Value of the 78s

[Flynt]

Hello, all.

I'm new to the 928 world. I impulse-bought a '78 928 recently. VIN #0675. It's oak green metallic on cork interior (pinstripe velour inserts), manual transmission, non-sunroof. 156k miles with a stack of records going back to '94. It's not pristine or original, but nice. Runs and drives well, no major flaws.

I haven't advertised the car for sale, but I have offered it to somebody who was looking and I want to make sure I'm about right with my price. I can't find any comps and I'm hoping you all can help. Normally I'd post this in the marketplace forum but I think I'll get more valid input here.

I know this is a special car, and one of what, 1126 built for '78? I'm not itching to sell, and if this guy doesn't want it I'll likely be doing a restoration on it late next year.

Thanks for any help!

[JK McDonald]

Hey Flynt - The market value of any 928 can be all over the map. If you'll post some photos I'm sure some of the more experienced owners will chime in. Personally - I've seen the 78 - 79 5 speed model similarly equipped as yours sell for less than $1k (just barely stumbling and running) to a high mileage 1978 pristine documented original condition California 928 priced at $7k.

A buddy bought a 89K mile (dead odometer) very nice 85 auto for $3k. It came back to life after a gas tank flush, new fuel pump/fuel lines, new fluids throughout and a set of tires. He just stumbled on it while driving through an Arlington neighborhood.

Good Luck, Michael

[Flynt]

Thanks Michael. The pristine white 78 for 7K sounds like a crazy deal. I think the value rise of the 78s is going to make some heads spin real soon.

Here are 2 terrible photos I took just to document the condition of the car before I started digging into it:

[JK McDonald]

Hey Flynt - You obviously have found a very nice car. The more desirable 928 options that many owners look for are the "Rub Bar Delete", Non-Sun Roof and the 5-speed transmission. You also have an added "Front Chin Air Dam" that adds to the appeal plus the paint and interior are in very good condition. The only potential issue that some of the early manual transmissions had was that the Porsche synchro design sometimes allowed a slight clash while shifting up/down between the lower gears. If you do notice the problem, a simple double clutch action between the affected gears will extend the transmission/sunchro life considerably. Some inexperienced owners will unnecessarily beat the pudden out of their transmission rather than take a little precautionary care of it.

By the way - the manual transmission 928's were designed to start off in second gear under normal conditions. I've heard that the 1st gear was for trudging through deep snow on the back roads of Germany or for pulling the occasional tree stump .

Good Luck, Michael

[Flynt]

Thanks again! I'll keep that in mind with the transmission.
Yes, I lucked out with the spec on this car.

[Danglerb]

78 and 79 have been the cheapest model on the used market since about 1980 when the more powerful Ljet model came out. 35 years of being the cheapest model has led to a hard life for most of them, so the nice condition vs average condition bump in price is a little larger, but in same condition the 78/79 is still the cheapest. 5 spds and non sunroof did not become rare until 1983 models, then very rare after that.

The 4 spd autos start in 2nd gear, not any of the 5 spds which have a normal first gear ratio meant to be used.

Nice looking car and desirable color, but its still not an investment waiting to jump in price. Its like coins, bags of average and sealed mint state coins trade very differently.

[Flynt]

Thanks for the input!
This one has fared better than most of the early cars I've seen.
I see these in a similar light as the '76-'77 930s - They feature a bunch of odd stuff that Porsche "corrected" in later ones, first of the model, stripped down and cool.

Showing the car tomorrow. If this gentleman passes, I'm looking forward to doing a light restoration and enjoying it! I like that about a higher-mileage car - it's a driver!

[riber.bentsen]

The early cars a right at the edge of becoming valuable collectibles - Magnus Walker called out on his facebook recently saying he's looking for one (78-79 5spd no sunroof pasha) then you know it's about to go down!

Already has happened in Europe I can tell you that much. You used to see the early cars for sale all over, now theres three for sale in Germany in total - none of them any good, much tattyer than yours. And for $10-15.000 advertized.

I bought mine a year ago for $7k, and when all the good ones suddenly disappear from the market, I smell a rise in the near future.

[Flynt]

Originally Posted by riber.bentsen

Already has happened in Europe I can tell you that much. You used to see the early cars for sale all over, now theres three for sale in Germany in total - none of them any good, much tattyer than yours. And for $10-15.000 advertized.

Shoot, if he doesn't buy it maybe I should market the car overseas! I already have a connection for shipping.
I know where there's a rough, but low mileage 5 speed 79 for sale, too.. originally Light Blue Metallic. Maybe fill a container!

[Danglerb]

Half a dozen of the nicest cars have gone back home for serious money.

[riber.bentsen]

Well, it's only natural. With the insane prices that air-cooled 911s are fetching now, people are looking elsewhere for their classic 70's Porsche-kick - and then they remember the movies like Scarface, WS and Risky Business and that cool 928.

[Arizona_928]

I had a light blue metallic 944. Love the color.
I like the green on yours. It's different. The 70's was a good years for porsche, or germany in general. Wirtschaftswunder really brought germany into the global market.

[Flynt]

The guy bought the car.
Thanks again Magnus!

[riber.bentsen]

Magnus Walker bought your car? Wow, that is awesome!

I'm sure he will do something cool with it