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The signature car of 1980’s stockbrokers, the 930 Turbo transcends its era as the quintessential Porsche 911.
Boosted Car
Among the many iterations of Porsche’s 911, from the 901 to the current 992 generation, the 930 Turbo is especially significant. The introduction of turbocharging in the mid-1970s changed more than just the car’s badging, it changed the 911 driving experience. As a rear-engine sports car, the 911 had always been a challenging car to drive. The added power of the 930 Turbo in the hands of inexperienced drivers eventually earned it the grim moniker of the “widow maker.” But today, the 930 Turbo’s legacy is one of perfectly blended style and substance that has long been the hallmark of the Porsche badge.
Today’s Cool Car Find on Carsforsale.com is a stunning example of the 930 Turbo, a low-mileage 1979 model year in immaculate condition.
Homologation Origins
The 930 Turbo has its origins with the venerable 917 Cam Am race car. Porsche refined its turbocharging technology in the 917. The fruits of their efforts produced 1,100 horsepower for the 917 and back-to-back championship wins in 1971 and ’72. Plans for a turbocharged version of the 911 for racing in Groups 4 and 5 began in ’72. FIA homologation regulations called for a minimum of 400 production cars to be built. This resulted in the 934 for Group 4 and 935 for Group 5, their homologation version was the first 930 Turbos. The 930 Turbo proved so popular that production continued for over a decade, well beyond the original 400 required for racing homologation. For more on awesome homologation cars, click here.
Specs and Evolutions
The 930 Turbo began production in 1975 with a rear-mounted 3.0L aluminum flat-six engine making 260 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque and came paired with a four-speed manual transmission. US spec cars were tuned to a slightly lower 245 horsepower and came with prominent bumpers, the front set including compressible bellows, today a signature detail of the 930-generation.
Competing with the likes of the new Ferrari 512 BB and Lamborghini Countach S, Porsche updated the 930 Turbo in 1978. A new larger 3.3L engine replaced the 3.0L. The new engine made 300 horsepower and 304 lb-ft of torque. This allowed the 930 Turbo to accelerate from zero to sixty in approximately 5 seconds and run the quarter mile in 14 seconds. Top speed clocked in at 161 mph.
The engine wasn’t the only update for 1978, either. The “whale tail” spoiler for which the 930 is famous was altered to accommodate the new air-to-air intercooler used with the larger 3.3L engine. The whale tail grew flatter and added a thick rubber lip upturned at the edges. This earned it a new nickname, the “tea tray.” Additional options were also now available and included a limited-slip differential and electric sunroof. Air-conditioning now came as standard equipment in the US.
In 1980, Porsche pulled the 930 Turbo from US and Japanese markets due to stringent emissions regulations. The slant nose (Flac Bau) version debuted in 1981 with an updated version of the 3.3L engine, now putting out 330 horsepower. The 930 Turbo returned to the US and Japan in 1986. Meeting emissions regulations meant a slight downgrade in power, to 278 horsepower. However, the introduction of Targa and Cabriolet versions helped soften the blow.
1989 would be the final year for the 930 Turbo, but this model year is also considered by many the pinnacle of the generation. The primary reason being the introduction of the beloved 5-speed Getrag (G50) manual transmission and a new hydraulic clutch. The G50 manual was so good it would remain in the 911 through the 964 and 993 generations.
The 930 Turbo would be succeeded by the 964-generation starting with the 1990 model year 911.
Our Cool Car Listing
Our Cool Car Find isn’t just a 930 Turbo, it’s a pampered, near immaculate example. As a 1979, you can see the larger “tea tray” spoiler. Then there’s the signature Turbo wide hips (especially pronounced in the rear) and those once-ugly-now-evocative US spec bumpers. Painted in Silver Metallic, this 930 Turbo was originally optioned with the limited-slip differential and electric sunroof. Black Fuchs wheels and black leather interior round out the package.
This significant bit of Porsche history can be yours for “just” $154,930 (you see what they did there, right?).
