Nineteen seventy-six heralded the first year that Porsche’s 911 Turbo was available in the U.S., and the car’s release created quite a fanfare. Porsche’s street cars were previously known more so for their handling and driving characteristics rather than their raw power output, but the 911 Turbo changed that. While Porsche had previously experimented with turbocharging on their racing cars, most notably with the 917/30, the 911 Turbo would be the first production Porsche to ever utilize turbocharging. Adding to its appeal was the car’s truly incredible looks, characterized by its unique “whale tail” spoiler at the rear, which helped to keep the large rear tires planted to the ground at high speeds.

The 911 Turbo, which was internally dubbed the Type 930, boasted a top speed a hair over 155 mph and was one of the fastest automobiles of its day. Car & Driver magazine recorded a 0–60 time of 4.9 seconds in their December 1975 issue, calling the car “a Panzer among Porsches; a street racer that will guarantee you a place at the top of the pecking order in a way that not even a Ferrari or a Lamborghini can.” However, like other high-horsepower cars, the 911 Turbo demanded 100 percent from its drivers due to the tendency to oversteer at the limit and the engine’s significant “turbo lag.” The Turbo quickly gained a reputation for being unforgiving in the hands of inexperienced drivers. Nevertheless, customers loved it, and the 911 Turbo proved to be a huge success in both the European and North American markets. As a result, turbocharged variants have been a staple of Porsche models, particularly 911s, ever since.

This particular 1976 Porsche 911 Turbo has recently been mechanically and cosmetically refreshed by its second owner, the owner of a highly regarded restoration facility in Phoenix, who purchased the car in 1984. Following a decision to repaint the car in the traditional Porsche shade of Guards Red from its original color of Mahogany Metallic, it was also decided that this already remarkable original car would be brought back to as-new condition through a full refurbishment that used only the existing original parts to match the stunning paint job. This was done as a labor of love over the next several years, and during this time, the car was completely dismantled and every component was brought back to as-new condition. An all-new leather interior was installed, and the engine was fully serviced and rebuilt, making this one of the finest 930 Turbos available for purchase today. Following its completion, the car has travelled fewer than 400 miles, and it is certainly ready for many more.

The original 911 Turbo is an icon of Porsche ingenuity and design, and it has truly stood the test of time, as it is considered by many to be one of the most important Porsche models ever produced. Following a recent cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment, this particular example is in immaculate condition and truly needs nothing. For the individual looking for an early Porsche Turbo in as-new condition, look no further.