By 1971, Porsche sought to augment its sports car lineup with a model better suited to grand touring. After six years of development, the Porsche 928 debuted at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show. A modern 2+2 coupe with voluptuous styling, breathtaking acceleration, and supple long-distance cruising abilities, the 928 utilized a layout Porsche had never tried before: front-engine and rear-wheel-drive with V-8 power.

As the 1990s began, Porsche kept the 928 relevant with a final special model, the 928 GTS. Featuring a larger, far more powerful 5.4-liter V-8, now providing 350 horsepower, uprated front brakes brought the big coupe to a halt; its manual transmission was upgraded to compensate for the additional power. The model’s exterior styling remained subtle—a new spoiler, exclusive 17-inch light alloy wheels, and restyled side mirrors belied the true sporting prowess of the GTS. Just over 2,900 were built between 1992 and 1995, and pristine examples of this supremely well-balanced model are sought-after today.

MIDNIGHT BLUE

This 928 GTS is one of just 26 examples equipped with a five-speed manual transmission for the US market during the 1995 model year. Finished in wonderful Midnight Blue Metallic (L39 C) over a Classic Grey draped leather (MX) interior, this GTS was delivered new to Porsche of Coral Gables, Florida in late 1994 and promptly purchased by a local collector. A warm-weather order, it was desirably specified with upgraded air conditioning and a power sunroof; further features included a CR-1 radio with remote 6-disc CD system. The additional rear fender trim pieces are believed to have been installed by the dealer. During its first five years of ownership, this 928 GTS was exclusively maintained by Porsche of North Orlando.

In August 2000, the original owner sold the car to an enthusiast in Charlotte, North Carolina. Having covered 8,300 miles since new, accompanying inspection documentation from this transaction shows that this GTS was, as today, in exceedingly well-maintained condition. Maintained on a very strict service schedule, it was modestly driven; sold to its next custodian in February 2012, its price had doubled—though mileage had not! A pair of desirable modifications made prior to this sale include the fitment of a short-shifter kit from Motion Products of Neenah, Wisconsin, and a set of factory-correct red brake calipers (substituting the black units which came with the car).

After passing through the hands of a Georgia-based collector, this rare five-speed 928 GTS was acquired by the consignor in early 2019, then indicating just under 16,450 miles. Having traveled fewer than 200 miles in the consignor’s care, this striking example of Porsche’s final, and most powerful, 928 is truly a front-engined prize for the discerning marque enthusiast wishing to experience some five-speed, V-8 fun for themselves.