Porsche 911 930 Turbo
Porsche 911 Turbo 930 offers insights on UK market prices, essential inspections, and running costs. Discover off-market examples — find yours.
Porsche launched the 911 Turbo (internal type 930) as a production model in 1975, following its first appearance at the 1974 Paris Salon. It was the firm’s first turbocharged road car, developed under Ernst Fuhrmann to help homologate the 934/935 racers. The engine architecture traces to Hans Mezger; the road car’s adoption of racing-derived turbocharging was the step that defined every fast 911 that followed. Early 3.0-litre cars (1975–77) used a single KKK blower and delivered 260 PS (256 bhp) through a 4‑speed transaxle. In 1978 Porsche enlarged the flat-six to 3.3 litres, added an intercooler under a taller rear spoiler, and quoted 300 PS (296 bhp) for European markets. Top speed moved from roughly 155 mph to around 160–165 mph depending on year and gearing. The 930 kept a 4‑speed until its final model year; only 1989 cars received the G50/50 5‑speed. The chassis combined wider rear track and tyres, stiffer torsion-bar rates and anti‑roll bars with four‑piston, 917‑derived brakes. Bodywork featured flared rear quarters and what became known as the “whale tail” on 3.0‑litre cars, replaced by a deeper, tea‑tray profile to clear the intercooler on 3.3s. Factory Sonderwunsch “Flachbau/Slantnose” options arrived later in very low numbers. In practice, the car’s character is set by sizable turbo lag and a strong, late surge; the 4‑speed’s long second and third exploit that boost window. The evidence suggests well‑set‑up examples are stable, fast and mechanical in feel, but they reward smooth inputs and mechanical sympathy. Total 930 production sits at roughly 21,500 cars worldwide across 1975–89, with continuous UK availability. The model was withdrawn from the US between 1980 and 1985 for emissions reasons, which shaped specification and values market‑to‑market. Our view is that the 930’s significance is concrete rather than nostalgic: it is the point where Porsche’s racing turbo knowledge became a durable road package, and it remained the benchmark fast 911 for over a decade. Hub summary: This hub sets out the 930’s development, year‑by‑year changes, specifications, what to look for when buying in the UK, and current market context with real‑world examples.