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Curated Auction

1981 Porsche 928 S – No Reserve

At a Glance

Barn Find | Dry Stored Since 2007 | Solid and Complete Project | Family Owned Since 2002

  • Mileage~72,926 on clock
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine4.7L
  • LocationBasingstoke

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£5,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£5,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Consigner and Editor

Combining the performance and handling of a sports car, the 928 was noted for its comfort, interior space and ride quality of a luxury cruiser.

The Porsche 928 was first intended to take the place of the classic 911 when it was first introduced in 1978. With the 928, Porsche entered the luxury grand touring market with critical praise, while the 911 evolved into a more concentrated driving machine. The new car featured advanced engineering, a front-mounted water-cooled V8 engine and the ability to seat 4 people - almost the complete opposite of the 911.

The seven years of development on the 928 was rewarded by Porsche winning the 1978 Car of the Year award, as judges noted the significant development in technical and safety aspects, which were to help shape the evolution of the passenger car into the 1980s.

The 928 retained its basic design during its 17-year production run, but saw continuous development and upgrades throughout its lifetime, including the 1979 introduction of the 4.7-litre 928 S with an increased power of 300 bhp. Distinguished by its spoilers, improved brakes, wider wheels and electric seats, the new 928 S took its place as one the fastest 4-seaters of the era.

This 1981 928 S Automatic is presented in burgundy with a cloth interior and has been kept in storage since 2007. This is a unique opportunity to bring back to life a solid and complete example. It has a current V5 and has been in the family since 2002 and comes with three keys. Please note this car doesn't currently run under its own power and will need to be trailered to its new home.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting James the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

Used and enjoyed by my Dad, we feel its best for it to find a new home.

Currently being handled by on behalf of his sons, the car has a sentimental attachment to them but the family has made the rational decision to sell the car in order to make space.

James will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

James
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Dry stored since 2007, this example is remarkably solid with a decent coat of paint.

Wheels and Tyres

The 16-inch slotted "flat disc" alloys are presentable with mild signs of age but free of significant rim damage.

The front tyres are Dunlops and appear to be over 20 years old, the rears are Michelins and date from 2003.

Bodywork

The engine bay appears to be good and no significant damage was noted in the wheel wells. The floor pan/chassis rails are clean and the boot floor is solid.

We scanned across the panel work, and the fit appears to be flush with decent shut lines. The doors open and close without effort, but the boot and bonnet lid struts were weak. The door seals are in good shape and the door wells appear solid.

There are a few areas where light under-paint bubbling is starting to come through. These were mainly on the edges of the driver's door, around the fuel filler cap, the bottom edge of the bonnet, the lower offside front wing and the top of the rear off-side wing. All things considered, the galvanised body has helped the car to resist corrosion successfully.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The burgundy paint has a sheen of 17-year-old dust, so a true paint assessment would be difficult to document here. However, James the owner's son, told us that the car had been resprayed not long before it was laid up, and it appears to have been a decent job, as the lower half has a decent gloss with an even coverage.

There are the expected storage marks and scuffs, the bumpers and wing mirrors taking the brunt of the marks, but a wash might yield a pleasant surprise.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The coat of dust on the glass didn’t allow a detailed inspection, other than an observation of lamination damage on the windscreen. The lights and lenses are in good condition, the trim appears to be complete.

Some rubber elements, such as the driver's side glass seal show signs of age but the rest appear to be in good order. The spoilers and side trim are decent. The rear bumper shows mild distortion and the beading is slightly uneven.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Cleanly presented - it's worn its years well and appears complete.

Seats and Carpets

The seat cloth material covering appears to be free of significant damage, asides from a small hole near the centre console. The driver-side seat backrest sponge has come loose and the inner side bolster and piping show wear.

The carpets are complete and damp-free, there are signs of wear in line with the age of the car but most of it appears to be salvageable.

The passenger front foot wheel carpet shows damage.

Dashboard

The dashboard and centre consoles are good, with no notable cracks. There is a little deformation in the area above the glovebox and around the heater vents. The centre console electric window switches and trim are worn, but overall it displays well.

The binnacle is legible with a few scuffs on the perspex. The switchgear and controls are presentable with some expected wear - none of them were tested. The armrest and its stowage box has seen better days.

The headlining and doorcards are complete and show a few marks and signs of age.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel shows wear with split leather on the top of the rim.

The auto gear lever is better, with no damage to the rubber gaiter.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Laid up due to a starter motor issue, the engine was said to run well before this.

Engine and Gearbox

The car is a non-starter, as it was laid up due to a starter motor issue and not resolved. We have been informed that the car was in working order prior to 2007, as James, the son of the owner mentioned that his dad used to pick him up in the car from school.

The engine is cleanly presented, with no signs of historical leaks in the garage. Some of the engine plastic cooling ducts have been removed from the engine but come with the car.

The rubber hoses present well, considering the car's long-term storage and lack of use.

Suspension and Brakes

The visual condition of the suspension components and mounts appears positive - the car moves freely.

The Drive

The V8 front-engined Porsche has a huge amount of appeal, an everyday supercar with a relaxed driving manner. The car was used on a fairly regular basis before it was placed into storage.

The car doesn't have a battery and the starter motor will be the first thing to investigate.

Electrics and Other

The car appears to be mostly complete, with evidence that the electrical system had seen some investigation prior to being laid up.

The car has been stored in the family garage since 2006/2007 and comes with an additional set of alloy wheels.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Kept by the same family since 2002, it had been maintained by its owner, a former motorcycle specialist.

Originally registered in June 1981, the car comes with three previous V5s which allows us to trace its ownership profile since 1991. It was owned by a company in Manchester until 2002 when it was bought by a motorcycle specialist, the husband of the current registered keeper.

It appears to have seen use for the next 5 or so years until it was placed in the family garage. It goes without saying that the car will need to be trailered away as it is being auctioned as a 'barn find'.

It comes with three keys, a current V5 and appears to have been last taxed in 2007.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Key Details
  • Model 928 S
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Reg. Date 04-06-1981
  • CC 4700
  • Mileage 72,926 on clock
  • Colour Maroon
  • Interior Colour Black/grey
  • Interior Trim Cloth
  • Chassis # WP0ZZZ92ZBS841159
  • Engine # 8215588
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - all clear
  • Former Keepers 12
  • Tyre Brand Goodyear/Michelin
  • Tyre Age 2003/Older
  • # of Keys 3
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~17 years (in the family)
  • Key Feature Solid Project
  • Vehicle Registration ABZ 1991
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type 3-door Coupe
  • Auction ID 2349
VIEW ALL
VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Tadley, Basingstoke

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    Auction Bidding

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    Current Bid £5,000
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    Auction Ends Thu 27th Mar at 8.50pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  1
    £5,000 bid by lbayfield12.03.25 @ 15:03:15
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    2 Comments
    lbayfield
    lbayfield
    6 days ago

    So it’s showing 12 previous owners not as stated 11

    ColinB
    ColinB
    Admin
      lbayfield
    6 days ago

    Hi,

    Thanks for pointing this out, I’ve fixed it. The latest change in owner was within the family.

    Thanks,
    Colin.

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Porsche like this is £153 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Spring 2025.

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    Vehicle Location

    Tadley, Basingstoke

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