The long-time formula for a desirable high-performance car has been a powerful V-8 engine - opens in new window or tab., rear-wheel drive, and manual transmission. That setup has defined the American pony car genre for 50-plus years. But when a German sports car manufacturer takes up that torch, expect something different. Consider the 1986 Porsche 928S recently sold on eBay.
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A Revolutionary Layout
Porsche has long been a maverick when it comes to sports cars. They originated as high-performance versions of the Volkswagen Beetle designed by Ferdinand Porsche. The 356 - opens in new window or tab. and 911 - opens in new window or tab. models are rear-engined, air-cooled, and offered with Spartan appointments. Porsche needed to change that design in the 1970s, due to increased pressure for great safety and fuel economy - opens in new window or tab..
In response, Porsche developed the 928 with the traditional layout favored by other automakers. It had plush seats and excellent high-speed driving characteristics. The handling was more relaxed than the frenetic 911, with greater stability in high-speed cornering. Its 220 horsepower was quick for the time, especially in 1978 when it was released.
Despite those charms, the Porsche cognoscenti balked. They griped that the 928 wasn’t a pure Porsche because it was front-engined and water-cooled. It was large, heavy, and not nearly as tossable as a 911 or classic 356.
911 Alternative
On the other hand, the 928 made the Porsche brand approachable to new buyers who wanted something other than the venerable 911. As an aerodynamic, powerful car, the 928 was counted among the wild supercars that came to prominence in the 1980s. Teenagers pinned up posters of the 928. Buff magazines splashed photos of the exotic but accessible Porsche on their covers.
The Porsche 928 evolved with few changes over its 17-year production—although later models increased output to 350 horsepower. However, the 911 won the battle in the boardroom as it became more of a luxurious and fast grand tourer while using the rear-engine design so crucial to Porsche’s identity.
Affordable Supercar Performance
The 1986 928S that was listed on eBay comes from the middle of the model run, and should have somewhere around 288 hp from its 32-valve 5.0-liter V-8. Driving through a rear-mounted five-speed manual transaxle, this car should be a blast to drive with long legs for touring.
The silver paint is a popular color for these understated grand tourers, while the uncommon burgundy leather interior adds style. Previous owners clearly loved this car, as it presents with few notable flaws inside or out. The leather looks especially impressive for a nearly 40-year-old car.
Most of all, this Porsche 928S has presence. For less than the cost of a brand-new family crossover, your daily commutes and weekend trips will turn heads.
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