1993 Porsche 928 GTS
1993 Porsche 928 GTS
Generously Lent by Victor Pedro
Porsche’s first production V8
GT performance with comfort and style
GTS model with limited availability in US
Buying a sports car, one must understand the purpose and intent of the car. Up until the 928, Porsche buyers always received a no-nonsense, hard edged performance car with little thought to comfort or distance driving. The refinement offered in the 928GTS is the furthest Porsche had ever gone to build a true GT car that could soak up miles in comfort without losing the Porsche feel. While some purists view this model as an outlier to the brand, it opened an entire new market share to Porsche which is why it is important and collectible today.
This Porsche 928 GTS is shown in Grand Prix White with tan interior featuring a front mounted 5.4-liter V8 engine with rear wheel drive and a 5-speed transaxle transmission. The 928 made its debut in 1978 and was the first V8 water cooled engine car in the Porsche line up. Porsche management saw a decline in sales in its 911 series of sports cars in the mid 70’s and thought they may sell more cars with a touch more luxury and less demanding on the driver than their rear engine sports machines. The seating configuration was a 2+2 with nominal rear seating fitting of a performance touring car. After 15 years of 928 production, Porsche made its final engine refinements, increasing displacement from 4.7 liters to 5 liters and eventually 5.4 adding 4 valves per cylinder. This GTS model, the last version offered by Porsche, was an example of their efforts to offer a sporty yet sophisticated front engine luxury grand touring automobile with upgraded brakes and suspension. Safety features were also added including front driver and passenger air bags, a first for the auto industry. The resulting 928 was a radical departure from the traditional Porsche body and layout, but with enough Porsche “DNA” to be familiar to the buyer. GTS models were outfitted with rear deck spoilers and 17” diameter wheels with extended fender flairs.
From a collector standpoint, the 928 series of Porsche automobiles sold over 61,000 units worldwide over the period from 1978 to 1995, yet only 77 of the 928 GTS machines ever were imported into the US making this car very desirable. But a 928 GTS can be a challenge for the uneducated buyer as the initial purchase price of the GTS model often exceeded $100,000 in 1990’s money and replacement parts for such a rare Porsche are extremely difficult to track down. This vehicle shows only 53000 miles from new and is in spotless Concours-ready condition.
Specifications:
Engine: 5.4 Liter V8
Horsepower: 345 @ 5700 RPM
Torque: 369 ft./lbs. @ 4250 RPM
Top Speed: 171 MPH
0-60 MPH: 5.6 Seconds
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transaxle
Weight: 3554 lbs