In 1977, Porsche came out with its very first Gran Turismo, the Porsche 928. While it was originally intended to replace the then-aging 911, this model was distinguished from the iconic 911 in the sense that the former was more a GT, rather than an all-out sports car like the latter.
Since then, the two have gone down the motoring highway side by side, carrying the brand through the late 1970s, into the 1980s, and onto the mid-1990s. The 928, in particular, combined the handling and power of a sports car with the luxury and comfort of an executive sedan.
This year, the Porsche 928 celebrates its 40th birthday with a special exhibit at the AvD OldTimer Grand Prix, to be held at the Nurburgring from August 11-13, 2017.
This year’s exhibit will showcase various facets of the Porsche 928, with no less than four examples highlighting the car in various forms. Visitors will be able to see the car via a fully-restored classic. There will also be a 928 modified for motorsport, showing off the car’s (and the brand’s) racing heritage.
Apart from these, two Porsche 928 concepts will likewise make an appearance at the show. One will be the four-door 928 that was built together with American Specialty Cars. Then there is the Porsche 928 Cabriolet study, which was a nod to the growing trend of open-top GT cars of the era.
The Porsche 928 itself was quite special for a number of reasons. First seen in the 2nd quarter of 1977, the car utilized lightweight aluminum for the doors, hood, and front wings. The body was also made from hot-dip galvanized steel. It was also one of the few Porsches to use a front-mounted V8 motor. And the car earned the distinction of Car of the Year soon after it was unveiled.
And the rest, as they say, is Porsche history.
