Cars

When Porsche unveiled the 911 Turbo at the 1974 Paris Motor Show, the Stuttgart-based automaker reached a new milestone in its history by bringing technologies developed in racing to the road. The Type 930 was directly inspired by research conducted on turbocharged prototypes used in endurance racing, notably the legendary 917 Turbo. Upon its launch in 1975, it became quite simply the fastest production Porsche ever built.

The first version was equipped with a 3.0-liter flat-six engine producing 260 chevaux. Its KKK turbocharger delivered exceptional performance for the time, as well as a very distinctive character. Power delivery is abrupt when the turbo kicks in, delivering spectacular acceleration that would cement the 930’s reputation. This unique character, combined with the 911’s signature weight distribution—featuring a rear-overhanging engine—required an experienced driver and helped forge the Turbo’s legend.

In 1978, Porsche updated its model with the introduction of the Turbo 3.3. The displacement was increased to 3,299 cm³, and, most importantly, the engine was equipped with an air-to-air intercooler to cool the compressed air before it entered the intake. This innovation significantly improved the engine’s performance, increased its reliability, and enabled it to deliver 300 chevaux at 5,500 tr/min, while torque reached 412 Nm at 4,000 tr/min. Fuel delivery is handled by the Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection system, renowned for its durability and precision.

To accommodate this massive intercooler, Porsche completely redesigned the rear wing. Wider and flatter than that of the early 3.0 models, it quickly earned the nickname “Tea Tray” and became one of the brand’s most iconic design elements. Combined with the significantly widened fenders, 16-inch Fuchs wheels, and brakes derived from the 917, it gave rise to a silhouette that has become timeless.

With a top speed of over 250 km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h time of just over five seconds, the 911 Turbo 3.3 ranks among the highest-performance cars of the early 1980s. More than just a sports car, it embodies Porsche’s engineering expertise, combining top-tier performance, exceptional build quality, and remarkable durability.

The vehicle shown here was manufactured on January 5, 1981. Its “Porsche Certificate of Authenticity” confirms that it is still equipped with its original 930/60 engine and 930/34 four-speed transmission, making this car a genuine matching-numbers example. It is finished in an elegant Zinc Metallic (code Z8) paint, paired with a black leather interior. Its original equipment includes air conditioning, a power rearview mirror, an alarm system, and a black headliner.

This Porsche has been maintained with particular care. In 2019, it underwent a major mechanical overhaul at the Porsche specialist J. Houyoux in Marche-en-Famenne, costing more than €9,300. The work included, among other things, the replacement of the front and rear shock absorbers, wheel bearings, turbo seals, driveshaft boots, the clutch cable, differential bearings, and numerous seals and rubber mounts. The braking system was completely disassembled and overhauled, with the rotors, brake pads, and hoses replaced, while all four calipers were inspected and reconditioned. The engine receives a complete oil change and a new oil filter; the fuel injectors are ultrasonically cleaned; and the throttle body is overhauled.

Maintenance continued in 2020 at the Porsche Carrera Motors Center, where nearly 6,000 € worth of genuine parts and additional maintenance services were added to this extensive service history, reflecting the constant care this car has received.

In March 2025, this 911 Turbo underwent an independent appraisal. The report highlights its excellent overall condition, its remarkable level of authenticity, and the quality of its maintenance. The appraiser notes that no significant components deviate from the original configuration and sets its replacement value at €125,000, including tax.

Today, the Porsche 930 is universally regarded as one of the greatest icons in sports car history. As the first mass-produced 911 Turbo, it symbolizes an era when performance was achieved above all through mechanical ingenuity and the driver’s skill. This example meets all the criteria sought after by collectors: a matching-numbers configuration, an elegant appearance in its original color, recent documented maintenance, and a recent appraisal attesting to its excellent condition. It represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most iconic Porsches from the era of air-cooled models.