39k-Mile 1978 Porsche 928 5-Speed
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1978
- Make: Porsche
- Model: 928
- VIN: 9288200521
- Mileage Shown: 39,240
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Mocha Brown
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Dublin, OH 43017
- Country: United States of America
- Lot #: V-0060793
This 1978 Porsche 928 is finished in Mocha Brown over a brown leather interior with Pascha velour inserts, and powered by a 4.5-liter V8 engine mated to a 5-speed manual transaxle and optional limited-slip differential. Leased new by a local businessman from Porsche-Audi North in Dublin, Ohio, this 928 was later purchased by their friend in 1981, who kept it in a climate-controlled facility as part of his personal collection for the next 44 years. Acquired from its longtime owner’s estate in August 2025, accompanied by documents dating back to the original purchase, this well-preserved 928 is now being offered for auction out of Ohio with approximately 39k miles showing on the odometer.
The exterior is finished in Mocha Brown (415) and features a custom orange pinstripe, pop-up headlamps, headlight washers, fog lights, a rear window wiper, polished dual exhaust tips, and silver 16” phone dial alloy wheels. The seller indicates the Pirelli tires are dated from 2007, although they appear to have seen minimal use. Recent refurbishment includes a new decklid seal, repaired headlight connections, and front wheel balancing. The seller believes the paint to be entirely original and notes some chips on the hood, mirror caps, lower rear hatch, and lower quarter panels. A small dent and chipping are also present where the left quarter meets the rear bumper. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.
The four-passenger cabin is appointed with brown leather upholstery, matching carpets, and Pascha velour inserts on the seats and door panels. Amenities include front bucket seats, folding rear seatbacks, a black leather three-spoke steering wheel, power windows, air conditioning, analog VDO gauges, and a Porsche-branded Blaupunkt AM/FM/cassette stereo. An aftermarket electrical cutoff switch was installed beneath the carpet in the luggage compartment by the previous owner. The seller indicates the lower front seat inserts were professionally redone with standard brown velour due to tears on the original Pascha inserts. Noted imperfections include a loose corner of the rear center armrest, a small crack on the dashboard ahead of the steering wheel, and a small tear on the lower bottom corner of the driver’s seatback. The air conditioning system was recently recharged, and all gauges and accessories are said to be working properly.
Rated at 230 HP and 253 lb-ft of torque, the 4.5-liter V8 engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transaxle and optional limited-slip differential. Service records provided by the seller include a new clutch and resurfaced flywheel in 2009 at 35,997 miles, a new timing belt and water pump in 2012 at 37,727 miles, and a new fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, fuel lines, engine belts, and ignition components in 2018. Under the seller’s ownership, the car was serviced with a new oil filler tube, radiator cap, high-pressure power steering line, battery, an oil change, and adjustments to the belt and engine idle. The seller notes that the catalytic converters were drilled out by the previous owner to improve exhaust flow.
This sale will include owner’s manuals, a toolkit, a spare tire, a tire inflator, two keys, a cargo area cover, a Porsche drop cloth, an original spare bulbs kit, service records, and a clean title.
The seller would like you to know: “I came across this car by accident while looking to purchase the owner's 1954 Chris Craft Riviera speed boat. It was part of many items in his trust that were being sold as it was time to move on after his passing. The 928 was in his race shop/facility with many of his other cars (Jaguar, Ferrari, Porsche, Race Cars) as well as other cars from his collection. In 1982, my father bought a silver 928. I used to take it out when he wasn't around and drive it like a Porsche. This model holds a special place in my heart and conjures up many memories. When I saw it, my interest was piqued, even though I knew I really didn't have a place for it, but I didn't want it to wind up in the wrong hands. A couple of weeks later, I caved and bought the car. It is a special car with a rich history. I was told it was a very early production, possibly hand-built, used by Porsche for the first 700 miles of its life as a show car on the West Coast to introduce the new model to the Porsche dealers in California, Oregon, and Washington that would begin to sell it shortly. It was leased by Porsche North to a local businessman on April 24th of 1978 for 36 months at $757.00 per month .... a big payment back in 1981. When the lease matured, it was sold and spent the next 44 years in the owner’s hands. When I heard the history of the car, I couldn't let it potentially wind up with the wrong person. It’s more of a nod to my childhood and a lot of memories than anything else. It was easy to see, the previous owner, obviously, drove it sparingly, took care to address any concerns immediately, as well as keep up on the maintenance of the car. I have not had to do much. I drove it home right out of his facility the day I bought it, no problem. I had my local Porsche specialist go through it. Everything was minor and easily addressed. I really hope the next owner of this car will see it for what it is and continue to care for it appropriately.”
Comments (40)
@GTSilver16 the brown-black pasha original to this car is no longer available. However beige-black is available and would be a fair variant. Should look pretty good with the brown interior.
Great looking 928! Love the period vibe. Have a '78 Euro in this color combo, so I'm bias. Can also attest that the brown interior feels so warm and easy to be in and go drive.
Good luck to the seller, and wishing well to all the bidders! Go get this one! Lots of room to elevate & move up... and just the right level to drive & show. -Jim
Bid in the amount of $8,500
What a shame the front seat bottom cushions weren’t reupholstered with proper pascha, which can still be sourced.
Bid in the amount of $8,000
Bid in the amount of $7,400
Bid in the amount of $7,000
Bid in the amount of $6,500
Bid in the amount of $6,000
@MCCresto Thank you for the comments.
@Flash1102 I am out of town through next Wednesday, so unfortunately I cannot do that. I have driven approximately 150 miles over the last 4 months.
Our shop maintains one of these for a customer who also drives a 924S. Both are ‘daily’ drivers that he alternates in and out of his garage and our shop.
I’m not a huge fan of this model but given the low mileage and history, it’s definitely got a cool factor. You’d be the only one at cars and coffee for sure.
Cost to maintain will likely scare some buyers away, but it’s a great conversation piece among the Porsche faithful.
Seller Would you take the Porsche for a short ride and demonstrate that it moves under its own power and that all the gears function. Thank you
It’s a beautiful well preserved original that truly deserves an appreciative home as you mentioned. The mocha is a perfect color with the pasha interior. The 5 speed makes it that much more impressive.
@Corsair-27C I would to think it could make the drive….that being said, I am not a mechanic but it was gone through by a qualified one in July/August. Minor adjustments to idle, timing belt, oil change, and power steering high pressure hose replacement.
Greetings, any issues or concerns to be addressed that would require action to trust driving to Florida. Thank you
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
@dicksanderson The previous owner had a toggle on the dash that bypassed the compressor switch on the control panel. He basically repaired the fan circuit with this setup. It did blow cold and work as normal upon my purchase in this configuration. In July, I had the shop remove the toggle as I wanted to go back to factory spec. and remove the toggle. They did a diagnosis which I have clipped from the shop description and added to the pictures. In essence they were concerned with removing the HVAC board to make the repairs as they could not free the one piece trim from the center console and did not want to crack or break it in the process. Not that it cannot be done, they just did not feel comfortable doing it.
@Flash1102 Apologies, they should have caught that, me too. No Sunroof. Yes, LSD confirmed by Porsche Mechanic. It was an option.
Seller Thank you for the clarification on Sunroof and picture of dash tear. Sunroof was mentioned in description so it must be a boiler plate description. To be clear there is also mention of limited slip dif. Where is that documented or is it part of standard description? Limited slip was an option.
Question: Does the A/C function properly? (We live in Phoenix, and it is a 'must'.). BTW, love the color combination and pinstripe. I have owned 15 Porsches, including 2 928's. A '79 and a '95 GT. Love to bid on yours- it's in great shape, unique. Thanks for responding.
@checkmate1996 Thank you for taking a look guys. Appreciate the kind words.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
@Flash1102 Hello, Pictures of small dash crack posted. Windows, radio, mirrors, front and rear wipers function properly. There is no sunroof, seats are manual. Thanks
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Would seller post a picture of small crack on dashboard. Also has seller tested all electrical options such as windows, sunroof, seats, radio, mirrors that they function properly. Thank you. Great looking Porsche.
This 928 checks all the boxes. Wish I wasn't so far away so that I could personally view. For those of you who have visited this Porsche any and all information would be greatly appreciated.
Bid in the amount of $5,000
@buccicone and myself were able to put eyes on car. The seller was super helpful and had lots of original documentation. The car presents extremely well. As expected a few chips and dings but original paint on a 48 year old car. There is some paint “crazing” on the pillars behind the two front windows . Tires have good tread but are from 2007. Not uncommon. The car started right up and no smoke . It will need a rear coupler to tighten the shifter. Carpet and interior look great as a whole and shows as a lower mileage car should be. It has the correct gas cap as well for a 78. A quick glance underneath showed well and no drips or oil splashing. It’s not a total garage queen but shows very well. Best of luck to seller.
Bid in the amount of $4,000
@buccicone Good Morning. Please hit contact seller button so that we can exchange information. Thanks
Bid in the amount of $2,000
Would like to arrange to see and inspect. Local to you.
Trying to arrange an inspection seller. Will that be possible?
@ASFSupra A local Porsche looked at it in August as it was originally working well, they charged with freon and afterwords it was working intermittently. The diagnosis is that it needs a low pressure switch. Anti freeze sensor and relay are ok but they would need to access the HVAC board to address. Due to the single piece design of the trim piece surrounding the center console which would need to be removed, they were concerned about breaking the trim piece as it was resistant to removal and they could not locate the single piece design replacement.
Current miles are 39,245
nice car. does it come with airconditioing
@buccicone Yes and miles are actual.
What s beauty!
Does the odometer work?
Bid in the amount of $928