Porsche 911 Turbo (930) – 1975-1989: The Evolution of a Legend

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Overview

The Porsche 911 Turbo (930), produced from 1975 to 1989, was the first turbocharged 911 and remains one of the most iconic performance cars in history. Initially developed as a homologation model, it quickly became a staple of Porsche’s lineup. Over its 14-year production run, the 930 saw major performance and design upgrades, evolving from a high-performance road car into a legendary supercar killer.

Development & History

In the early 1970s, Porsche had been experimenting with turbocharging in motorsports, particularly in the 917/10 and 917/30 Can-Am race cars. The lessons learned from those high-performance machines were applied to the road-going 911, resulting in the first production 911 Turbo in 1975. Initially planned as a limited-production homologation model, the demand was so high that it became a staple of the 911 lineup.

Engine & Performance

The 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo featured a 3.0L turbocharged flat-six engine, making it one of the most powerful road cars of its time. Porsche engineers designed a single turbocharger system to provide a balance of performance and drivability.

• Engine: 3.0L Turbocharged Flat-6
• Horsepower: 260 HP
• Fuel System: Mechanical Fuel Injection
• Transmission: 4-speed manual
• Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
• 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
• Top Speed: 155 mph

Design & Features

The 1975 911 Turbo introduced a wider body with flared wheel arches, a whale-tail rear spoiler, and larger rear tires for improved stability at high speeds.

• Body Style: Coupe
• Seating Capacity: 4
• Weight: 2700 lbs
• Chassis Code: 930
• Wheelbase: 89.4 inches
• Notable Features: Whale-tail spoiler, wide-body design, upgraded brakes

Production & Rarity

Year-by-Year Changes

Throughout its production from 1975 to 1989, the 930 received major updates in power, aerodynamics, and handling. Below is a breakdown of the key changes per model year:

• 1975-1977: Introduced with a 3.0L turbocharged flat-six producing 260 HP, paired with a 4-speed manual. Featured a wide-body stance and whale-tail spoiler.
• 1978: Engine displacement increased to 3.3L with the addition of an intercooler, boosting power to 300 HP.
• 1983: First convertible variant introduced as the 911 Turbo Cabriolet.
• 1986: Porsche introduced a 5-speed manual gearbox, significantly improving drivability.
• 1989: Final year of production before the introduction of the 964 Turbo.

The 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo was the first of its kind, and with limited production, it remains one of the most collectible 911s ever made.

• Production Start: 1975
• Factory of Origin: Stuttgart, Germany
• Total Production: 284 units

FAQs

What makes the 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo special?

The 1975 911 Turbo (930) was Porsche’s first turbocharged production car, featuring groundbreaking performance and an aggressive design that set the standard for future 911 Turbos.

How many 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo models were made?

Porsche produced only 284 units, making it one of the rarest early 911 Turbos.

What is the value of a 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo today?

Depending on condition, early 911 Turbo models can range from $300,000 to over $1,000,000 for pristine examples.