Porsche 928 driven by Tom Cruise in Risky Business up for auction

Tom Cruise was most recently seen parachuting out of a plane carrying the Olympic flag. However, this Porsche 928 played an important part in his early career.

A leading role in Paul Brickman’s 1983 film Risky Business catapulted the American actor into the limelight, opening the door to roles in blockbuster movies such as Top Gun.

Sharing a central place in the movie’s plot, and even on the theatrical poster alongside Cruise, was a 1979 Porsche 928. 

Now, one of the four Porsches used in the filming of Risky Business is being auctioned by Bonhams as part of Monterey Car Week in California.

A major on-screen icon

Originally intended to replace the Porsche 911, the 928 was launched in 1977, initially powered by a 4.5-litre V8 engine.

It remained in production until 1995. And even though the 928 did not replace the Porsche 911 as planned, it cemented itself as one of the marque’s most familiar sports cars.

According to director John Brickman, the Porsche 928 was chosen for Risky Business due to it being a GT car that a successful Chicagoan might drive every day. 

Controversially, Brickman also described the Porsche 911 as being “too mundane”.

‘Porsche: there is no substitute’

Of the four Porsche 928s used in filming, this example was one of two used in the dramatic chase scene. This sees Cruise’s character pursued through downtown Highland Park, Illinois. 

Fortunately, this 928 is not the car that was unceremoniously dumped into Lake Michigan. 

Rented from a movie car company, the 1979 Porsche 928 was originally painted in white. However, a respray in Platinum Metallic (not available until 1981) gave the 928 a more contemporary look.

Following the 928’s time on screen, it returned to California and was painted in white again. It passed through the hands of several collectors, before receiving a mechanical and cosmetic overhaul.

Going for gold

Now back in Platinum Metallic, the 928 comes with a tan leather interior. The sun visors feature the signatures of Joe Pantoliano and Bronson Pinchot, who both starred in Risky Business alongside Cruise.

This Porsche 928 is undoubtedly a piece of 1980s movie history, and closely linked to a true Hollywood superstar. It’s also said to be the car in which Tom Cruise learned how to drive using a manual gearbox.

Given the significance of this Porsche, Bonhams has provided a pre-auction estimate of $1.4million to $1.8million (£1.1million to £1.41million).

We shall discover on Friday 16 August, when the 928 crosses the block as part of the prestigious The Quail auction in California, if it achieves the considerable guide price.