What price for a 1988 S4SE in November 2020?
The answer was a record price and probably a world record for a RHD car! Before I reveal the princely sum achieved by Silverstone Auctions on Friday 13 November (lucky for some), a group of us discussed what we thought the price might rise to for such a 10,325 mile car - a two-owner car since new, in black, and, judging by the online pictures, in ‘as new condition’. From the inside of this exclusive group of 42 manual gearbox cars we thought perhaps a £70,000 limit, although £90,000 came into it briefly. Such a price was thought unlikely because the buyer has to pay 12.5% commission and 20% Vat on the commission, which together makes for a serious extra premium. The final hammer price was £115,000 plus the above, so according to our calculations, that is £132,250 - although the auction site says £129,375 without the Vat. If you own an SE you should be very happy, but then how many 928’s in the UK have that few miles? I think we know the answer. As a matter of interest The 928 Register was contacted by the auction house, to help them verify that the car was definitely an SE and not just an S4 with a copy sticker on the rear end. We were delighted to give them the final pieces in the jigsaw of this car’s history. In return they have provided the attached images.
November Zoom meeting
The meeting attracted 22 members, when we hosted a technical session for owners, over almost 2 hours of friendly chat, presented by your Register Secretary and backed up as usual by Adrian Clark, our ever-helpful Technical Expert. What Adrian does not know about the 928 would only fill the back of a postage stamp. The format was based on questions received prior to the meeting, but there was time for one or two extras. Duncan Fuller wanted advice on the frequency of cam belt changes. Adrian made the point that when the cars were new the target of changing the belts at say 40/50,000 miles was based on wear and tear, in a relatively short period of time. Today our cars are much older and almost nobody does high mileage, quite the opposite in fact. This scenario means the belts are in better condition, so it’s reasonable to change them at greater intervals. One rider to add though - it means that during this extended timetable the water pump is likely to leak and require replacement. To get at the water pump you have to take the belts off, so when fitting a new pump it’s cheaper to replace the belts at the same time!
The Mass Air Flow meter question was next by Mike Gibbons. Should it be re-calibrated from time to time? Generally no, unless the car is not running smoothly. There was a view that said leave it alone until there was an obvious fault to cure. I am paraphrasing here to save space, but you get the gist of it.
We will be happy to hold another Zoom meeting, if there is the demand, in the early part of 2021.
Quick Tip from Chris Clark
Are you missing your luggage net from the rear boot floor? Well Chris has noticed that the Porsche Classical Parts Catalogue is now listing it as available with Part No 928.555.63103 at £63.00 plus Vat.
Goodbye 2020, welcome 2021
It only remains for me to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The virus has brought total upheaval to everybody worldwide, let’s be optimistic for 2021. Special thanks to Adrian Clark and Andrew Brierley in particular, and the regular support from Chris Clark and Mike Gibbons. The Register would not be the same without their help.