The legendary 1979 Porsche 928 Coupe, famously featured in the 1983 film “Risky Business,” is now available for auction. This car, with chassis no. 9289201213, is not just any vehicle; it is one of the three used during the film’s production and is reported to be the one in which Tom Cruise learned to drive a manual transmission.
Equipped with a 4,474cc SOHC V8 engine, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, and a 5-speed manual transaxle, the 928 delivers 230bhp at 5,250rpm. Its performance is complemented by four-wheel independent suspension and disc brakes, making it a true embodiment of Porsche’s engineering prowess.
The Porsche 928, known for its distinctive design and advanced technology, was developed to compete with luxury touring cars of the era. With a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout and a transaxle design, it achieved near-perfect weight distribution, offering a blend of sports coupe performance and luxury sedan comfort. The V8 engine and the sleek design, including pop-up headlamps and flared wheel arches, made it an icon among enthusiasts and influential figures, including those in Hollywood.
This particular 928, originally finished in white, was repainted Platinum Metallic for the film. It played a significant role in the movie, especially in the thrilling chase scenes filmed in Highland Park, Illinois. It was the car Tom Cruise’s character drove to outmaneuver a Cadillac Coupe Deville, culminating in the famous line, “Porsche, there is no substitute.”
After its cinematic career, the car returned to California and changed hands several times, eventually being rediscovered by documentarian Lewis Johnsen. Johnsen’s passion for the vehicle led him to track down its history and previous owners, culminating in the documentary “The Quest for the RB928.”
The 928 has since undergone substantial cosmetic and mechanical refurbishments and has been meticulously maintained. It comes with extensive documentation, including production records and interviews with the film’s producers. Now housed in a climate-controlled garage, it awaits a new owner who appreciates both its cinematic and automotive significance.
Elizabeth Puckett