1987 Porsche 911 Turbo
The 1974 debut of the Porsche 930 was rooted in the FIA homologation rules requiring manufacturers to base their turbocharged track weapons on production cars. This requirement saw Porsche management focus on building a road-worthy turbocharged 911 that would satiate the public's demand for raw power, while complying with the FIA’s homologation requirements.
Development of the 930 would be led by legendary Porsche engineer Dr. Ernst Fuhrmann, with focus starting at the powerplant. Borrowing a 3.0L flat-6 from the Carrera RS 3.0, Dr. Fuhrmann would couple it with a turbocharging system that had been developed on the maniacal, and all-dominating, 917/30 CanAm racecar, with the results being a then-astounding 256HP sent to the rear wheels through a 4-speed transmission. In testing, however, this proved unwieldy for the standard 911 chassis which subsequently led to the Porsche team widening the rear axle, leading to the 930’s now iconic flared rear wheel arches. Additional changes included a stiffened suspension, larger brakes, and the monstrous rear “whale tail” spoiler found on the back deck lid. Despite Porsche’s attempts to domicile the scoldingly fast beast that was the 930 Turbo, it would still prove to be faster than its in-period Italian contemporary, none other than Lamborghini’s 12-cylinder masterpiece, the Countach.
In 1977 Porsche brought further updates to the 930 Turbo, which saw the engine’s displacement increased to 3.3L, as well as the addition of an intercooler, new anti-roll bars, larger rear torsion bars, and a motorsport derived braking system. This resulted in not only a colossal increase in horsepower to 300HP, but significant positive changes to the handling characteristics of the car making it less dangerous than the early production variants. Yet the 930 Turbo would still command the utmost prudence and respect from the driver - a character trait to this day for which the car is revered amongst enthusiasts looking for a raw driving experience.
The Cultivated Collector’s 1987 Porsche 911 Turbo, chassis 050727, presents beautifully today in an unmodified state, while benefiting handsomely from long term ownership and consistent servicing throughout its life. Finished in Guards Red over a black leather interior, and showing just over 52,000 miles from new, 050727 is an excellent example of the lauded turbocharged streetable monster, still boasting its numbers-matching original engine and gearbox. 050727 represents a chance to obtain not only a collector-grade 930 Turbo, but to own one of the most exhilarating, and rewarding, turbocharged cars ever to leave the halls of Stuttgart.
