3,299cc SOHC Turbocharged Flat 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
282bhp at 5,500rpm
289lb-ft at 4,000rpm
5-Speed G50 Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Extraordinarily well-preserved example with less than 32,000 miles from new
*Desirable and rare end-of-run 930 Turbo featuring the 5-speed G50 Transaxle
*Epic factory livery of Linen Grey Metallic over Linen interior
*Well-equipped with Cibie Pallas driving lights, sunroof and more

THE PORSCHE 930

Much of the Porsche 911's development had resulted from the factory's racing program, and it was the then FIA Group 4 homologation rules, which required 400 road cars to be built, spurred on the development of 'Project 930' - the legendary 911/930 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 - hence only four speeds in the gearbox - being capable of racing from a standstill to 100mph in 14 seconds.

What set the 930 Turbo apart from its peers was the relaxed way this stupefying performance was delivered. Comparing the Turbo to similarly quick 'he-man' cars such as the Holman & Moody-tuned Cobra 427 and the Ford GT40, Motor's Roger Bell reckoned what made the Porsche so different was that it "hurls you forward with similar velocity but in an uncannily quiet and effortless way. To be shoved so hard in the back that you need high-back seats to keep your head on, yet neither to feel nor hear anything more than a muffled hum, is a very odd sensation indeed in a car."

The Turbo's characteristic flared wheelarches and 'tea tray' rear spoiler had already been seen on the Carrera model while the 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 intercooler 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. Due to strong emission regulation in the US, the Turbo was not imported for the US market between 1979 and 1984, but retuned in 1985, now equipped with upgraded Motronic engine management systems. Targa and Cabriolet versions were also introduced.

The final production year of the legendary 930 Turbo was 1989, and these desirable end of-the-line cars were fitted with the prized Getrag G50 five-speed transaxle, ensuring few cars would compete with the 930's unquestionable dominance on street and on the racetrack. More refined than hitherto yet retaining its high-performance edge, the Porsche 930 Turbo sold in the thousands, arguably becoming the definitive sports car of its age.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

One of just 639 final-year 930 Turbos produced for the U.S. market, this splendid car benefits greatly from the G50 5-speed transaxle–all other 930 Turbos were equipped with a 4-speed design.

Said gearbox makes 1989 930 Turbos arguably the most collectible of all, and the auction car's desirability is further enhanced by its modest 31,332 miles, stunning factory Linen on Linen color combination, and exhaustively documented maintenance history, the latter including service invoices and receipts totalling greater than $16,000.

Black center Fuchs work beautifully with the 930's signature black stone shields and rubber whale tail components, though the rare and gorgeous Cibie driving lights mounted to the nose most certainly 'make' the car in this particular case. Resembling line-dried cloth under golden dusk skies, factory code #550 Linen Grey Metallic is a delicate, nuanced color that lends further depth to the auction car's spec.

Inside, factory Linen leather upholstery continues the theme. Note the distinct factory steering wheel, large, central tachometer, and floor-hinged pedals harking back to the very first air-cooled 911s. Note also the power windows, air conditioning, and moonroof, not to mention the 5-speed H-gate pattern visible on the shift knob.

Power is delivered through the starring 5-speed via a 3.3 liter, 282 hp, 289 lb-ft, air-cooled boxer six force-fed fuel and air by a single turbocharger. Performance was lightning-quick when new, and remains impressive even today, including a 5.0-second 0-60 mph time and top speed of 160.

Up front, under the hood, factory color code and options stickers remain in place, and sale includes the aforementioned service documentation, a Carfax, and factory spare, jack, and other tools.