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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:
07-03-2017, 06:38 PM
928 #1
