In the years leading up to Porsche’s unveiling of the 928, in prototype form, at the 1977 Geneva International Motor Show, bosses at the German marque were considering their options as 911 sales began to slump. The company made plans for a luxurious grand tourer that offered refinement over long distances, all on a new platform designed around a front-mounted, water-cooled engine. This would make best use of space and maximize comfort—and come in stark contrast to the reputation Porsche had earned for building acclaimed air-cooled, rear-engine cars.

In the wake of the 1970s energy crisis that sent global oil prices sky high, Porsche defied consumer appetite for improved fuel efficiency, instead placing a V-8 at the heart of the 928. The large-displacement powerplant bolstered 928’s standing as a lavish grand tourer, and the earliest iterations of the model were propelled by a 4.5-liter engine rated at 237 horsepower for European-delivery examples. Like many of the other front-engine models made by Porsche, engineers in Stuttgart designed the 928 with a transaxle set-up for a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration. This made for 50-50 weight distribution between the front and rear of the car, resulting in contemporary road test reports of excellent handling.

Wearing the amazing color combination of metallic Lindgrün over a Dunkelgrün interior complete with checkerboard Pasha door and seat fabric, the example offered here typifies sumptuous 1970s car design. Built for the Swiss market, the 928 was delivered on 16 November 1977, according to the service booklet on file. This document additionally verifies that the serial number stamped on the engine matches factory records. A build record on file further confirms the car was ordered new with heated door mirrors, tinted windows, and air conditioning. Notes from the owner attest that the speedometer has been changed over time, so the current odometer reading may not reflect the actual distance the car has travelled.

With its raw V-8 power, five-speed manual gearbox, and timeless Porsche coupe styling, the 928 is a desirable classic that still offers the practicality, comfort, and usability of a more modern vehicle. The chance to acquire an example in such a unique configuration is rarely as enticing as this.