, lots of glass, and lots of angles. I walked up to Ray while he was busy setting Brumos cars into position, stood next to him and reached out for this selfie...one take, in about 10 seconds time (he was BUSY) We're a floor up and a good 20 feet away from those windows behind us. Outside, to the right, you can see a row of ground level windows on an angle across the courtyard, reflecting #1 still parked in the courtyard but out of direct sight from the room we're in. Unlike a lot of my photos this was not intentional! GT R pointed this out to me hours later when we were reviewing hundreds of pics from the day.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...3ad5abef3c.jpg

Andrew thanks for being such an awesome owner of #1! Super cool for you to share it with the Experience Center and all the patrons that will get to check it out over the next 6 months.

I stopped back in today to check out the final adjustments to our heritage room...

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...50726e139d.jpg

On the way out, a familiar figure lurks in the parking lot..

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https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...c38c45d05d.jpg

Great dedication! We probably walked right by each other... cool silver 78 pasha car you have.

I was at the LA experience center with Derek Bell when he opened the door to the 962 he won Lemans with and the security guard yelled at his as well.

Look at that... two early 928s I was involved with are both at PCNA! Signs are telling me I need to get to Georgia. :)

It's looking good Doug. I got to see it at Hershey when TSB had it. That is a sweet car....:rockon:

Jim,
Sounds like a number 6 roadtrip...

CT

Thanks to everyone for the positive comments.. I'm fortunate to be having a lot of fun with this car but I feel there are greater implications for all 928s. First off ... thank YOU for being part of this project. By "you" I mean everyone here who has helped this process along. There are dozens from this particular board community who gave energy into getting #1 where it's parked today. The community has provided moral support, advice, marketing assistance, connections, labor, towing, loading, unloading, pushing, sweat, bodywork, beer, encouragement, wrenching, bloody knuckles, technical knowledge, parts, and very importantly even the car itself. Some of you I've never had direct contact with, but your well presented deep dive detail threads about restoring some particular system on your own car gets saved in my library for future efforts, and it's one less thing I need to "learn by doing" because one of you took the time to lay it all out for all of us.

A few years ago Porsche would rarely mention the 928 in the context of a classic status, look where we are now... a crusty one is sitting in the museum! In the Rennfilms video i said something to the effect of "it's just another old 928.. but if the vin makes someone pause and take another look into these cars it makes this car important" Most of my efforts with the car so far are in this direction.. Getting it, getting it complete and mobile, getting it presentable, getting it out there on the 40th anniversary, getting some press on it, and finally getting Porsche to acknowledge it. The list has been checked off only with the contributions from this community. Thousands of visitors will walk by number one in the coming months, and some will take a second look.

While we reflect on some accomplishments over the last few years with #1, the most glaring reality is there is so much more to be done. Every system on this car requires restoration, but fortunately it benefits from being substantially untouched aside from the ravages of spoiler and side molding installations, federalization, damage, and resprays of the outer body.

I’ve managed/done other Porsche restorations.. 356 and air cooled 911. Managed/done means performing the majority of the work while subbing out services and processes to those with a much higher competence level than myself. Things like engine machine work, bodywork, sewing seats, and painting immediately come to mind.... there are others. For most cars in this condition the basic execution is the same:

• Full disassembly
• Strip chassis to metal, rust and damage repairs, refinish, etc
• Restore every system
• Restore entire driveline, suspension, etc
• Lots of new parts, glass, rubber, trim, upholstery, every wear item, etc
• Lots and lots and lots of hours

*not even remotely a comprehensive list

But on this car the basic execution strategy is not so obvious to me:

Restore for judging points?
Over restoring has been going on for decades, and there’s a lot of good reasons for it:

• The cars are “better” than they ever were, immediately obvious in the areas of paint finishes and body fitment.
• The “somewhat quantifiable” judging points and the competition it fosters just keeps increasing the quality of these types of restorations.
• These shenanigans are further fueled by the monetary values paid for the top point cars.

There’s an argument to be made if there are any 928s that should get this kind of restoration, this one might be it. Not really my first choice though.

Restore accurately?
These pre production cars are their own animal. They were thrown together, in a rush, by hand. Think of some mechanical project you threw together in a rush, fabricating parts along the way… how did it come out? There was probably some reasoning in the back of your head; “I’ll come back later and fix it” or “I only need this to work for a short time” This car has that written all over its DNA.

• Panels don’t fit that well, and I can see it in original photos.
• There’s afterthought-after-paint welding in a number of areas on the chassis, where the white paint was beat off with a chisel, a part was welded on, then it was brushed with black paint. (the brake hose attaching clip brackets is one example)
• Areas of really inadequate coverage of original primer, undercoating, and paint on the undercarriage (compared to production cars)
• Areas of really really heavy coverage of original undercoating (compared to production cars)
• A lot of the original work looks like a high school shop class built it.

The interior presents one of the greater challenges. It’s a huge part of the car’s presence and remains in amazing condition due to its rugged pre-production construction. It is hardly “restoration” quality though and faces some difficult realities:

• Green vinyl: NLA
• Green sliverknit carpet: NLA
• Green dashboard: NLA
• Green whatever: NLA

Even if I could source this stuff am I supposed to rip all of the original upholstery off of all the hand-made fiberglass interior parts and recover them? That would bother me forever. The chassis requires media blasting and rust repairs, does one replicate the shoddy undercoating job that would be disturbed? What about the hacky afterthought welding and black paint brush work….you can make it look similar but that originality would be gone forever.

Now plug these facts into the normal “928 that needs everything” equation:

• Full mechanical restoration required (76 date codes on pretty much everything, so grabbing a better whatever from another car is out)
• Electrical work (did I mention the hand painted wiring harness?)
• Glass (some original, some not)
• Chassis to bare metal repaint (the outside has no original paint left...but that underside?)

The next place one’s mind might go is to “compartmentalize” what gets “restored” and what gets “preserved” I’m working through this concept now but drawing the lines is proving to be difficult. What would Porsche do? Going to the museum is more than fun and photo ops. I suspect (and hope) that some Porsche employees will really pour over the car to evaluate it...maybe even share their thoughts on it.

What would YOU do?

IMO, aside from being #1, the importance and significance of this car is what you describe under "Restore Accurately". Particularly your first sentence.
Anyone can throw serious money at a full restoration for judging points, but when that is done, the original DNA (to use your words) is lost and can't be recovered. The story has become edited. Correct me if I'm wrong, but when it comes to important and significant cars, hasn't 'original patina' become a consideration of judging and valuation standards these days? I recall seeing an important European exotic (Ferrari?) with race heritage. The scratches and grime were still on the car from the last race decades ago. I believe that added to its value and its importance - and its story.
If I walked into a museum containing some of the most important cars of all time, I'd be drawn to this:

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...0d997a1e39.jpg
I know that this is an extreme example of my point ;)


My answer is that it's all about the DNA and the story, so DO WHAT YOU'RE DOING!
And thank you.

If this is the car I think it is, I've seen it at the Mullin museum in Oxnard. Pulled up from the bottom of a lake. It does get a lot of attention.

I vote for "accurate restoration". There's only one #1. You can build a concourse car out of any other 928.

That Bugatti story is Here. I guess #1 doesn't need that much work after all. They're some of the most fascinating machinery from the 20th century, I had the privilege of doing a little work on my friend's 1935 59/50s in 2016 before we went to Amelia Island Concours with it. Yea..that's gear oil in my hair.

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#321 is a great post Andrew. Exceptionally thought out and reaffirms my opinion that this car found the right owner to be its custodian during such an important phase of its existence.

IMHO I think it needs to be preserved with factory induced warts and all as much as possible. You can never recreate that. Logic dictates that in the upcoming decades there will be at least a handful of 100 point restorations done on the OBs. Those cars will provide the interested public a glimpse into what an ideal first generation 928 was and could be. If that happened to #1, then it just becomes another fully restored 928 at that point and ceases to be "special".

The fact that you can drive this car is amazing in itself. If it sat preserved in a museum from now till the end of time it would still be an incredible piece or Porsche history. I think the only things that should be restored are the bits that necessarily can't be seen but are needed in order to provide functionality to certain functions. And in each case these bits should be restored rather than removed and replaced, even if period correct parts are available to do so. However, if a part or parts are known to have been replaced in the past by a previous owner and are not original to the factory installation, then I think those parts are fair game for R&R.

For certain this is not an easy task, and likely one that could consume your entire time as the owner of #1. But in the end you will have preserved something for future 928 enthusiasts that can never be recreated or duplicated. There is only ever one #1. :)

Solid posts Drooman and Nate,

The case for preserving this car "As Is" is a strong one. The patina and story of it's life are written clearly everywhere you look. Andrew has done all the right things to make it presentable, functional, drivable while keeping it authentic. This is the same rational that keeps me from over-restoring the U-boat (XX8) GT.

Some cars deserve to be honest representations of long lives on the road with the visual scars and road rash from a dynamic life the has been well lived.

There are plenty of stillborn garage queens, I have several, they beg me to stretch their legs. Do I dare risk a rock chip? Park them where they might get a door ding? NO! In the rare moments where time is not standing still they tell me that living in a bubble is not all that fun... Kind of like being the prettiest girl in the class being without a date because all the boys in her class are scared to talk to her. So --- to answer droomans question "What would you do?" I'd do what Andrew is doing, put this car in front of as many people who care to enjoy being around it. Drive it, and play with it. After all it IS a press car and it is still getting great press reviews!

On that other subject... No number one is not for sale... :thumbsup:

Honor, Enjoy, Share and Drive, because sometimes men are wealthy in proportion to the things they can afford to leave alone...

.

Great post Andrew. This is something that I do think about from time to time, especially after our visit two years ago, and spending quality time with #1 in Pittsburgh.

My humble advice would be the "hybrid" approach that you seem to be leaning towards. In this regard, I would re-spray the exterior (white, of course), and leave the interior alone.

With respect to the exterior, it has always been common for manufacturers to repaint pre-production show cars multiple times to show different color perspectives (Shelby was the most famous for doing this with his original 260 AC Cobra - he made one prototype, and repainted it often, so that folks would think he had a bunch of them to sell). Anyway, the point is, a re-sprayed exterior does not, or at least should not, negatively affect the provenance of a car like #1. Besides, the front fender has been replaced, and the car primered already anyway, so a proper re-spray just finishes it off. I wouldn't do a strip to metal refinish though, because the factory would not have done that either. Instead, I would correct any issues with the primer you've already applied, and paint over that. I'm not sure I would even do any disassemble, but instead just mask. The purpose is to have a nice finish that shows well under the lights, but not necessarily a concours level paint job.

The interior is a different story altogether. I would not touch it. It really is amazing the condition it is in considering the life it lived before Jim found it and rescued it. The pleats are still good, no tears in the pasha, no cracks on the dash, still soft carpet, etc. The history in that interior cannot be duplicated or re-created.

I also agree with Nate's excellent point. To the extent any privateers have made non-standard changes, I'd be inclined to reverse those, and go back to originality as much as possible, based upon availability of parts. Likewise, for non-visible safety improvement things, like steel ball joints and so forth. I do know one owner put in an after market box store auto parts electric fan;) That has likely already been rectified:thumbup:

Regardless of where you come down with it, and even if you do nothing more, I thank you for being the steward that you are for this most significant car. It's my favorite model of all cars and models made, and your efforts have crystalized and elevated it's importance on the world-wide auto stage:cheers:

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Andrew, What a great thread I didnt know you took #1 to the Porsche center.
Thats so very cool brother,
your the perfect caretaker for this machine

I'll meet up with you guys too!

We might could come down from Maryland if there is a meetup....

This will be a cool junket. The Experience Center will blow your mind.

I'll be visiting the Experience center again in early February. Will get to see the "Headstone" they put next to it and send photos of the finished display.

Great exposure for the 928!

Some interesting comments here.

For the moment, I suggest to do two things:
- Inspect the car to know what is original and what is not.
- Try to get in touch with people involved with the car when it was produced, to help you for the first task. This is the most urgent task, because they are are not getting younger.

Squirrels? Seriously? Squirrels?

Mice I can understand. Rain, rust and mold? No problem. Even moose (meece? mouses? meeces? mousies?). But squirrels? How in Jehova's name did squirrels get in there?

Squirrels, pack rats, snakes...all looking for something...
Kevin Lacy and I were checking out an '83 S 5 speed that had been parked in a guy's yard for two+ decades. When we popped the hood, we saw the carcass of a 5' long black snake that had slithered into the intakes (in search of a nice mousy meal no doubt), only to get stuck.

The Experience Center Museum has decided to loop the Rennfilms video on the screen near the car.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...1b12127f64.png

You are a genius in your entire approach to this car.

Makes me feel good to see this.

Atlanta road Trip/meet forming ?
 

No doubt the ATL shark tank is growing. Would be great if we could get together a meet up even hosting out of town cars.
Going to PCNA is always a good excuse for a trip for all now our community has extra pride seeing ONE on display.
March 12 our local PCA is having a monthly social at 356 restaurant. Would love to see all Atlanta area 928 show up.

I'm glad you mentioned this.. I'm working through my post Amelia Island concours (march 7 8 9 10) schedule now, I must hit south FL and Atlanta before I return to CT. I may be able to attend your social and it would be cool to meet some of the ATL Porsche blood...maybe visit with my car too.

Would be honored if you could make it. PM me and I'll get you on the list if you need me too .

I've put the 3/12 date in my calendar too. If I'm in town that week I may be able to make it too, with the 928.

Mine juxtaposed against #1 would show the complete opposite end of the spectrum - completely original vs modifying every part of the car (roof removed, supercharger added, etc).

Checked with social must register in advance
 

https://peachstatepca.blob.core.wind...rscheCrest.jpg

• March 12
• One Porsche Dr, Atlanta GA 30354

Join us for our monthly social at Restaurant 356 This special social begins at 5:00 p. m. with a brief meeting at 7:30 p. m. Space is very limited. You must register at clubregistration.net.

Visitation Rights
 

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...ffcaee8b63.jpg
My wife stopped in to visit with your car today

Wow! Andrew, great job in the restoration and showing of #1. You are a true enthusiast and will be recognized for the work and effort.
Congrats and thank you!
-Hoi

I'd be up for that. Standing by....

Yes, this is the event I want to come down for (rather than a monthly Chapter dinner).

Here's an awesome thought....

How cool would it be to have a whole school of sharks that start at PCNA HQs then caravan up to Road Atlanta as part of the Mitty Classic Car Races weekend (an hour drive - maybe less), where we have #1 lead us around the track for a few parade sessions and then we park them all up in the Porsche corral in a 928 section. The Mitty is the last weekend in April.

Surely some of you guys are Porsche-connected enough to pull this off.....standing by !

Very Cool!!!

At this point I don't know. My understanding is that the museum strives to turn over the displays approximately twice per year. There is a lot more that goes into this than one might think, some of the factors that influence the dates:
How quickly they can plan and reserve the cars for the next turn
There are sometimes "partial" turnovers at approximately three months.
They will have a single or multiple themes they are going for, and cars or types of cars they desire to fulfill it, but then they need to secure those cars or similar ones.
Specific "desired must have" cars usually have a busy event schedule every year (races, concours, etc) so sometimes dates are adjusted around that. I suspect the Brumos Race car collection in the room fits that bill.
A lot of it comes together at the 11th hour... I started talking with them in March of 2017 about #1, and they expressed almost immediate interest. I didn't get the turnover date (1-13-19) until 12-12-18. The place significantly closed down for the holidays 12-20-18 to 1-2-19, then they picked up the car on 1-8-19.

While many owners have must-return dates for their car, I told them to keep #1 as long as they want. Their estimate for return right now is "June" but considering what I know about the system I don't have a lot of faith in that...and thats OK with me. Best I can do now is "you'll know as soon as I know" and it may be only a few weeks notice.

The idea of filling their parking lot with 928s one day and the crowd going in to see #1 is awesome. That's the kind of thing that makes all of this worth it.

Parking
 

[QUOTE=worf928;15608249]

Count me in if you can pull this together.

I'll be out of the country that weekend, however will be there in spirit. Love all this enthusiasm!

I will be visiting number one again at the Experience Center on Thursday evening and Friday. (Have my favorite instructor booked for a session in a 911 Turbo S... Woo Hoo!)

Hopefully I'll get to the bottom of this ghostly apparition of Tony Lapine in the window and against the concrete to the left of number one...

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...2fcf3b4529.png

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...80e47bad09.png

Seriously, None of you see the image of Tony Lapine on the left of this photo and think it is weird? I just noticed that the image is in also front of the concrete pillar and that is not a reflective surface.

Still wearing the same suit... and haunting Number 1

Been there didn't see that not sure if it was a video reflection but....
 

Wowy

90% there on getting a 928 reunion at PCNA give me 1more week. Trying to get stone mountain resort in line and it's in order. PCNA is on board just trying to get resort sorted.
This is a reality

Good job! getting this together, who is your PCNA contact? (PM me) and I'll give some re-enforcement on Friday when I am there...


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Sitting pretty with some tough company!

Hyjacked photo
 

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...6c04b62cbd.jpg
WoW
this is our goal of what the gathering at PCNA should look like

^^^That would be cool. You should start a seperate but dedicated thread for this. :cheers:

If you end up getting close and need one car to break the tie, I'll drive in from Seattle. :)

Hey, we are talking about droomans car, it's gonna get weird... Comes with the turf...


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Oh. Sorry. My Bad :p

Meh. That's not a lot of Sharks. THIS is a lot of Sharks:

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...f35b21f01e.jpg

People always complain about Porsche drivers not being able to park straight...

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...670df25b34.jpg

Oops... not the random picture thread....

Do we have a date or potential dates in mind?

Had a nice (first) conversation with RSMartin today. We discussed his plans for a 928 meet at PCNA, hopefully to be arranged while #1 is still there, but there are a fair amount of logistics to consider. Coordinating it with the last day of #1 being there is not feasible. RSMartin has the experience, contacts, and dedication to pull this together, but he'll need the support of the community of course. We have offered to do what we can to assist.. Watch for a new thread and jump on!

Number 1 is hanging out at the Museum and getting lots of views:

It has a nice Headstone that reads:


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...9281715705.jpg

Sorry about the quality of the photos, there is a lot of glare for some reason around this car...


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...f14d99068d.png

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...f5545e1c4f.jpg

Rennfilms running in the background...


>

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SITM, always a great time!

Very cool. Car was discovered in a backyard in Elizabeth City, NC, though, not Michigan

From December 2017
There's apparently a very unusual tachometer installed showing miles per hour as well. I was supposed to have the opportunity to proof read the Christophorus article before publication, it never happened. The first time I read it was in the magazine. I'm going to be at PCNA in a few weeks, maybe I can get the headstone corrected.

Andrew,

You will want to have an "accuracy of the story" regarding the 928 clinic with the Museum Docents as well, their tour presentation is almost comical...

I did not want to be the one to rain on this parade, but sometimes dis-information is worse than no information. Just sayin!

Dave

Guys I am looking for a good repair shop on long island, Suffolk county for my 1985 Porsche 928s.... I feel the car is not as quick as it should be, transmission doesn't feel like it starts off from stop in low enough gear, reverse lights not working and my a/c only works in high when in defroster position.... any advice.? thanks

This is not the place for your questions - start a new thread, and people will see it and help.

Thanks Jim for commenting on the PCA Facebook website on #1's birthday yesterday. I met the guy with the 914 as we loaded the museum, super nice guy who did a fantastic restoration on that 914. Turned out that the car belonged to his friend for many years, and the guy drove it into the ground, then parked it in his basement. It was only after years of sitting it was discovered that it was THE 914 used in Factory print ads and that Motor Trend paraded around for a while. Shares a similar story to 928 #1 of just being used as a car for decades then nearly slipping away into a parts car or scrapyard... until some luck and perseverance saved it.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...95ac96ed68.png
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...31ba06566f.png

Any update on this get together and has the separate thread been created yet? Can you link to it here once created?

Thanks.

​​​​​​https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...at-pcna-2.html

Got to meet Chris T. (Landseer) for the first time this weekend at PEC in Atlanta. This is the guy from our community who spotted the original craigslist ad for #1 in 2011. He connected a few dots from the brief ad (1977, No AC) and knew it was a very early car. The car's history took a turning point at that moment, and within days he was helping Jim to literally dig the car out of the mud.

Chris is a thoughtful and modest guy who resisted taking an ounce of credit, but we forced it on him a little this weekend anyway. Thank you Chris for our conversations this week, I hope to have many more with you.


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https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...f036b4a8e3.jpg

Here Here! :cheers:

Most certainly Chris is one of the key archeologists in this most important car's history! Glad you finally got to meet him Droo. Chris is a great guy and knows his stuff, especially about the S versions.

That pic of you two is fantastic!

The world has interesting synchronicity...

Somewhere in time --- Tony Lapine is smiling...

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...3778886924.png

Thanks Jim! would have been a better pic with one more guy, Sorry you couldn't be there.

A lot of people don't know that I had #1 sitting in my garage for about five months before I bought it from Jim. (9-2016 to 2-2017) Besides having the great opportunity to thoroughly evaluate the car I also had a lot of reflection time with it. What challenges will this car present me outside of the usual old worn out 928? What would I do with this thing if I owned it? What should I pay for it? etc.

A number of scenarios surfaced about what the car itself would go through with regard to repairs, maintenance, restoration, etc. Some minimal "must do" items were done so we could at least present the car as a complete and functioning unit. A lot of the paths considered lead to a full proper restoration and while it would be an amazing car to own and play with that way it could also end up in some private collection or glimmering under lights behind ropes somewhere.

I wrung my hands over how much to do and not do (and spend and not spend) and I still do. As we worked in a bit of a rush to get to the 2017 PVGP lots of 928 guys were coming over to check it out and explore around in it . A bulb went on in my head one day that the car's ratty condition combined with all of the unique originally it still possessed had actually presented a rare opportunity to the whole 928 community. This car was not going to have a "do not touch" sign in the window for any 928 enthusiast any time soon. The concept of the "interactive display" of 928 #1 was born.

6-29-19 at PEC was the culmination of this concept for me. I have gotten so much from this community; friendships, advice, parts, cars, countless technical bailouts from the guys who take the time to detail their knowledge, laughter (some of the stuff on this forum is priceless :roflmao: ) free VIN checks (that despite my efforts to use up my allotted amount keep coming) the list goes on, I could never cover it all. These pictures are of my proudest moments so far with 928# 1... not videos, not magazine articles, but instead something that I can give back to all of you. To me THIS is the most important use for this car, thank you all for helping me make the concept a reality:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...4ccdbf5ce9.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...51a3008a88.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...3e468b5752.jpg
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https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...0a5c5290ed.jpg
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That is some great stuff Andrew:bowdown:

I bet the security guard was screaming on the inside when he saw everyone touching #1. He was probably in total disbelief that Andrew was letting us crawl all over that car. I’ve been to the PEC many times and that guard barks at everyone when they get too close to anything, myself included. I think he’d tackle Mother Teresa if she ever tried to touch anything there. :roflmao:

I think the 'hands on' was a brilliant call, Drew. A few respectful butts and hands are nothing compared to the beating the press corps must have given that car when it did the launch tour, followed by the decades of casual private ownership before Chris found it.

#1 was fantastic too look over, what a great car and piece of history. Andrews presentation was very enjoyable to watch and I hope everyone got a chance to watch the video on the TV behind the car, really cool stuff. Thanks for making this available for everyone to see. I really want one of those brass coolant reservoirs as some wall art.

Absolutely amazing. The idea that people could actually touch it, let alone sit in it is something almost never seen. It's interesting that there is a huge crowd around #1, yet virtually nobody standing outside the velvet ropes around the other cars (no doubt the fact that this was a '928 crowd had something to do with it).

Is this the same guard that yelled at Derek Bell for letting a kid sit in his (Derek's) race car?
OTOH, I've been a security guard. The number of people who disregard rules & signs and the damage they can do is pretty insane.

That is awesome, congrats on the featured display at PEC and on the great event this weekend, really wish I could have been there! :)

Man that looks like it was a great event. Congrats, Drew!

He did a great job.. the original plan was to pull the ropes at noon, but I went in there right before they open at 9:00 and they were already moved. Keep in mind this room was open to anyone inside PEC all day. He told me that unless I was in the room, it was "normal protocol" of no touching, and now he had a whole morning with no ropes! I'm sure he had a busy day, I thanked him a number of times.

He was definitely mellow compared to other times that I've seen him jump on people in a fairly condescending tone. It's definitely a job that I wouldn't want.

That guard is actually a really nice guy. I have chatted with him many times and listened to his stories... He has seen some really self centered people do some exceptionally stupid things in that place. As a docent, it is his job to both tell the stories of the cars and protect the investments that people have entrusted to the museum. He knows a bunch about the cars and will engage visitors with the stories of the owners and their cars. He is firm but friendly, exactly the person that Porsche should have around the high quality cars he protects.

Plus, in the late or empty hours... he has the Ghost of Tony Lapine to contend with.....

I really appreciated #1 when there were only a few folks around. Its really great to look deep into the details. Perhaps someone can expand on the minimal design development of the 928 over its production life. Was it that Porsche had a winning design right away that require little development? Was the 928 not at the forefront of Porsche's interest & lived out its production life without an investment in its future? any thoughts?

I chatted with the guard saturday before our demo laps in the lower gallery. It was just me & him, & we talked about "Dalmatian" colored the 73 Carrera RS, which looked an awful lot like my 73T in Sea Blue. We also discussed the shield colors on the Dauer 962. A guy doing his job, but still eager to let his guard down & chew on about cars.

A great experience that will last a lifetime.

I talked with him quite a bit and boy does he know his stuff. Thought I might have had him talked in to letting me in the Classic shop but that ended up being a no go when more people came down stairs. Super nice guy.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...fac0f50d68.jpghttps://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...54a347efe2.jpghttps://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...284bb090c1.jpghttps://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...256053fa95.jpgAndrew related to the group about the discovery of #1. Everything he said was exactly how it happened.I looked back at the pictures from that day 8 years ago and selected a couple to illustrate. The owner had pulled off the cover and opened up the car. It was behind one of his rental houses. Emotion was high, because we couldn't find the house. Then...there it was. I'm still up near the street taking a couple pictures as Jim is approaching No.1 for first time in one of the pics. You can see that the interior is completely intact. Jim is a brilliant historian, far ahead of the rest of us in recognizing these early cars. (Somebody asked why I didn't call on the ad...I had too many already and no clue what to do with a CIS car, and if it was really early it needed to be in different hands.)We were gobsmacked by interior and the completeness. The whole experience was a huge rush for both of us. Thank you, Andrew, for telling the story. And for bringing all of us into the story... and, at Porsche NA HQ (thanks to Scott et al). I really didn't expect to ever see the car again. Thank you.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...726189d905.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...190aec5c33.jpg
Amazing isn't it? You guys sat in this same seat last weekend!!!!
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...80a0a7a78e.jpg
Now that's an early dashboard!
Have a few more..

Don't think I ever saw that pic ^^ ^^ Here's a similar view, as a pair they encapsulate the journey i think.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...29ed99c685.jpg

Closing another chapter in the unlikely life story of 928 #1, it departs from the PEC Heritage museum after a six month stay.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...c570798098.jpg

I talked about this last night with Ramsey Potts - shown in your picture as the snappy dressing guy with the hat, in the middle top in front of the Brumos 911. Ramsey is in town for the PVGP, and last night was the Walnut Street invitational (Blumaxx was there again, always so happy to get that invite). Ramsey, from RM Auctions, was most impressed with the turnout and enthusiasm for #1 and the event you guys held. The ripples cast by #1 are going very wide and far.

Ed,

Interesting commentary. Ramsey was also there the day # 1 was put on display. He "gets it" that the 928 is a rising, but under appreciated star in the Porsche legacy of fantastic cars...

>

Ramsey
 

Ramsey was coming to Rendezvous928 bit had schedule conflicts. Yes he is has a true love for the 928.

I had a lengthy conversation with Andrew this past week catching up a bit more and talking of things 928.

During this conversation I told him a few times that IMHO, the 928 Rendezvous event at PEC was a truly remarkable moment for the 928 community. It seemed the 928 was finally recognized by Porsche, and the participants who traveled from near and far with their beautiful 928s to honor the first 928 sold to the public, underscored the importance of this truly remarkable find. Don't know if this type of gathering has happened before for another Porsche highlighted at the PEC, but it must have stood out as one of the best and most enthusiastic gatherings.

In characteristic fashion, Andrew downplayed his role, but it can't be ignored as a pivotal moment for the 928 community around the world.

Of course no one can overlook the hard work by Scott to work with the PEC to get this off the ground. Without his steerage and force behind it, this whole event probably would not have happened. And apologies to those others who helped and whom I did not mention.

Everyone who is a 928 enthusiast should be very proud and those who are thinking about a getting a 928 in their stable, better start looking for your 928 now.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...61d83138f0.jpg

^^^^^^^ That's Ramsey alright;) Great guy, and taking in the entirety of the PVGP for RM Sotheby's.

Back home after a six month absence

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...2c5ac07e9f.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...5c09d38dde.jpg

What’s next?

Headgaskets and wherever that slippery slope leads.

There was a panel discussion at the Scottsdale auctions in January discussing Porsche values. Toward the end I asked a question about 928 GTS values and Ramsey mentioned that it is his favorite Porsche. Here's a link to the video - the question is mentioned around the 1:28:00 mark: https://www.pca.org/news/scottsdale-seminar-2019

Got into some instrument panel fixes the other day. They were hand building most of the interior parts at this time and were apparently keeping track of weights.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...e9095bf8ca.jpg

2019 was a good year for 928 #1, but this surprised the hell out me. On the last day of the year it got some serious instagram cred from Ray Shaffer, Market Development Manager and Heritage Museum Director at Porsche North America in Atlanta. I can't begin to thank everyone who helped me make this happen but you all know who you are.

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