1979 Porsche 911 (930) Turbo 3.3-Litre

One of the fastest production cars available at the time, the Porsche 930 Turbo was revered for its performance and reliability during the 1970s, and by the 1980s it became one of the defining cars of the decade. It was first seen at the 1973 Paris Auto Show and full production commenced two years later. The basic engine underpinnings came from the Carrera 2.7RS which was increased to 3-litres and, of course, turbocharged with technology gained from Porsche's 917/30 Can-Am program.

The bodywork received special treatment resulting in one of the most aggressive looking Porsches ever made, with its wide arches and impressive rear whale-tail and the brakes came directly from the Porsche 917 race car. Porsche made its first and most significant changes to the 930 for the 1978 model year, enlarging the engine bore by 2mm to a total displacement of 3,299cc (3.3-litre), and adding an air-to-air intercooler. The rear 'whale tail' spoiler was re-profiled and raised slightly to make room for the intercooler, providing the iconic side profile so redolent of its era.

The accompanying Porsche Certificate of Authenticity states that this methodically restored 3.3-litre Turbo’s production was completed on 16th May 1979 and supplied by Porsche Cars Great Britain prior to first registration on 12th March 1980. Specified in a colour scheme that was to define the 930 Turbo to so many, this car was ahead of its time, finished as it was in Gloss Black whilst the interior went through Porsche’s Special Wish Department with matching leather, carpets, and a roof lining with black trim instead of chrome. A limited-slip differential, passenger side mirror, climate control and sunroof were also specified.

Well-travelled and diligently maintained over the proceeding decades, the car was subject to an extensive programme of mechanical works in 2017, the invoices and photographs on file testify to the quality of this rebirth, securing the car for future generations. In 2022, a bare metal, glass-out repaint in original factory Gloss Black is documented whilst the interior pleasingly retains originality, showing gentle patina to the famously high-quality fixtures. At this time the engine was removed for its rebuild as was the gearbox whilst the braking system and auxiliaries were attended to.

By August this year, the engine had been run in after some 1,200 miles and returned to marque specialists, Elite Motor Tune of Northampton, for a mechanical review and servicing whilst the brakes were checked over, with invoices on file amounting to £1,917.00. Whilst retaining the original, our vendor commissioned a new system from the market leader, TT Exhausts of Redditch, that today provides a fabulous soundtrack on the open road.

Presented to auction with a detailed history file that includes the aforementioned certificate, original service book, historic MOTs, the most recent of which is valid until July 2024, extensive invoices, photographic record of restoration and current V5C. Presenting beautifully and fastidiously overhauled, the current odometer reading of 89,997 miles, at the time of cataloguing, could easily be doubled over the next couple of decades.