1991 PORSCHE 928 S4 GT ex Johnny Hallyday

Purchased new by Johnny Hallyday
Regularly maintained
Sound and performance of the V8

Chassis number: WPOZZZ92ZMS801079
French registration papers
V8 engine - 4957cc - 330bhp

The 928 grew out of the desire of Porsche's directors at the time, and in particular that of Ernst Fuhrmann, who had developed the twin-cam flat-four engine in the Porsche 550 and 718, to put an end to their reliance solely on the 911, believing that its design with the engine mounted behind the rear axle had no future. The company therefore opted for the concept of a GT with a water-cooled front engine and started the project in 1971.
As soon as it was launched in the autumn of 1977, the 928, the first Porsche to be powered by a V8 engine (to satisfy the American market), established itself as the new benchmark for GT cars, and even won the sought-after title of European Car of the Year in 1978. For all that, the 240bhp produced by the 4.5-litre V8 was hardly too much for this GT weighing 3480lb. Very quickly therefore the range gained extra power and equipment. The 928 GT joined the range from 1989 to 1991 as a sportier model, developing 330bhp at 6200rpm.
With new, lighter forged magnesium alloy wheels, Bilstein Sport B6 shock absorbers and a new electronically controlled limitedslip differential, this was the version of choice for owners who liked a sporty drive.
The model which we are offering for sale is special in that it belonged to one of France's most popular singers, who was a great fan of sports cars. The history with the car confirms that this Porsche 928 GT was delivered new by the Marceau Porsche dealership in Paris to Jean-Philippe Smet, better known as Johnny Hallyday. Looked after at first by Porsche Sonauto in Levallois, it was subsequently maintained by Porsche IMSA Rouen and the Porsche Centre in Marseille.
Its original service booklet, which is completely up-to-date, as well as the numerous invoices on file, confirm that it has been regularly maintained. More recently, its owner has had several parts subject to wear replaced through Rose Passion, a supplier specialising in the make. As well as changing several gaskets, the complete timing kit, radiator and all the filters and fluids were replaced in June 2017, when the odometer was showing 119,643km (74,342 miles). In addition, its body was recently resprayed in its metallic grey finish, its leather interior is perfectly patinated and it is fitted with a sunroof, a rare option at the time. Now showing 122,125km (75,885 miles), this reliable car performs very well and was indeed driven up from Toulouse by its owner. Clearly, its sporting pedigree, excellent overall condition and the name of its first owner make this Porsche 928 S4 GT an especially attractive example.
In the words of one of Johnny's songs, light the fire!