Chuck

Best of show win at Lowes Motor Speedway.

This amazing 1978 928 was originally purchase by Mr Stanley Allison of Bedford, NH on June15, 1978 from Cavanaugh Brothers Porsche in New Hampshire.  Mr Allison is/was a car collector who also had a Mercedes SL in the same condition and miles.  Mr. Allison bought the car and kept it stored in a heated and cooled garage and started it regularly and drove it occasionally.  He kept the car until 2001 when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  I was told Mr. Allison sold all his cars upon hearing the news.  He sold the 928 and an SL to Frank ? brokered by Jeff Riggs of Carroll Street Auto in Manchester, NH.  I was told Frank bought the cars as investments but sold them before they showed any actual gain. 

My wife and I bought the car in July of 2004 from Carroll Street Auto who had it on consignment by the second owner.  We were on our way home from the 2004 OCIC in Wichita, KS when my wife says, "wouldn't it be cool to have the 1st and last year 928s (we have a 95 GTS too)?"  I mentioned to her about seeing this car on eBay (see the auction info below) and that it was still for sale.  She said, "you should call them."  I'm sometimes hard of hearing but I heard these words loud and clear!  I called and two weeks later we had the car in our garage.

It was apparent when I got the 928 that it was not stored as it was when Mr. Allison owned the car.  There were rodents living in the intake tubes, on top of the air filter, under the console and under all the carpets.  It took me several weeks of taking things apart, cleaning, disinfecting and reassembly.  My biggest concern was for the wiring as I have heard horror stories about how rodents have destroyed wiring harnesses and creating all sorts of electrical issues.  I unbolted the fuse panel from the right side foot well and inspected each and every wire thoroughly.  Thankfully, in the 1978 models there are fewer wires up under the console and I could easily inspect wires in this area.  Believe it or not, I was unable to find any damage that appeared to be caused by chewing rodents.  On the other hand, I cleaned out several winters supply of nut shells from EVERYWHERE! 

After undertaking that cleaning and disinfecting process I began to clean the rest of the car.  With only 1400 miles you  have to ask, "what really needs cleaning"?  Good question.  I put the rear of the car on jack stands and removed the wheels.  Next I removed the small fender liners to remove the cosmoline applied at PDI.  Next, I did the same to the front.  While I had the wheels off, I cleaned them to remove 27 years of brake dust.  Do not ever let anyone tell you that leaving the brake dust on your wheels will not hurt them.  The wheels on this car will need to be refinished at some point.  Problem is, they still have the original tires on them and I'm afraid if I try to remove the tires to refinish the wheels I will destroy the tires. 

After this surface cleaning was done I put the car up on jack stands in my garage, removed the exhaust system, all the heat shields, dropped the brake lines, fuel lines and battery positive cable.  I did this to remove the undercoating that had been applied as well as the cosmoline.  Next I touched up and clearcoated the entire underside of the car including the wheel wells.  The underside of this car is as clean as the top side.  I am a very lucky man to be such a 928 nut and to have the opportunity to own such a magnificent 928.  In September, 2005 my wife and I took this and our other two 928 GTSs to the Auto Fair at Lowes Motor Speedway where it lost in overall peoples choice voting to a 1958 356 Speedster by one vote!  Quite an accomplishment for a very unique 928.

Update 07/22/2004:

 New Owners:  Chuck and Tina Z   This car is in absolutely AMAZING condition!  It was accurately described.  Spent its first 23 years with its original owner in Bedford, NH in a heated and cooled garage.  The second owner from the Manchester area bought it in 2000 and sold it to us in July of 2004.  I have spoken to the first owner who verified the condition and miles. 

Story and more pics to follow......

eBay Auction - Sellers Comments: 1978 Porsche 928 Coupe Asking Price: $28,900 Auto Type: Auto Transmission: Automatic Year: 1978 Engine: 4.5 ltr, V8 Make: Porsche Doors: 2 Model: 928 Mileage: 1247 Actual Vin Number: 9288200816 Exterior Color: Green Body Style: Coupe Interior Color: Black/White & Tan Comments: This 1978 Porsche 928 has only 1247 actual miles. This car was purchased new at Cavanaugh Brothers Porsche/Audi in Manchester, NH is 1978. Barely ever driven, the original owner kept it in a heated garage. Absolutely like brand new. Original tires and all original equipment under the hood. No paint work and no rust ever. No scratches, dents, or dings. Non-smoker and adult owned, unfortunately now deceased. Off the road since 1997. We are having a Porsche service garage go through the car to bring it up to snuff. Amazingly the car has no oil leaks and no dry rot. It's powered by 4.5 ltr, o.h.c. fuel injected V8 engine of light Alloy. 4 wheel vented power disc brakes. Power assist and rack & pinion steering. Transistorized brakerless ignition, 12 function on-board electrical warning system. Has power windows, power door locks, antenna, rear window wiper and defogger, air condition, am/fm stereo cassette radio, 4 speakers, aluminum front fenders, deck lid and doors, outside power mirror with defroster, luggage compartment cover, and windshield and headlight washers. Also, adjustable steering column, automatic speed control, tinted glass all around, light Alloy wheels, illuminated vanity mirror, and fog lights. Estimated fuel mileage, 11 miles in the city and 16 miles on the highway. This is an absolute true time capsule. Comes with original window sticker, a previous temporary registration, and an auxiliary price label. Oh yeah, the color is frost green metallic. We call it "The Kermit The Frog Green". The interior is black/white checkered, like a panther and brown leather inserts. Really exceptional and unique interior, it grows on you. Reminds you of the 60's. This was voted car of the year is still on the back window. This car will be leaving for the Manheim Auto Auction on April 6, 2004. If you have any interest, please call ASAP. Contact Carroll Street Automotive & Collectibles Phone: 603-627-5595 Address: 68 Carroll Street, Manchester, New Hampshire 03102 Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5 Saturday 9-4 Sunday - Closed