1979 Porsche 930 3.3 Turbo Coupe

3,299cc SOHC Turbocharged 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection - Twin-plug Ignition
Est. 285bhp at 5,750rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*One of the last 50 examples of the classic 930 Turbo produced for the US market
*Delivered new with Paint to Sample exterior paint
*Fitted with twin exhaust and twin-plug ignition
*Matching-numbers example with Porsche Certificate of Authenticity


THE PORSCHE 930

"It offers the finest blend of ultimate performance and refinement I have ever come across." – Paul Frère on the Porsche 911 Turbo.

Much of the Porsche 911's development had resulted from the factory's racing program. It was the then FIA Group 4 homologation rules which required 400 road cars to be built and spurred the development of "Project 930": the legendary 911/930 Turbo. In production from April 1975, the Turbo married a KKK turbocharger to the 3.0-liter Carrera RSR engine, in road trim a combination that delivered 260bhp for a top speed of 155mph. But the Turbo wasn't just about top speed, it was also the best-equipped 911 and amazingly flexible (hence only four speeds in the gearbox), capable of racing from a standstill to 100mph in 14 seconds.

What set the 930 Turbo apart from its peers was the relaxed way this stupefying performance was delivered. Comparing the Turbo to similarly quick "he-man" cars (e.g. the Holman & Moody-tuned Cobra 427 and the Ford GT40), Motor's Roger Bell reckoned what made the Porsche so different was that:

[It]hurls you forward with similar velocity but in an uncannily quiet and effortless way. To be shoved so hard in the back that you need high-back seats to keep your head on, yet neither to feel nor hear anything more than a muffled hum, is a very odd sensation indeed in a car.

Although the Turbo's characteristic flared wheel arches and "tea tray" rear spoiler had already been seen on the Carrera model, the interior was the most luxurious yet seen in a 911, featuring leather upholstery, air conditioning, and electric windows. In 1978, the Turbo's engine was enlarged to 3.3-liters, gaining an intercooler in the process. Furthermore, power increased to 300bhp and the top speed of what was then the fastest-accelerating road car of its day went up to 160mph. Due to strong emission regulation in the US, the Turbo was not imported to the U.S. market between 1979 and 1984, but returned in 1985 when equipped with upgraded Motronic engine management systems. Targa and Cabriolet versions were also introduced. More refined than hitherto, yet retaining its high-performance edge, the Porsche 930 Turbo sold in the thousands, arguably becoming one of the definitive sports cars of its age.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This phenomenal 1979 Porsche 930 Turbo Coupe is one of the last 50 examples produced for the North American market, and benefits from the continuous improvements made through the initial 911 Turbo production run, a factory paint-to-sample exterior color, and twin-plug ignition upgrade. According to a copy of the Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity on file, 930 Turbo chassis no. 9309801161 was completed at the Zuffenhausen-based Porsche works during November of 1979, was painted in Metallic Paint to Sample code 99, and trimmed in Cork-colored leather. A US market example, the potent Porsche was equipped and destined for California, fitted with limited slip differential, electric side mirror on the right side, Sport Seats, electric sunroof and Pirelli tires. While in the consigner's hands - a prominent Reno-based collector of exceptional classic sports cars - the 930 Turbo Coupe has been treated to a repaint and professional re-trim in Cork-colored leather interior, with matching luxury wool carpets and dark brown upper dash contrast.

Twin exhaust and twin-plug cylinder heads are fitted, while the engine case is still the original matching numbers unit according to the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. Just 47,889 miles are recorded on the odometer at the time of cataloging, and a tool kit, tire inflator and a space saver spare tire is situated in the luggage compartment. A period Blaupunkt radio in fitted, and outside the classic wide Fuchs alloy wheels with black centers gives the Porsche Turbo its iconic look. A plaque is located on the dash, dated December 1979, stating that 930 Turbo chassis number 9309801161 is one of the last 50 examples produced for the US market. The Metallic Copper-like Paint to Sample paint is an extraordinarily complex color that really pops in the sunlight. The sale of this Porsche icon presents an amazing opportunity for a collector to acquire one of the very last examples of the original 930 Turbo.