1978 Porsche 930 3.3 Turbo Coupe

3,299cc SOHC Turbocharged 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
265bhp at 5,550rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Beautifully kept example of the legendary 930
*Delivered new through George Follmer's Porsche+Audi, and retained in the Golden State for decades
*Matching numbers example fitted with factory sunroof
*Offered with original owners manuals and tools


THE PORSCHE 930 TURBO

Much of the Porsche 911's development had resulted from the factory's racing program. It was the period Group 4 homologation rules, which required 400 road cars to be built, that spurred the development of 'Project 930': the legendary 911 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 - only four speeds in the gearbox. It was capable of racing from a standstill to 100mph in 14 seconds.

What set the 911 Turbo apart from its peers was the relaxed way this astounding performance was delivered. Comparing the Turbo to similarly quick 'he-man' cars such as 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 car's interior was the most luxurious yet seen in a 911, featuring leather upholstery, air conditioning and electric windows. For 1978 the Turbo's engine was enlarged to 3.3 liters, gaining an inter-cooler in the process. Power increased to 300bhp and the top speed of what was the fastest-accelerating road car of its day went up to 160mph. Sadly, US Porsche customers were only able to enjoy the newly enlarged Turbo for a couple of years before increasingly tough emissions legislation forced its withdrawal from the North American market. More refined than hitherto yet retaining its high performance edge, the Porsche 911 Turbo sold in the thousands, becoming the definitive sports car of its age.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

As one of the most raw and unbridled cars available on the market in its day, the 930 Turbo has rightfully earned its place as a legend. It is quite rare to find an example as unfettered as the one offered here. This fine 930 Turbo Coupe was completed at the Zuffenhausen based Porsche plant during May of 1978, the first production year for the 3.3-Liter 930. It was one of just 461 examples made for the US market that year, and the 407th produced in the sequence.

According to the original owner's manual on file, this Porsche Turbo was finished much as it appears today, built to California state specifications, equipped with an electric sunroof and finished in Grand Prix White. The new Porsche was delivered through the Porsche and Audi dealership owned by legendary racing driver George Follmer, located in Los Angeles, California. The first owner was a S. Sigoloff of Los Angeles, and delivery of the potent new Porsche took place on October 1, 1978.
The second owner is recorded as a Randy Michel, also a Los Angeles resident, who is recorded as having bought the Porsche in 1987, with a mileage recorded of just 3,500 miles at the time. By the 2000s the 930 was located in Oak View, California, and it is believed that the car remained in the mild California climate until purchased by consignor a few years ago, a Reno, Nevada-based collector. Today the 930 appears in very well-kept condition inside and out. Grand Prix White paint per the paint identification plate in door jamb still graces the exterior, part of which is possibly the factory original applied paint. Panel fit is very good, and compartments and factory decals and ID tags remain in original preserved condition. A chocolate brown interior with matching carpets graces the interior, and 100,256 miles are recorded on the odometer at time of cataloging, surely the actual distance the Porsche 930 has travelled since new.

The 930 is complete with the original owner's and maintenance manuals in the original pouch, space-saver spare tire with compressor and tool kit. Retaining its matching numbers engine and factory sunroof, this is a well-kept example of the extremely powerful and equally iconic original Porsche Turbo.