Porsche 928 GTS Review: The Grand Tourer That Defined Cool
Back in the day, I loved this thing. As a sci-fi fan, the Porsche 928’s sleek, rounded, pod-like aesthetic appealed to me. It’s astonishing and hard to believe, frankly, that the Stuttgart sports car company released this futuristic V8-powered 2+2 GT way back in 1977 – 47 years ago! Perhaps less surprisingly, it had an incredibly long production run of 18 years right up to 1995, and even today, it looks entirely contemporary and in no way dated at all!
And few cars capture the spirit of the 1980s and early ’90s quite like the Porsche 928 GTS. With this car, Porsche wanted to prove it wasn’t just a one-trick pony with the rear-mounted boxer-engined 911, and could also offer a long-legged ballistic cruiser.
Originally, it was envisioned as the successor to the 911, a model they believed had reached the end of its potential – okay, you can stop laughing and pick yourself off the floor now. But these were very different cars, and the 928 simply couldn’t dethrone the legendary 911 as the visceral sports car it was, but instead offered something different with the company’s first V8.
The muscle under the bonnet meant it was suited to Autobahns and also aimed squarely at markets like the United States, where it suited long-distance driving. The car’s spacious interior and plush ride made it a hit among affluent buyers. As the first sports car to win the prestigious European Car of the Year award in 1978, it carved out a loyal following and became a cult classic in its own right.
Interestingly, the 928 was almost immortalised in pop culture as the hero car in the hit TV series Magnum, P.I. Tom Selleck, the show’s star, reportedly favoured the 928, but the producers insisted on a Ferrari 308 GTS because they wanted a convertible. The 928 did, however, make memorable appearances in films like Risky Business, cementing its reputation as a car for those who appreciated understated elegance and raw power.
While in the UAE last year working on the spectacular Mille Miglia Experience as one of the team managing the media, I was delighted to be given this cherished black 1993 example, a 928 GTS, as my “work car” for the first two days of the event! Inevitably, then, I stole a quick opportunity during a very hectic schedule to do a quick drive review.
The 928 GTS is exactly what you’d expect from a proper grand tourer: powerful, comfortable, and just a touch intimidating. It’s not a car you throw into corners with reckless abandon – it demands respect, and in return, it delivers an experience that’s nothing short of sublime.
As I navigated the smooth highways of the UAE, the car’s composed ride stood out. Unlike modern performance cars that stiffen up at the slightest hint of a bump, the 928 GTS glides. It absorbs imperfections effortlessly, keeping things serene in the cabin.
You can’t help but be intoxicated by the glorious 5.4-litre V8’s grunt, which puts out a significant 345bhp and 500Nm of torque sent to the fat rear wheels. Kick-down the 4-speed automatic and it takes a while before the motor winds up and deploys momentum.
On paper, acceleration from 0-62mph was given as 5.9 seconds (very quick for 1993!) and top speed was just over 170mph. This one didn’t feel quite as quick, reminding us of its veteran age via the protests of a few subtle squeaks and rattles. Nonetheless, while there was a momentary pause before it got going, once it did, it barked like thunder and devoured distances.
Taking the 928 GTS through corners, you feel its weight. The steering is reassuringly hefty, giving you a sense of connection to the car, but it’s not exactly nimble. There was slight understeer if you pushed it hard, a reminder that this is a GT, not a track monster.
Still, the body control is admirable. On fast, sweeping bends, the car feels planted and confident, rewarding a measured and smooth driving style. But let’s be clear – this is a car for eating up miles on open roads, not setting lap times.
The 928 GTS is remarkably comfortable. The seating position is spot-on, even for my 6ft 2in frame. Hours behind the wheel were no pain at all. The air conditioning – essential in the UAE – performed flawlessly, although I had to keep turning it down because it got too chilly (a nice problem to have).
This car was presented in superb condition, with a near showroom-fresh interior. And despite the occasional creaks and groans on this 31-year-old GT, it felt pretty solid. The controls had a satisfying weight to them, from the steering to the gear lever, reminding you that you’re driving something built to last.
In an era of soulless SUVs and overly digital sports cars, the 928 GTS reminds us why we fell in love with driving in the first place.
It’s not a perfect car. But perfection is boring. The 928 GTS has personality, drama, and presence and that’s what makes it special. It’s a car that rewards long drives, high speeds, and a too-cool-for-school driving style.
Values vary considerably for old Porsche 928 models, unsurprising, given its long life-cycle and with over 60,000 produced. A lot depends on condition and more desirable and rare editions will command significantly higher rates. While it is possible to acquire a 928 from under £20,000, it may well need twice as much again spent on restoration and repairs.
The cars are complex and parts are becoming harder to source. So buy the best you can. At the top end, values rise to as much as £100k or more. For an example like the one tested you’re looking at around £60,000 according to Hagerty.
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