Estimated Price: £45,000 - £55,000

The Fosse Way Collection comprises nine rare and eclectic motor cars, thoughtfully chosen and carefully maintained by a respected private collector, and each now offered with considerable recent investment.

When launched, the Porsche 928 represented a bold new direction for the Stuttgart marque, combining a front-mounted V8 with sophisticated 'grand touring' comfort and distinctive styling. Today, early examples are increasingly appreciated for their purity of design and their place at the beginning of the 928 story. This 1979 example is particularly appealing, combining the desirable five-speed manual gearbox with a mileage of just over 53,901 miles.

Finished in Minerva Blue Metallic, the car features the distinctive Pascha upholstery, one of the most recognisable interior designs of the period. The combination of its early specification, manual transmission and relatively low indicated mileage makes it an attractive proposition in its own right. However, what really sets this example apart is the comprehensive programme of work undertaken since its previous sale, with considerable investment in its mechanical condition, underside, interior and exterior presentation.

Following its acquisition, the car was entrusted to 928 Specialists Ltd. in Stroud, recognised specialists in the model, for a thorough assessment and extensive mechanical recommissioning. More than £22,000 was invested in bringing the car’s mechanicals up to a high standard, addressing the various areas requiring attention and providing a strong foundation for the next chapter.

Attention then turned to the underside, which was stripped, detailed and rustproofed as part of a further programme of preservation. The interior was also removed to allow the carpets to be replaced with new Wilton examples, while the original Pascha upholstery was carefully repaired and restored by an Aston Martin-trained upholsterer. Retaining this distinctive factory interior helps preserve an important part of the car’s original character.

The exterior subsequently received equally thorough attention. The original owner had previously returned the car to Porsche to have Series 2-style rubbing strips and spoilers fitted. These additions were later removed, returning the car to a cleaner, more understated appearance in keeping with its early production date. A window-out respray was then carried out, with the glass removed to allow the paintwork to be renewed more comprehensively, while the alloy wheels were also refurbished. This phase of work represented a further investment of more than £10,000, with the body reported to be in exceptional condition.

The result is a highly appealing early Porsche 928, combining the desirable five-speed manual gearbox with just over 53,901 miles indicated and its distinctive original Pascha interior. With more than £32,000 invested in mechanical work and cosmetic restoration alone, alongside the attention given to the underside and rustproofing, this is an example that has benefited from a comprehensive programme of improvement.

A landmark Porsche grand tourer with real character, it offers its next custodian the opportunity to enjoy an increasingly sought-after early 928, complete with the desirable five-speed manual gearbox and the benefit of substantial recent investment.