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Porsche 928: What is My 928 Worth?

The resale value of a Porsche 928 depends on mileage, condition, and age. The newer the car, the more it's likely worth more, but there are some older cars that command a pretty penny.

By William Henderson - March 29, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 928 (1978-1995).

Fair market value of a 928 varies, not only because of its long model-year run (from 1978 to 1995) but also because of the different trims available. You may luck into one with more than 100k miles for a mere $4,000 or $5,000, but don’t be surprised in a 1995 GTS with under 20,000 miles costs north of $35,000.

The base model cars of the late 70s have ample power, perfect weight distribution, flush-fitting headlights, a futuristic (at least at that time) leather interior, and a front-mounted, all-alloy, overhead cam V8 and rear-mounted transaxle. Later versions offer more power due to increased displacement and more valves, which resulted in the 1991 GTS, which could go from 0 to 60 in five seconds.

With nearly 60,000 made between 1978 and 1995, the 928 was popular, but its seven-foot timing belt, its history of engine failures, and maintenance costs makes this a fairly inexpensive model to buy. Here we rank the variants of the 928 in terms of resale value and price. Of course, the newer the car, the lower the miles, and the better its condition – not to mention its ratio of OEM to aftermarket parts – affects its bottom line. If you’re planning to sell, you’ll get more if it has stock wheels, brake calipers, mirrors, stereo, and amplifiers.

1994/1995 manual GTS/other manual GTS

Values are higher for GTS models because they are newer and rare, offering 345 HP and a 5.4L engine. These can command between $10,000 and $35,000 depending on condition and mileage.

Figure 1. The 928 GTS is generally worth more than other 928 variants.

1991 GT/1977-1978 manual transmission models

These two models tend to have about the same value, though opinions vary. A base year model may have some collectible value, but a 1991 GT is 12 years younger, which makes a difference, especially in terms of upkeep. These can command between $8,000 and $20,000.

Figure 2. A 1978 Porsche 928 may appeal to a serious collector.

Automatic 928s

A Porsche purist likely will pass by an automatic 928, but this may be a good buy for someone looking to drive a 928 every day. These can command between $5,000 and $12,000.

1989 GT/1990 GT

This is the closest production model to the rare, numbered Club Sport model. These can command between $8,000 and $14,000.

Figure 3. The "sporty" 1989/1990 GT.

S4

These models (1988-91) are often hit and miss. With upkeep and maintenance expensive, conditions will vary. These can command between $2,000 and $8,000.

Figure 4. Conditions often vary on S4s.

European 1984/1985/1986/ 1979-1983 models with CIS injection systems/ 1980-1984 models with L-Jet injection systems

These can command between $2,500 and $6,500.

Figure 5. The 1979-1986 variants tend to be the most affordable Porsche 928s.

This list doesn’t take into account special variants. Finding an affordable one for sale – or one for sale period -- is a bit like Ahab hunting his white whale. Factory prototypes, Club Sports, the Jubilee Edition, and the Weissach Edition top the list. Why? Only 202 Weissach Edition cars were sold in the U.S. during the 1982 model year, and these cars were champaign gold with gold flat disc wheels, and a two-tone leather interior, and they came with a three-piece Porsche luggage set. Only 141 Jubilee Edition 928S models were made available outside the U.S. and Canada. It was painted meteor metallic, had flat disc wheels, and red leather seats with special striped seat centers. In other words, the rarer the ride, the higher its value.

Because the 928 was commonly a custom-order, you may find one with options you wouldn’t expect. For example, a GT with a linen leather and rootwood interior, a Motorsport SLC with full-leather options, a yellow GTS, and a manual GTS with a sunroof. How much you’ll pay (or can get when reselling) depends on how much these options matter to you (or to a prospective buyer).

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