The Porsche 911 Turbo debuted in 1974, during the rise of the supercar. It launched a 50-year lineage of 911 Turbos, offering supercar performance with everyday practicality.

Initially, it featured a 3-litre engine producing 260bhp. By 1977, it was upgraded to 3.3 litres and 300bhp, with charge-air cooling added.

The 930 model, produced until 1990, became an icon of the 1970s and 1980s, known for its distinctive whale tail and broad hips.

A closer look at the 930 Turbo

One 930 Turbo, painted in Salmon Metallic, stands out with its massive ‘911’ decals, officially called safety stripes. Its interior features ice-white leather seats and a shaggy brown carpet.

Despite being 50 years old, driving it feels familiar due to Porsche’s gradual design evolution. However, the offset pedals and long gearshift with only four speeds are notable differences.

The 911 Turbo earned the nickname ‘the widow-maker’, but its 260bhp feels less daunting than modern supercars. It offers excellent support, visibility, and door mirrors.

While not the first turbocharged car, the 911 Turbo popularized turbocharging in production cars. Its turbocharger delivers a unique, explosive driving experience, especially above 3000rpm.

The heavy steering and rear-heavy weight distribution allow dynamic adjustments during cornering. The 911 Turbo was also among the first cars to offer Pirelli’s Cinturato P7 low-profile tires.

The 1989 930S, built in the final year of 930 production, showcases significant performance upgrades. With a 3.4-litre engine producing 391bhp, it’s a far cry from the 1975 Turbo.

The 930S feels familiar despite its rarity. Its solid build quality, basic dashboard, and floor-hinged pedals create a unique driving experience.

Weighing 1340kg, it’s lighter than contemporaries like the Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach. The unassisted steering and rear-biased weight distribution make it highly responsive, especially off-throttle.

The 930S rewards those who master its turbo lag and weight transfer. It’s impressively fast, with point-to-point speed surpassing many 1980s supercars. The braking system, while not modern, is firm and reliable.

Critics may find the 911’s quirks off-putting, but fans appreciate its authenticity and adaptability. Unlike Italian supercars, the 930S improves when the driver puts in the effort.

Today, the Porsche 930 Turbo is a highly valued classic, with prices starting at £70,000 for well-maintained examples. Desirable features like the limited-slip diff and Sonderwunsch options can push values up to £400,000.

The 930 remains a symbol of 1970s and 1980s success, offering a unique blend of performance, usability, and character that continues to captivate enthusiasts.

Early Low-Profile Tire Innovations

Pirelli struggled to meet this demand despite not being the first to market with such a tire.

Michelin’s TRX, launched earlier, required specific rims due to its metric diameter design. This limitation led to its decline, similar to the Dunlop Denovo run-flat tire, which also needed specialized rims.

The Porsche 930 Turbo’s influence extends beyond its production years. Its impact on the automotive industry is still felt today.

The 930S: A Fitting Finale

The 930S’s wider wheels and polished Ruf-design alloys added to its aggressive stance, while its interior retained the classic 911 charm.

Weighing 1340kg, the 930S was significantly lighter than its Italian supercar rivals. This weight advantage, combined with its rear-biased weight distribution, made it highly responsive and engaging to drive.

Well-maintained examples start at £70,000, with rare models and desirable options reaching £400,000.