In almost every conceivable way, the original 928 was light years ahead of the grand tourers being offered by Porsche’s rival manufacturers. Even today, more than four decades on from launch, the formidable ‘land shark’ is quite unlike any other car, its integrated bumpers oozing aerodynamic appeal. Combining sporty performance, long-distance cruising capability and classleading comfort, the front-engined, V8powered Porsche even bagged the coveted European Car of the Year award after model launch, the only sports car to have done so in the entire history of the competition.
The earliest 928s (Pascha trimmed, if you’re lucky) made use of a 4.5-litre V8, while the last-of-the-line GTS was powered by a 5.4-litre evolution of the same engine. Somewhere in the middle lies the S2, a 306bhp 4.7-litre variant of the 928 available from 1984 and benefiting from Bosch LH Jetronic fuel injection, a twinhead distributor linked to a high-output EZF ignition system (allowing higher compression ratio and increased torque), anti-lock brakes (the first for a Porsche) and a raft of improved safety features.
Interestingly, the S2’s V8 was the final version of the engine to include only sixteen valves. Hydraulic tappets are used, and the camshafts are belt-driven, resulting in what was the longest timing belt ever seen on a series production car. The block is made from Alusil, a material making for tough cylinder bores and low wear. In other words, these engines will conquer huge mileage with ease, rewarding with largely fault-free motoring and a hefty 410lb-ft torque.
Most 928s (more than eighty percent of total production volume) are equipped with an automatic gearbox befitting the nature of a grand tourer, but where early 928s feature a three-speed unit, the S2 was blessed with a four-speed, which was used throughout the remainder of 928 production, well into the 1990s. Developed primarily by MercedesBenz for its SL range, this four-speed cog swapper is known for its ‘lazy’ operation, but if the unit is used to its full potential, an equivalent 928 equipped with the rare option of a manual transmission will require an extremely skilled driver to keep up.
The 928 S2 offers anof practicality, performance and, at the time of writing, excellent value for money. Indeed, as we fast approach the 928’s fiftieth anniversary, values have failed to keep up with current trends. This is brilliant news for those of you tempted to secure ownership of this fantastic Porsche. Across the following pages, we highlight a few pointers when shopping for an S2, the model many consider to be the sweet spot of almost two decades of 928 production. Have fun, good luck and happy shopping!
