Porsche 942

On the 19th of September, 1984, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche celebrated his 75th birthday, and was presented with a very special present - the Porsche 942.

The Prototype Department at Weissach had been working flat-out for nine months to turn a Porsche 928 into something completely different for Dr. Porsche. The bodyshell of the 928 had been extended by 250 mm, and the B-pillar had been reshaped to be more upright, which eased access to the rear seats, which were provided with more leg room. The back-seat passengers were also treated to head-room, due to a flat roof extending as far back as possible, which gave the 942 an almost hatchback-esque look. The front wings were raised and became more pronounced, which helped to aid parking. The bodywork was painted a deep green metallic, a hue which survives today as 'Olive Green', and complimented by smoothed-off bumpers, which became standard fare on the 928 when the S4 generation arrived in 1987.

Technology-wise, the 942 was exceedingly advanced - the front headlights were projection examples, which are standard on most top-line cars today, but were mould-breaking back in 1984. Interior specification featured computer-programmable front seats, a telephone, a powerful Blaupunkt stereo system, radar-controlled cruise control, an alarm system and climate control.

Mechanically, the 942 was very similar to the 928. The 5-litre V8 was retained, in Federal specification, developing 310bhp, and was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, courtesy of Daimler. The chassis remained identical, apart form harder suspension at the rear.