It’s 40 years since the Porsche 928 was launched – and Porsche GB is celebrating the anniversary at this year’s NEC Classic Motor Show by displaying a 1978 example driven by racing legend Richard Attwood.

The front-engined 928 was a V8-powered grand tourer originally intended as a replacement for the 911. Revolutionary for its time, its lightweight construction used aluminium body panels rather than traditional sheet steel.

The 928 on display at the NEC has been prepared for the 2017 HSCC 70s Road Sport Championship by Porsche’s four Classic Partner Centres: Hatfield, Swindon, Leeds and Glasgow. One of the earliest examples to reach the GB market in 1978, this 928 is powered by the earlier 4.5-litre V8 engine producing 240hp.

With assistance from Road and Race Restorations of Manchester, a Porsche Recommended Repairer, the car has been completely stripped, re-conditioned, re-sprayed and prepared for the race. The engine has also been overhauled, while respecting the rules for the racing championship.

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Attwood is currently leading his class in the competition, with just two more meetings left before the end of the season.

“For us, tradition and innovation are bound closely together,” said Porsche GB’s business development manager, James Toye. “More than 70 percent of all Porsche vehicles ever built are still on the road and therefore play a defining role in shaping the fascination of the brand.

“Porsche Classic is highly committed to prolonging the service life of every classic Porsche, offering experts who combine service and advice with the relevant expertise and enthusiasm. Each Classic Partner showroom has a Classic Corner, featuring vehicle and parts displays that tell you at first glance that you and your classic car are at the right address.”

The car is on display at the NEC Classic Motor Show, on from now until Sunday.

In pictures: Porsche 928 at the NEC Classic Motor Show

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