Porsche has never had a problem with creating cars that perform as they should, with even the much-maligned 924 being one of the premium handlers in its class, but the Stuttgart firm is sometimes accused of being less successful at capturing soul.
That, if anything, is the negative that could be aimed at its ultimate GT – the 928.
But with age comes a character that was perhaps less obvious when the car was new and current prices have left the C&SC office genuinely shocked.
Launched in 1977 – controversially Car of The Year, too – the big coupé was fitted with a 4474cc SOHC-per-bank, fuel-injected V8 that produced 240bhp and drove the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transaxle, while a three-speed auto was a (commonly specified) extra-cost option.
Despite its weight (2867lb), the Porsche could move with surprising vigour, dispatching the 0-60mph dash in 7.2 secs and topping out at more than 140mph. The ‘S’ variant, which was introduced in ’79, could knock a second off that time on its way to 152mph.
Even more power – 310bhp – came with the Series 2 of 1984, plus a standard four-speed automatic ’box, the manual being a no-cost option.