The Porsche 928, now a classic and collector’s favourite, was once a world-class supercar that was ground-breaking in the 1970s and designed to be a presumed successor to the 911. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1977, the 928 was primarily created to appeal to an American audience. An example of innovation in its day, the styling created by Anatole Lapine featured concealed bumpers, aluminium components in the bodywork, a V8 engine, a hatchback-style profile, and the quirky pop-up headlamps that made this model something exciting and unconventional. With only 61,000 Porsche 928s produced between 1977 and 1995 and just 604 models still on the roads in the UK, the once controversial model has developed a reputation and standing all of its own. Today, the Porsche experts at Design911 have shared some insights into this unique model and given advice for owners and enthusiasts on protecting their 928 and keeping their Porsche in the roadworthy condition it deserves. Understanding what makes the Porsche 928 special Like every model the marque has ever produced, the 928 is perhaps as famous for the story and heritage behind it as for the driving experience and touches of luxury that go hand in hand with driving a classic Porsche. The 928 first went into development in 1971, led by the newly appointed Chief Executive Dr Ernst Fuhrmann, who felt that the future of Porsche was reliant on conventional engines and Grand Tourers, regarding the 911 as a model that had held its time in the spotlight. Of course, we now know that his thinking wasn’t borne out, but the 928 came to be during a period of time that for Porsche was marked by upheaval, with family disagreements and a shift in focus that inspired a need for change. Notably, Dr Fuhrmann was also responsible for designing the Carrera 1950s engine and was no stranger to the elegance and power Porsche stands for. One of the dynamic inclusions in the 928 design wasn’t the silhouette or even the engine, but the use of aluminium for the bodywork and some of the engine components. This was forward-thinking during the energy crisis in the US that meant the steel and automotive industries were in trouble and enabled Porsche to produce bounce back panels that could recover from minor impacts. The Porsche 928 was less welcomed by the traditionalists but still found success, particularly in the US market, where the attention to detail that went into developing a new Weissach axle, which corrected an ongoing issue with oversteering, was celebrated. The appeal of the Porsche 928 for collectors and Porsche enthusiasts Most collectors who are proud to boast a 928 recognise the distinctive blend of 1970s styling and indulgent features within the surprisingly modern, spacious interior, and the beating heat of an aluminium V8 that isn’t necessarily agile, but feels stately, sharp and solid on the road. Like so many collectible and rare Porsches, the secret to keeping a 928 in excellent shape is all about preventative maintenance, with varied tasks that can either be age-related, linked to extensive mileage, or associated with long standing issues, like the electrical malfunctions that impacted many of the higher specification electronics in the later 928 editions. We’d recommend all owners, or those considering adding a Porsche 928 to their collection, schedule regular coolant changes roughly every four years to combat corrosion impacting the aluminium, and annual checks of the torque tube alongside a change to the camshaft drive belts and tensioners approximately every four to five years. Essential maintenance tasks for an iconic Porsche 928 Onto the parts and components that command specific attention, and the best place to start is the oil filter, with regular oil changes to keep the V8 engine running at full performance, and filter replacements as necessary – we can recommend filters made especially for the 928 that maximise oil flow and filtration. Air filtration is equally important. The engine relies on a steady, clean air supply, and any dust or debris inside the filter can cause blockages that restrict the engine’s power. The ideal is to pick the Porsche 928 4.5l part, which slots into the 928 perfectly. If you’ve felt that your 928 is misfiring, dropping performance, or unsteady when idling, often with a shaky or bumpy sensation, it’s time to change the spark plugs. Spark plugs are key to ensuring the engine is firing, running smoothly, and starting dependably. Finally, we suggest investing plenty of time and maintenance into the braking systems. The 928 is a powerful car that needs a stable handbrake, particularly when parked on steeper inclines. Handbrake shoes that don’t hold or that have started to wear need to be replaced quickly, and the higher quality the shoes, the better, since they offer extended durability and performance. The porsche brake pads work just as hard to stop quickly, and the finely tuned V8 is best supported with sturdy brake pads, both front and rear. Genuine and aftermarket pads from respected brands like Bembo, Textar, and ABS are available through our catalogue. Last but not least, it’s well worth checking the wear on your 928 brake discs. This is often due to inaccurate installation or issues with the callipers, and higher-grade brake fluids and compatible brake parts are the way to go. Specialist maintenance advice and servicing for the Porsche 928 If you’re the proud new owner of a 928, have a classic Porsche that needs TLC to bring it back onto the road, or want to ensure your Porsche collection is in the best shape, we recommend either contacting the parts specialists at Design911 or booking an inspection or servicing visit with our talented workshop team. We can assist with sourcing hard-to-find and unusual parts, provide independent advice about the right components and replacements for any particular aspects of your car that need attention, or offer customised renovations, engine servicing, and health checks to ensure your 928 stays in top condition for years to come.
