BEFORE THE PORSCHE 911 SAFARI THERE WAS THE 928 SURFARI - AND IT'S PUMPING!
The Porsche 928, introduced in 1978, marked a bold departure from the company's tradition of rear-engine sports cars. Conceived as a luxury grand tourer, the 928 was designed to blend the performance of a sports car with the comfort of a luxury sedan, targeting a broader market. Porsche initially envisioned the 928 to potentially replace the iconic 911, aiming to offer a more refined and powerful driving experience. The car featured a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, with a water-cooled V8 engine, a first for Porsche, which initially produced 179 kW. The 928's design was revolutionary, with a sleek, aerodynamic body and integrated bumpers, a long hood, and a distinctive rounded rear end with a large hatchback. It incorporated advanced technology for its time, including a Weissach axle, which improved handling, and a leather interior with some comprehensive instrumentation. Over its production run from 1978 to 1995, the 928 underwent several updates and enhancements. The 928 S, introduced in 1980, increased engine displacement and power, and the 928 S4 in 1987 featured a more refined 5.0-litre engine producing 236 kW, along with significant aerodynamic improvements and upgraded brakes. The pinnacle of the series, the 928 GTS, launched in 1992, came with a 5.4-litre V8 engine delivering 257 kW and included larger brakes and wider rear wheels, making it the most powerful and refined version of the 928. The 928 still struggled to gain the same legendary status as the 911, partly due to its high cost and the reluctance of traditional Porsche enthusiasts to embrace a front-engine model. The 928 also achieved recognition in pop culture thanks to starring in the 1983 film "Risky Business" with Tom Cruise.
The Porsche 928 Surfari is the epitome of how the Porsche brand perfectly meshes with the surfing lifestyle. This special edition Porsche 928, a project born from the passionate Polish surfing community, showcases the unique synergy between high-performance cars and the call of the ocean. The story of the 928 Surfari traces back years to a father-son bond centred around their love for Porsche. Tadeusz Elwart, the manager of the Chałupy 6 campsite and the visionary behind the Hel Riders festival, grew up enveloped in Porsche culture. Nestled on Poland’s Baltic coast, their campsite fostered a thriving watersports community. This blend of coastal living and automotive passion naturally led to the creation of the 928 Surfari. Inspired by his upbringing and his surroundings, Tadeusz dreamed of a Porsche that could conquer off-road terrain while being the ultimate beach companion. Thus, the 928 Surfari project was born during the growth of the Hel Riders festival. Turning this dream into reality was no small feat. The goal was to transform a Porsche 928 into a vehicle capable of navigating rough off-road terrain while doubling as a surf taxi, ready to hit the beach at the sight of big waves. The classic Porsche V8 engine provided a solid foundation, known for its distinctive roar and power. However, the challenge lay in modifying the gearbox, differential, and suspension to suit beach buggy requirements. Enter Tomasz Staniszewski, a talented engineer and rally driver who had recently completed the Classic Dakar Rally in his custom-built Porsche 924. Staniszewski embraced the challenge, devising innovative solutions to instil a surfing spirit into the 928. The Surfari’s unique design is a testament to local craftsmanship. The styling, handled by the Lange brothers, long-time contributors to the Chałupy 6 scene, gives the car its distinctive look. After debuting at the Hel Riders festival, the 928 Surfari embarked on a road trip to Sylt, Germany, for the Petro-Surf air-cooled Porsche festival, and then to the island of Rømø in Denmark. These destinations allowed the Surfari to connect with its natural environment, showcasing its capabilities on the beach to the delight of the Hel Riders team.
Take a look at the YouTube video from our mates at Double Apex that shows off a little more of the 928 Surfari - well it shows the same stuff but in moving pictures, which is what YouTube is all about: Porsche 928 Surfari | Double Apex
Be sure to check out our YouTube channel here for more exciting and exclusive SXdrv content! And don't forget to smash that subscribe button!