1979 Porsche 930 3.3 Turbo Coupe

1979 Porsche 930 3.3 Turbo Coupe
Chassis no. 9309800718
Engine no. 6890514
3,299cc SOHC Turbocharged 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
265bhp at 5,550rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*From the Collection of Walter & Emily Mead
*One owner from new
*Fewer than 5,799 original miles
*Highly optioned, custom order specification
*Resent service by marque specialists

THE PORSCHE 930

"It offers the finest blend of ultimate performance and refinement I have ever come across." – Paul Frère on the Porsche 911 Turbo.

Much of the Porsche 911's development had resulted from the factory's racing program. It was the then FIA Group 4 homologation rules which required 400 road cars to be built and spurred 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), 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 (e.g. 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.

Although the Turbo's characteristic flared wheel arches and "tea tray" rear spoiler had already been seen on the Carrera model, the interior was the most luxurious yet seen in a 911, featuring leather upholstery, air conditioning, and electric windows. In 1978, the Turbo's engine was enlarged to 3.3-liters, gaining an intercooler in the process. Furthermore, power increased to 300bhp and the top speed of what was then 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 to the U.S. market between 1979 and 1984, but returned in 1985 when equipped with upgraded Motronic engine management systems. Targa and Cabriolet versions were also introduced. 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

This phenomenal 1979 Porsche 930 Turbo was purchased new by Walter and Emily Mead and has been a beloved part of their collection for the last 39 years. Completed in July of 1979, the car was finished with Black Metallic paint over a black leather interior. The Metallic Black paint is an extraordinarily complex color that really pops in the sunlight. The Meads optioned the Turbo with a limited slip differential, left and right sport seats, electric sunroof, black roofliner, right side plane electric mirror, loose fit foil protection, and Pirelli tires. The car is also fitted with a Ungo alarm system located in the glovebox.

The Turbo was initially sent to Illinois where it was picked up and driven to Florida. After some fun in the sun at the Meads Florida estate, the Turbo made the journey to New Mexico in the early 1980s where it would live for the rest of its life. Having only covered 5,790 miles at the time of cataloging from new and having been stored indoors, the car has been incredibly preserved and even wears its original tires. To make sure that the car was running as well as the day it left the factory, it was sent to the Porsche wizards at Patrick Motorsports, where it received a thorough service. The car is accompanied by its service receipts, original manuals, warranty card, Porsche supplied touch-up paint, first aid kit, tools, jack and tire changing accessories in the original packaging. This super low mileage, single owner, Porsche icon presents an amazing opportunity for a collector to acquire a best of breed example. If you have ever lusted after a 3.3-liter Turbo, now is the time to strike.