1985 | Porsche 928 S

Rare class – the 1985 Porsche 928 S Cabrio by Jurinek

When Porsche unveils the 928 at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show, the trade press are thrilled. This large Gran Turismo offers space, deluxe features and a V8 engine mounted behind the front axle. The gearbox is also located on the rear axle for improved weight distribution. The engine on the S version, on sale from 1980 onwards, delivers 300 hp. Despite all its advantages, however, it never quite manages to replace the 911 cult classic.

The 1980s see an array of convertible 928s come to market, produced by various conversion companies. One of these is engineered by Herbert Jurinek in Alling near Munich. The vehicles brought to Jurinek by their owners face major reconstructive surgery, including the removal of the whole interior, not to mention the doors, front wings and rear side panels. Jurinek's surgical team's main interest, after all, is to expose the voids in the 928 body so they can weld-in a frame made of edged steel profiles as a supporting corset. The 928 emerges from this major conversion operation a fully fledged four-seater, all thanks to a special soft top that pulls downs and stores neatly between the seats and the boot.

There is a ten-week waiting list for a 928 soft-top, with a cost price of around 78,660 Deutschmarks in the 1980s. The magazine auto, motor und sport is impressed by the conversion, as it writes in 1986: "Even at the motorway speeds we always expect of a Porsche 928, you hardly hear a flutter from the fabric trim."

Our auction vehicle was first registered in the canton of Ticino in 1985. The first owner signed a convertible conversion contract with Herbert Jurinek in 1986 to the tune of DM 74,000. It comes with all the required EU papers including a FIVA card, and its Veteran status was certified on 26th August 2015. The vehicle was latterly sold to Germany and registered there. The current owner bought the vehicle in 2004 and relocated it back to Switzerland. The interior has been completely restored, and the car is in excellent condition overall. It is not known how many Jurinek 928S Cabrios are still registered today, but this vehicle, No. 3 of 16, is a rare find.