Future Classic Car Legends

Let’s talk about the Porsche that real enthusiasts whisper about.

The 928 (1978–1995) was never supposed to be the underdog. Porsche designed it to replace the 911. It had a silky 4.5L to 5.4L V8 up front, a rear‑mounted transaxle for perfect 50/50 weight balance, and the legendary Weissach axle that kept the rear planted under hard cornering. It was faster, more comfortable, and more technologically advanced than any 911 of its day.

And today? You can buy a clean driver for £15,000–£25,000, while a comparable 911 from the same year will cost you £60k–£100k.

That gap is absurd. And it won’t last.

Why the 928 is a future classic hiding in plain sight

The market has been sleeping on the 928 for decades. Early cars were maligned for being “not a real Porsche” (no rear engine, no air‑cooled flat‑six). But that’s exactly what makes them special now.

Think about what you’re getting:

· A 240–350 horsepower V8 that loves to rev

· A cabin that feels like a 1980s luxury fighter jet (those pop‑up vents, the dash that wraps around you)

· Grand touring capability that eats continents – Stuttgart to Rome, no sweat

· And that sleek, low silhouette designed by Wolfgang Möbius – no pop‑up headlights, just pure, clean lenses

The 928 GTS (1992–1995) is the holy grail – 5.4L, 350 hp, wider arches, and only about 4,000 ever made. Those are already pushing £80k+ for low‑mileage cars. But the standard S2, S3, and S4 models? Still sleeping.

The collector tips you need

Here’s where you get ahead of the curve.

First, buy an S4 (1987–1991) or GT (1989–1991). Why? The S4 got the 5.0L 32‑valve V8 with 316 hp – a massive leap over the earlier 4.7L. The GT is the sweet spot: manual only, lightweight, stiffer suspension, and no rear seats. Only about 3,500 GTs were made. If you find one under £30k, buy it immediately.

Second, check the timing belt. The 928’s V8 is an interference engine. The belt needs replacing every 5 years or 60,000 km. A snapped belt destroys the engine. Any car without documented belt changes in the last 3 years is a negotiating tool – budget £1,500 for the job.

Third, look for manual cars. Automatic 928s are common. Manuals are rare (about 15% of production) and command a 50% premium now – and that premium will only grow as collectors wake up. But it’s essentially a GT so it pairs beautifully with its auto as well, so don’t get hung up on the manual only search.

Fourth, rust is rare but real. Most 928s are galvanised and survive well. But check the battery tray (under the rear seat) and the front crossmember. Surface rust is fine. Holes are not.

Why it’s still undervalued

Compare a 1989 Porsche 928 S4 manual to a 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2. Both have similar performance (0‑60 in about 5.5 seconds). Both have iconic styling. But the 911 is £70k. The 928 is £20k–£25k.

That’s a 3x difference for a car that was more expensive new.

The 928’s time is coming. The air‑cooled 911 market has peaked and plateaued. Collectors are looking for the next thing – V8s, grand tourers, 80s design icons. The 928 checks every box.

My prediction

In five years, a clean, manual 928 S4 will sell for £40,000–£50,000. A GT will push £60k–£70k. That’s a double from today’s prices. And the GTS? That’s already on its way to six figures.

But here’s the best part: you can still daily a 928. It’s reliable, it’s comfortable, and it sounds incredible. You don’t have to garage queen it. Drive it. Enjoy it. And watch the value climb while you’re putting miles on it.

So here’s my question: Would you take a 928 S4 manual over a 911 Carrera 3.2 from the same year? Or are you holding out for a 928 GTS? Let me know below – I genuinely want to hear which forgotten Porsche you’re hunting.

Keep the revs high,

– Future Classic Legends