1976 Porsche 911 (930) Turbo 3.0

The 911 Turbo, introduced in 1975 and remaining in production until 1989, was sufficiently different from previous versions to earn a new-930-model number. These were proper "Supercars", amongst the fastest production cars available at the time, and are now felt by many to be the cars that defined the early eighties.

Developed initially for homologation purposes, the turbocharged 911 was first seen at the 1973 Paris Auto Show as a pre-production prototype, essentially to gauge reaction, and went on sale a couple of years later as the 911(930) Turbo. The basic engine underpinnings came from the Carrera 2.7RS with the capacity increased to 3.0 litres and, of course, turbocharged using the vast amount of recent experience with forced air induction that Porsche had gained from their 917/30 Can-Am programme. Externally distinctive with its 'Whale Tail' rear spoiler, wide tyres, bulging wheel arches and macho stance, 930s were surprisingly civilised with air conditioning, electric windows, a leather interior, tinted glass, headlamp washers and Bilstein shock absorbers as standard. Turbo-lag was a bit of a problem with the early cars, and with 260 willing horses arriving, mostly at the same time, together with the 911's characteristic handling, a scenic drive could quickly turn into a drive through the scenery.

Ironically, however, the Turbo's reputation for a being a bit edgy on the limit was the very quality that endeared it to a particular type of customer. 'Bad boys', racing drivers, and cool dudes lined up to purchase the new Porsche but the Turbo's place on the list of all-time greats was secured when the undisputed “King of Cool"" Steve McQueen walked into the Porsche dealer in Beverley Hills and placed an order. His car was delivered in 1976 and our car offered here is just four chassis numbers after his and also resided in Beverley Hills purchased by a prominent doctor in early 1976 … Both cars may have passed on Mulholland Drive! This car is an early first-year US car and one of 526 US cars imported in 1976. Just 2,819 3-litre cars were built between '75-77, a fraction of the 18,770 3.3s that followed.

Chad McQueen wrote an amusing anecdote recalling his father"s Porsche Turbo. History records that no one has ever been able to take out their parents' prized car without being found out at some point in time, with varying consequences and the same was true for Chad McQueen. "My dad called me, to let me know he"d be away for two more days. So the next morning, same routine, I fire up the car and head out. As I"m accelerating down the two-lane beach road I see a yellow taxi-cab closing in from the opposite direction. Inside that cab, I see two of the biggest blue eyes in the world. My dad was on his way home. I didn"t know whether to go to Mexico or what. I also discovered what happens when you lift off in a corner with a Turbo; it was like, "Holy S$$t"."

Finished in Copper Brown Metallic with a light Cork interior this stunning early Porsche Turbo 3.0 has been restored to an exceptional level and can only be described as totally correct and sensational. The history file is complete and gives an exact timeline. The original doctor owner lived in Beverley Hills, his house belonged to the creator of the Richter Scale, and he kept the Porsche till 1999. The second owner, who lived in Oregon, kept it until 2012 and there are related invoices in the file whilst in his ownership. It was then sold to a German collector who added no mileage to the genuine 76,000 miles and subsequently it was purchased by our vendor who decided to return the car to its very best. He commissioned a full bare metal restoration by the respected Alsa Automotive of South Wales and the interior, which included a complete retrim in the correct Connolly hides and carpets including embossed rear seat backs, was entrusted to GB Trim of Nuneaton. Attention to detail, originality, and authenticity were the watchwords of this restoration and the results are simply spectacular.

The huge owner's file contains the original Bill of Sale, a period Sales Brochure, the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, the stamped service book, and a volume of invoices. Pleasingly, the original toolkit is also present. An MOT Certificate was granted last month and a recent leak test provided excellent results. With all consumables renewed, this Turbo is absolutely ready to drive away.

Early Porsche Turbos don"t come to the market with such provenance and in this condition...it"s the car that started the legend and is obviously highly collectable. Don"t let the car's investment potential detract from the thrill of driving the ultimate seventies poster car. If Mr. McQueen was around now I very much doubt that he would just leave it in the garage!