One to Buy: 59,000km Exclusive-optioned Amazon Green Pearl 1992 Porsche 928 GTS
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Over the course of an 18 year production, Porsche created several iterations of the 928 that a collector could legitimately desire more than any other. However, for many, the ultimate incarnation of Porsche’s V8-engined Grand Tourer was the last: the GTS.
Launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1991, the GTS was never expected to be a big seller, but Porsche still made some important changes to ensure the 928 retained its best-in-class status. Chief among these was a long stroke version of the highly regarded V8 which, at 5.4-litres, displaced 440cc more than the outgoing S4.
To allow for such a jump in capacity (and permit a higher compression ratio), the GTS came with a special crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods. The intake system was also revised along with the ignition set up and exhaust. The net result was a peak output of 345bhp at 5700rpm and 369lb-ft at 4250rpm compared to 320bhp at 6000rpm and 317lb-ft at 3000rpm for its predecessor.
In terms of its running gear, the GTS came with re-tuned suspension and power steering systems, uprated front brakes, widened rear track and bigger wheels shod with latest generation tyres. Externally, bulbous fenders, aerodynamically formed mirrors and an updated tail fascia freshened things up.
For customers with deep pockets that wanted a truly bespoke creation, Porsche could send a 928 GTS to the Exclusive department where practically anything was possible given sufficient funds. One car that made just such a trip was the uniquely configured chassis WP0ZZZ92ZNS800521 which will be going under the hammer at Bonhams’ Paris sale on February 2nd.
A first year GTS, chassis ‘800521’ was ordered in the handsome combination of Amazon Green Pearl with White upholstery. In addition to the hugely desirable five-speed manual gearbox and an electric sunroof, the first owner requested no less than 22 X-numbered options from the Exclusive department to include comprehensively extended leather upholstery (right down to the fresh air vents), burr walnut elements for the steering wheel, a matching burr walnut gear lever complete with gold Porsche crest and body coloured wheel centres.
Since delivery on May 21st 1992, chassis ‘800521’ has resided with three fastidious collectors, during which time it has accumulated a mileage of just under 59,000km. Said to look “just as it did on the day it left the factory in Stuttgart”, this is quite possibly the 928 GTS at its peak.
