1978 Porsche 930 3.4 Turbo Coupe 'RUF BTR'

3,367cc SOHC Turbocharged 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
374bhp at 6,000rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Beautifully kept example, California car from new
*Rare RUF BTR conversion with 374 horsepower and 5-speed gearbox
*Special order example with Paint to Sample in Red Metallic
*One of the most raw and exciting production cars ever built

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.

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 Turbo was completed at the Zuffenhausen based Porsche plant in December of 1977, the first production year for the 3.3-Liter 930. According to the Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity, this Turbo was finished much as it appears today, built to California state specifications and equipped with an electric sunroof, two electric side mirrors and both driver and passenger sport seats. The exterior color was specially ordered Paint to Sample Red Metallic (which remains on the car today), and the interior was completed in black leather.

During one point of its life, this Porsche received a very useful upgrade in the form of a RUF BTR package. BTR standing for 'Gruppe B Turbo RUF' was an upgrade not only designed to increase the horsepower and performance of the car, but to also create a better driving experience than that of a standard 930 Turbo. The engine displacement is increased from 3.3 to 3.4 which created less turbo lag when combined with the larger upgraded KKK turbocharger. Engine internals normally consisted of more robust pistons, race camshafts, a larger turbocharger as well as a more efficient intercooler thus increasing total power potential to 374 horsepower. On top of the engine upgrades, the transmission was changed to a more useable 5-speed G50 gearbox which usually contained special RUF tweaks on its own, creating a higher top speed. Not only did the 5-speed help create a more engaged driving experience, it also helped keep the turbocharger in its sweet spot, giving it much easier spooling thus making a more exhilarating drive. Additionally, with the cockpit mounted turbo boost control knob, the horsepower level of this 930 can be increased as high as 405 horsepower in the maximum setting.

According to the car's original maintenance book, the Porsche was delivered new through Westwood Porsche/Audi of West Los Angeles, California on February 17, 1978 to a resident of Southern California. Always kept in the Southern California area, receipts present in the car's history file indicate that engine and maintenance work were performed in the early life of the vehicle by some prominent dealers and shops including Westwood Porsche/Audi, Andial, Westlake Porsche Audi as well as Bretz Porsche Audi; all reputable southern California Porsche dealers and tuners.This 930 has lived in California since new and has been serviced by authorized dealers for much of its lifespan.

The interior shows much originality and is quite tidy for the age of the vehicle. The carpet is in terrific condition for being the original set delivered with the vehicle. The odometer, which reads 47,340 miles at the time of cataloging, is indeed believed to be the car's original mileage. The 930 is complete with the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, the owner's and maintenance manuals in the original pouch, original key cars, as well as receipts from prior ownership. Such a wonderful opportunity to obtain a well preserved, paint to sample Porsche from California, with such a well needed upgrade from one of the most well respected tuners from Germany.