One to Buy: 18,000 mile 1990 Porsche 928 S4 Gemballa Convertible
Although the contemporary 911 was offered in three alternative body styles to maximise its appeal, Porsche concluded that the market for its grand front-engined flagship, the 928, was too small to warrant the investment required for an open top version.
The closest the company came to offering such a machine was in 1987 when an S4-based prototype dubbed H51 was quietly produced for assessment. However, the programme ultimately came to nothing which was a great shame as a roof-less 928 would have made a great alternative to the likes of a Mercedes-Benz SL or Jaguar XJS.
Instead, Porsche left it to aftermarket tuners to produce Convertible and Targa-topped 928s for customers that wanted such a machine.
Of the small number of firms to produce an open top 928, undoubtedly the best were those by Gemballa who developed a marvellous electric roof that when lowered was concealed below a retractable rear clamshell.
Although rare as hen’s teeth, one of these sensational Gemballa 928 dropheads is currently on offer at the I Automobile Group showroom in Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong.
Based on a right-hand drive 1990 S4, I Automobile’s car was configured in the lovely colour combination of Marine Blue Metallic with Light Grey leather, Dark Blue piping, a matching Dark Blue canvas roof and the seldom seen five-speed manual gearbox. Having covered just 18,000 miles from new, this prime example of the super tuner art is presented in superb condition throughout.
Stick a set of period BBS rims on its and you’re good to go…
Reprinted below is I Automobile’s description:
Mileage: 18,000 miles
Engine: 5.0 L V8
Gearbox: 5 Speed Manual
Comment:
Classic collector car
Extremely rare
All-electric hood
