There’s no question that $109,500 is a high asking price for Porsche 928. However, this isn’t any ordinary 928. It’s a 1994 GTS and a pretty special one at that. You see, the Porsche 928 GTS is already a rare Porsche in its own right. While the numbers vary from source to source, most agree that for the 3 years the 928 GTS came into the US only 406 of them made their way to our shores.
Within this select group of US bound Porsche 928s, the majority had automatic transmissions and almost all of them had sunroofs. So, when you find a GTS that was ordered with a 5spd, you know you have a rare Porsche (e.g. in 1994 only 44 of the 139 imported had manual transmissions). However, if you find a GTS with both a 5spd and a “sunroof delete” option we’re now talking über rare; a 1 of 1 kind of rare (and that’s exactly what Michael Willhoit did with the car pictured above and below).
With only 19,000 miles, a midnight blue metallic exterior over classic gray leather interior and a Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche listing many other options, this 928 GTS presents a unique opportunity for the right collector at $109,500. Some might even say it’s a bargain. You can follow the auction yourself on ebay
Porsche 928 GTS Production Numbers*
Porsche produced the 928 GTS from 1992 to 1995. However, not all model years made it to the US. The US was introduced to the car in late 1992 but as a 1993 model year. Of the 2887 produced worldwide, 1932 of them were produced during the time that Porsche sold them in the US. And, as mentioned above, of the 1932 produced for model year’s 1993, 1994 and 1995 only 406 came into the US. Almost all of those 928s had a sunroof (some say dealers ordered them this way because it was high dollar option and a luxury item for the time) and most had automatic transmission.
Year | Total US Production | Automatics | 5 Speeds |
1993 | 190 | 136* | 54* |
1994 | 139 | 95 | 44 |
1995 | 77 | 47 | 30 |
Willhoit is No Stranger to Super Rare, Super Nice Porsches
We ask if this Porsche is the “Holy Grail” of Porsche 928s because Michael Willhoit is known for “making” the market for these cars. Most know that Michael asks big dollars for his cars, but with good reason. His Porsche 928 offerings are some of the best in the world (as the subject of this story proves) and he’s set pricing records on a number of previous sales (highest known price to date is $114,500 for a 95 GTS with 13k miles).
Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time Michael sold this car. In fact, he sold it to the current owner (an avid collector) a little over a year ago and is happy to have it back.
“This is the ‘Holy Grail’ of 928 GTS’s,” said Michael. “This is a special car. It’s the one and only in the US that was made with a sunroof delete and a manual transmission. Owning this 928 allows you to own a Porsche that no one else has.” he added.
Sunroof Delete is Popular after Market Upgrade
If you spend any time on the Porsche forums you’ll see that there are mixed feelings about the sunroof in the Porsche 928. For taller drivers it can cut into headroom (especially if you want to track your Porsche and need to wear a helmet), some say it simply adds extra weight (although the weight savings without one is minimal) and for others it is simply too small to provide any benefit. Whatever the reason, a quick search of Rennlist shows 255 threads talking about the idea of a “sunroof delete” for the Porsche 928. There are even upgrade paths to remove and replace the entire roof.
Will This Porsche Set a New Record High?
Even if you’re not in the market for this type of collectible Porsche, it will be interesting to watch the sales process and see if a new record is set. You can follow the auction yourself on ebay
Related Porsche Posts
Record Sales Price of $103,500 set for 1995 928 GTS
The Porsche 928 as an Investment
How a Porsche 928 Saved a Life and Influenced a Career
1994 Porsche 928 GTS Sells for $92,500
The 3 Most Common Myths about the Porsche 928
*Production numbers vary based on source. Most of these numbers came by hunting through Rennlist. We had trouble verifying the breakdown of 1993 manuals vs. automatics so if anyone has better numbers for ’93 please let us know.
View Comments (12)
REally neat car - looks like it's aubergine color (dark purple). I always liked these but the cost and complexity compared to a 911 put me off them.
Is a928 Porsche a premodel to the boxster? Because I have a1997 928??? What do you think. Its inexcellant condition. With135000 miles on it.matalic blck ext. Grey interior .heavy duty cam. Full leather.upgraded back black 2017 lights. And much. Much moreit looks in mint condition? ???? Thanks for your time and consideration? ??????
Any thoughts on the 968 Cab ?
While not as rare as the 928 GTS, (about 2200 968 cabs came to the US) it still has fairly low production numbers and great driveability - not to mention a high fun factor). Combine that with the fact that it ended Porsche's production of front engined sports cars (along side the 928) and I think a 968 cab in good condition has the potential as a "Future Barn Find"...
I have a 1989 - 944 Turbo in mint condition - do you think the market will have a calling for it in the future?
@Carlos,
100% While I don't think you're going to see prices like you do for this 928 GTS (there are just too many 944s) I definitely think the 951 will continue to see appreciation. With that said, I would enjoy it vs. sitting on it as a garage queen waiting for the price to go up. :-) The market is very fickle and you just never know what might happen!
Owned 3 928 . S , S4 and GTS . Best one : 928 S automatic !
"The Stuttgart Corvette"
If you ever get a chance to drive a 928 vs 911, you will understand right away it is a different animal of any Porsche. It is not as nimble as the 911 or 996, it is however clearly most steroid powerful! The 928 is built solid as a rock, heavy and entrusting on one thing, long stretches of comfortable speed. If you own one, don't hesitate to keep it nice; even if you have to invest in restoring it. If you can get one, do so, as there are indications there are only so many of these out there, sunroof delete or not the prices for these beasts will clearly go up. The 928 is always the perfect car to use on a freeway such as between LA and Oakland. Any of the 928 seem to have increased interests and clearly are on the rise of collection status.
There are several great 928 Clubs in the United States.
The car in that photo used in this article, is a beautiful example of a 928.
I am interested for this 1994 Porsche 928 GTS and would like to be in contact with the owner for buying procedures.
The "Holy Grail" 928 is referred to as "The Last 928 Built". As the story goes, a man in Florida ordered a new 928 GTS in 1995 from Champion Porsche in Florida.. But, he didn't want just any 928, he wanted the LAST 928 that Porsche would make. He REALLY optioned the car out to the point that the total cost of the options was about as much as the base price!!
It was "Perlglanz green/yellow with Plum full leather. Everything on the interior was covered with leather, switches, vents, etc.
However, the man later found out that it won't be the LAST 928 built. That car always goes to the Porsche Museum.
http://928oc.org/928oc_928s4vr/928s4007.htm
I just brought home a 928, 5 speed, new paint - gorgeous, 1984 with sunroof, nice everything,
all there, doesn't run. My son-in-law capable tinkerer trying to get running. He is persistent,
Turns over. We hope to drive one day. Anybody in New Orleans area want a few beers and
Have a look ??
Mike 248-763-9606. Thanks.
can some one tell me how many 5 speed 1988 s4 where made?