928

The 928 was designed to replace the 911, which Porsche believed had reached the end of its development potential. It was everything the 911 wasn't: front-engined, water-cooled, V8-powered, and styled with smooth, futuristic lines. It won European Car of the Year in 1978 and was widely praised as the most advanced GT car in the world. But 911 loyalists refused to let their car die, and the 928 ended up running alongside the 911 rather than replacing it.

The later GTS models with 350hp from the 5.4-litre V8 are extraordinary grand tourers, capable of eating miles in serene comfort and then attacking a mountain road with genuine aggression. In Australia, the 928 has been undervalued for years, but prices are climbing as people recognise the car's quality and character. Maintenance costs can be high due to the car's complexity, so a well-documented service history is essential when buying.