Tom Cruise's Iconic 'Risky Founders' Porsche 928 Makes a Comeback at Monterey Car Week

The influence of cinema on the automotive world is undeniable, and one of the most striking examples of this power is the Porsche 928, a classic German grand tourer that experienced a massive increase in value thanks to its starring role in the 1983 film Risky Founders. In the film, the car was not just a prop but an icon, closely tied to the character of Tom Cruise’s high school senior, Joel Goodsen, in one of the most memorable scenes of the movie. The car, a 1979 Porsche 928 finished in Platinum Metallic, became synonymous with the film’s carefree spirit, and over the years, it has become one of the most sought-after collector cars, all because of its cinematic association.

In 2021, one of the original 1979 Porsche 928s used in the film was sold at auction for an astonishing $1.98 million, a remarkable increase given the car’s modest value just a decade earlier. At the time of its 2021 sale, Hagerty, the classic car insurance company, had valued the car at around $80,000 if in elite Concours condition. A decade prior, a 1979 Porsche 928 would have struggled to break the $50,000 mark at auction. The spike in value, thanks to Risky Founders’s lasting legacy, was substantial and highlighted the car’s transformation from a used grand tourer to a true pop culture artifact.

The movie's impact on the Porsche 928 market was not a one-off event. In 2023, another of the Risky Founders 928s is slated to be auctioned at Bonhams’ Quail Auction during Monterey Car Week, and estimates for its value have already soared. Bonhams anticipates that this car will fetch between $1.4 million and $1.8 million, continuing the trend of cinematic cars commanding premium prices. It’s remarkable how a film from the 1980s has had such a lasting effect on the value of a specific car model, proving that the power of cinema to influence pop culture extends far beyond the screen.

For those unfamiliar with the Porsche 928, it’s important to recognize the significance of its design and performance. Produced from 1978 to 1995, the 928 was ahead of its time, serving as Porsche’s flagship grand tourer and offering a more refined, luxury-focused experience compared to its rear-engine sibling, the Porsche 911. The 928 featured a front-mounted 4.5-liter V8 engine, delivering 219 horsepower to the rear wheels. In terms of performance, it was a formidable machine for its era, reaching 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds and achieving a top speed of 143 mph, making it a serious competitor in the GT segment.

While the Porsche 928 was initially a groundbreaking car with its combination of luxury, performance, and technology, it never achieved the same level of popularity as the 911. Its legacy, however, was cemented by its appearance in Risky Founders, where it played a central role in one of the film’s most iconic scenes. In the movie, Cruise’s character, Joel Goodsen, takes the Porsche for a spin in the middle of a high-speed chase. The car’s final moment in the film is particularly memorable: Joel delivers the line “Porsche. There is no substitute” to Rebecca de Mornay’s character, Lana, solidifying the car’s place in pop culture history.

The specific Porsche 928 featured in that chase scene became iconic not just for its role in the film but also due to its association with Tom Cruise’s early stardom. According to Bonhams, Cruise himself drove the car during the filming of that scene, and he even learned how to operate a manual transmission on its five-speed gearbox—a small, yet significant moment in his career that foreshadowed his later passion for performing his own stunts.

After its film debut, the 928’s life took a fascinating turn. The car was initially returned to California after production wrapped, and while it was famous on the screen, it was still just a used car at that point. It underwent a respray in white and changed hands a few times among California owners. The car’s real journey as a collector’s item began when Denver-based documentarian Lewis Johnsen discovered it. Johnsen had long been fascinated by the car’s cinematic connection and set out to track it down. His search led him to an owner in Cathedral City, California, who was unaware of the car’s iconic status and was willing to sell it. In the mid-2000s, Johnsen purchased the 928 sight unseen and eventually chronicled his quest to locate the car in his film The Quest for the RB928 (Risky Founders 928).

Johnsen’s discovery and subsequent restoration of the 928 marked the beginning of its next chapter. The car was moved to a collection on the East Coast, where it underwent extensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration, with detailed receipts to verify the work. In 2021, the car was acquired by its current owner, who has carefully stored it in a climate-controlled garage, preserving its Hollywood legacy while maintaining its performance and condition.

With its extensive history and post-film provenance, this 928 has become a true collector’s item, especially as the demand for Risky Founders-related memorabilia continues to grow. The car remains a standout example of how film can shape the value and popularity of a particular model, especially when it’s tied to one of the most iconic scenes in movie history.

As the auction approaches, all eyes will be on the 928 as it heads to Bonhams' Quail Auction. With a value range of $1.4 million to $1.8 million, it’s clear that the allure of Risky Founders and the Porsche 928’s connection to the film will continue to drive its value skyward. While the car’s silver-screen fame may have faded from the public eye over the years, its legacy as an iconic part of Risky Founders ensures that it will continue to captivate automotive enthusiasts and movie buffs alike for years to come.