1989 Porsche 928 S4

Registration: MDZ 1123
Chassis: WP0ZZZ92ZKS841311
Odometer: 124,246
Transmission: Automatic
MOT: January 2027

• Substantial history file with numerous specialist invoices
• Major 928 Spares programme of work totalling £6,744.96
• Automatic gearbox rebuilt at 105,291 miles in 2018

Introduced for the 1987 model year, the 928 S4 represented a substantial evolution of Porsche’s front-engined grand tourer. Beneath its distinctive shape sat a 4,957cc, four-cam V8 producing 320 PS, driving the rear wheels through Porsche’s transaxle layout. Automatic examples used a four-speed transmission, while Porsche quoted a top speed of around 165mph for the automatic S4.

The S4 also brought the smoother, more integrated front and rear styling that arguably suits the 928 particularly well, with its rounded nose, flush rear lamps and prominent rear spoiler. Porsche produced the S4 from model years 1987 to 1991, placing this 1989 example firmly within what many regard as the sweet spot of the 928 range.

Finished in red, this car presents as a very usable example, with the bodywork generally appearing in good condition for its age with just minor imperfections that do little to detract from the value.

Inside, the cabin is trimmed in light leather with contrasting red piping, complemented by the wonderfully period 928 dashboard and expansive centre console. The leather naturally displays some age and creasing but importantly the cabin appears complete and retains much of the character that makes these cars such distinctive places to sit.

Where this particular 928 becomes especially interesting is the substantial history file accompanying it. The paperwork shows long-term specialist attention and, rather than simply containing routine servicing receipts, documents some significant expenditure on the car over the years.

An invoice from Weston Porsche Specialist dated July 2007 records a 12,000-mile service together with a cam belt replacement, solenoids, window motor and seat motor. Further paperwork includes parts and maintenance invoices from Porsche specialists and suppliers, together with the Porsche ownership pocket guide.

Of particular note is a sizeable programme of work carried out by 928 Spares. The accompanying invoice records an extensive list of work including replacement of the radiator, failed and corroded fuel lines, gearbox oil reservoir and cooler-related components, front and rear dampers, upper wishbone bushes, engine mountings and sump gasket, power-steering hose, rear brake hoses and drive-shaft components. The front brake calipers were stripped and rebuilt, while brake discs, pads and sensors were renewed. The same work schedule also records replacement of the cam belt and water pump, together with servicing and other remedial work.

The associated parts invoice alone totals almost £3,000, with the complete 928 Spares account coming to £6,744.96, providing useful evidence of the level of expenditure lavished on the car rather than merely routine maintenance.

Another particularly significant piece of paperwork comes from Stephens Engineering Automatics. In February 2018, at a recorded 105,291 miles, the automatic gearbox was removed, stripped and rebuilt following transmission problems and evidence of water contamination. The invoice records the gearbox being dismantled, replacement parts fitted, reassembly and refitting with the torque converter before testing.

Earlier paperwork from Heyes Engineering dated June 2011 records further expenditure including front brake discs and pads, wear sensors, brake fluid, cam-cover and inlet-manifold gaskets, knock sensors, an X-pipe and other work, with an invoice total approaching £2,500. Further receipts cover items ranging from brakes and batteries to electrical work, while the service documentation also contains later specialist stamps.

Now displaying 124,246 miles, the Porsche is reported to run and drive well and has an MOT through to January 2027. With a 928, the quality and depth of the maintenance history can be every bit as important as the odometer reading, and the substantial collection of invoices accompanying this car is therefore a particularly welcome feature.

This is not being presented as a freshly restored show car, but rather as an honest, well-presented and apparently well-used 928 S4 with evidence of serious mechanical expenditure behind it. With its 5.0-litre V8, automatic transmission, classic red exterior and unmistakably period light leather cabin, it has all the ingredients that make the S4 such a compelling long-distance Porsche