1979 Porsche 928 (Previously Owned By Richard Hammond)

Highlights

• Once owned by Richard Hammond
• Lovely, early 4.5-litre V8 example
• Seemingly beautiful condition inside and out
• Classic ‘70s look, right down to the telephone dial wheels
• Two volumes of service history included

Overview

Don your disco garb and get ready to embark on a journey back in time: to the '70s (just). This is a proper motoring legend from that era and, yet, somehow still space-age-looking today. Yes, the Porsche 928. Come on, it still looks the cat's whiskers, doesn’t it? And hold onto your flares because this isn't just any old 928 – this particular example boasts a unique pedigree that's sure to pique the interest of car enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Unsurprisingly, being 45-years old, it’s had a number of owners. Eight, in total, which is actually quite a low number when you think about it. And one of those owners was none other than Richard Hammond. You may have heard of him – he does car stuff. That means this particular 928 comes not only with a captivating style but also a captivating history, adding an extra layer of allure to its already up-there status. Oh, imagine the tales this car could tell if only it could talk. Which it can’t, obviously, because it’s not a 1980s MG Montego. Anyway…

Being a ’79 model, it’s not long into the 928’s production. That was also the year after the 928 won the European Car of the Year title as it happens. As a result, the heart and soul is the 4,511cc M28 V8 engine. That means single cams per bank and Bosch injection, with peak power at 240hp. Here it’s paired with the rear-mounted three-speed automatic gearbox, which, rather than a hindrance, quite suits the grand-touring nature of the 928.

It promises a driving experience that’s uber-rich and ultra thrilling in equal measure, depending on just how far you bury the loud pedal. Which, we’re told, is very loud thanks to the sports exhaust. Anyway, this V8 delivers an experience like no other Porsche from the period, and it’s a big part of why the 928 is a bona fide classic today.

The only thing that could’ve been more ‘70s is the interior: there’s no psychedelic Pasha pattern for the seats here. Instead, you're greeted by simple black leather that looks understated, timeless and, let’s be frank, sumptuous. And from the evidence of the pictures, the interior as a whole is in superb condition, and the same can be said for the bodywork. Yes, it has 128,000 on the clock, but this is a Porsche from the era when they built ‘em well, remember.

Who knows, maybe someone else as famous as Richard Hammond will end up buying this car? It’s clearly got celebrity appeal, after all. But the point is we’re not exclusive here at PH Auctions. Anyone and everyone, no matter their status, can bid, which includes you. So go on, treat yourself: win a slice of history that comes with its own unique history.

History and documentation

• V5 registration document present
• Registered 28.06.79 and declared new at first registration
• HPI clear
• MOT currently expired
• Eight owners in total – one of whom is Richard Hammond
• Owned by the current owner for the last 11 years
• Comes complete with Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche Cars GB
• Original owner’s manual and service book included
• Accompanying the service book are two volumes of service history going back decades
• Two keys present
• 128,603 miles showing at the time we pictured the car
• The plate is also coming with the car, so it all ties in very nicely indeed

Exterior

• This 928 is finished in Light Blue Metallic with a set of classic 16-inch telephone dial wheels – the perfect look for those after an early-style 928
• We’re told the car was subject to a full body refurbishment two years ago, including removing all the window glass and the front wings
• There’s no evidence of rust in any of the obvious places, such as the sills
• All the exterior seals and trims were renewed at the same time as the body work
• The paintwork appears to still be in good order – we can’t see any obvious scuffs in the usual places like door mirror casings or the corners of bumpers
• All the panel gaps look straight
• The headlights are aligned as they should be, rather than the bug-eyed look of some unfortunate 928s, and the lenses don’t seem to have any cracks. The plastic lenses on the tail lights also seem free of cracks and largely unaffected by UV discolouration
• The wheels have been refurbished recently and there’s no evidence of any kerb marks or corrosion arising since then – even the light-alloy wheel nuts still appear black and free of severe corrosion
• Underside looks very clean for the year with no obvious signs of deadly rust

Interior

• Spec includes electric front seats, windows and mirrors, power headlight washers, rear wash/wipe and cruise control
• Optional (back in the day) black leather with perforated centres looks to be free of tears and scuffs and still supple
• The evidence is that the door cards and switch gear are in good order, and there aren’t any cracks showing on the dashboard
• The car has what appears to be the classic original three-spoke impact-absorbing steering wheel. The leather trim on the wheel rim looks in fine condition for the car’s age
• This 928 comes with a non-period Kenwood head unit with an integrated CD player
• 928-branded kick plates are clean and smart
• The luggage compartment shows no obvious signs of wear and tear
• No reports of any of the features not working inside

Mechanical

• Lovely all-alloy 4,511cc M28 V8 with Bosch injection producing 240hp
• Three-speed Mercedes-Benz-derived automatic transmission
• The owner says there are no known mechanical issues to report
• Under the bonnet the engine bay looks extremely tidy for a 40-year-old car. There’s no evidence of worrying corrosion or oil leaks, and even the sound insulation on the underside of the bonnet seems to be intact and secure
• The car’s wearing a full set of modern Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres
• The only modification we’re aware of is a sports exhaust and the rear silencer delete. Apparently, and we’re quoting the owner here, it “sounds louder than a stock car”. We assume that’s stock as in NASCAR, rather than a stock 928

Summary

The Porsche 928’s looks and mechanical spec changed mightily through the years it was in production. Yes, the later cars have more up-to-date style and offer more prodigious power and performance, but there’s something rather charming and ‘of their time’ about the early models. And this 1979 car is one of those early models.

Yet, after 40 years and seemingly more than a little TLC, this 928 still looks as fresh as the day it was made (well, very nearly) both inside and out. And don’t forget that along with those two volumes of service history, it also has the history of a celebrity owner, too. That just adds an extra layer of cache for whoever ends up as the lucky winning bidder of this, apparently, rather wonderful car.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Chester-le-Street, County Durham.