1989 Porsche 911 (930) Turbo LE

First launched at the 1973 Paris Auto Show, with production commencing in 1975, the Porsche 911 (930) Turbo was a genuine Supercar which defined both the 1970s and 80s and was one of the fastest production cars available at that time. The basic engine underpinnings came from the Carrera 2.7RS which was increased to 3.0-litres (eventually 3.3-litres) and, of course, turbocharged with technology gleaned from Porsche's 917/30 Can-Am programme. The brakes were also derived directly from the 917. The bodywork received special treatment resulting in one of the most aggressive looking Porsches ever made with its wide arches and impressive rear 'Tea-tray' spoiler.

In 1989, before production was discontinued, Porsche marked the occasion by creating a very special, right-hand drive, limited-edition 930 LE - the ultimate Turbo, produced as the last hurrah to a turbo charged era. Starting out as a standard 3.3-litre model, the cars were then sent to the exclusive team at Zuffenhausen who built each example by hand.

With just 53 of these cars produced, one for each UK dealership in 1989, a host of bespoke no-cost options were offered including colour-coded wheels, top-tinted windscreen, a choice of colours for interior and exterior, rear-quarter air intake ducts, electric sunroof, heated multi-adjust electric seats, electric sunroof, and gold ‘Turbo’ lettering stitched behind the seat. They also came fitted with leather throughout, extending over the seats, dash, centre console and door trims. Topped-off with a 3-spoke steering wheel with a special Porsche crest badge in gold, a feature which is echoed on top of the gear knob, plus a gold plaque with ''911 Turbo, 1975-1989 Limited Edition Model'’ engraving - as recognition of the LE's place in Porsche 911 history.

Further features include electrically adjustable Sports seats with heating, electric tilt and slide sunroof, climate control, Becker Mexico radio/ CD, rear wiper, and a 180-mph speedometer (Z order number 02061).

On the outside, the LE cars are visually very striking, with the poster pin-up wide bodywork and big rear wing. The side intake strakes and deep front spoiler (with additional oil cooler) follow the styling of the Low-build (Flachbau) SE model; similarly, the LE utilises the 330bhp 3.3-litre engine of the SE, hence a larger turbo charger, higher lift camshafts, higher boost pressure, larger intercooler, and quad exhaust system. Featuring the G50 5 speed manual gearbox with short shift, and option M220 limited slip diff.

At the time of production, Porsche had no plans to turbocharge the incoming 964, so it was believed that the LE would indeed be the final forced induction model to leave the Stuttgart factory. The price was an eye-watering £84,500, a full 50% more than the average house price at the time!

This original, right-hand drive UK-specification (C16) Porsche 911 (930) Turbo Limited-Edition (LE) was sold new on the 1^st August 1989 by JCT600 (Rawdon) Ltd. Official Porsche Centre of Newcastle upon Tyne and was believed to have been ordered by the then Chairman of Newcastle United Football Club, Sir John Hall. He had a preference for purchasing cars with a black and white interior, hence this LE is finished in its special Linen and Black leather. This combination perfectly complements the Grand Prix White paintwork and matching Fuchs alloys.

This superbly preserved car has covered just 24,996 miles (atoc) from new, supported by an original stamped-up service booklet (a mixture of Porsche Centres and marque specialists), up until 23,505 miles. Subsequently it was serviced by the highly respected Hairpin Company when our vendor purchased it from them in 2020. The car is thought to retain its original paint, to have never been restored and is wholly original – it certainly retains that Porsche smell and the overall condition is truly commensurate with the low mileage indicated.

The factory option sticker under the bonnet remains in place and shows all the options codes you would expect for its model type, including (139) heated seats, (220) limited slip differential, (XA4) front spoiler, (XB7) rear air-ducts, (XE7) front oil cooler, (XH1) 3-spoke steering wheel, (XK5) leather gear lever, and (XN7) leather handbrake.

The car is accompanied by its compete book pack, numerous receipts for maintenance over the years, tool roll, jack, and a UK V5C. This rare Turbo LE was the culmination of the 930 Turbo's 14 years of production, and as a result, is probably the best-developed iteration of this model, making it highly collectable today. This is one of the best Turbo LEs we’ve had the pleasure of offering, and we urge you to come and see the car in the metal.