When the Porsche 911 Turbo Carrera was introduced in 1974—with production beginning in 1975, followed by US deliveries in 1976—it represented something new from the German automaker: its first true production supercar. Although it was immediately identifiable as a 911, the Type 930, as it was internally designated, featured a 3.0-liter flat-six boasting a single KKK turbocharger with K-Jetronic fuel injection. Output was, at 245 horsepower for US-market cars (260 horsepower elsewhere), immense. Weighing less than 2,700 pounds, the 930 could sprint to 60 mph in just over five seconds and easily top 150 mph.

The Turbo name quickly became synonymous with high performance, albeit performance that demanded the talents of an experienced driver: This was a wickedly fast car that could easily punish those who did not approach it with skill and respect. Of course, this only added to its appeal.

Although the 930 served as the homologation basis for Porsche’s fearsome 934 racer, it was no stripped-down track weapon. Turbos were luxuriously equipped, with a long list of standard equipment, including air-conditioning, full leather, rear wiper, headlamp washers, and a stereo. Further options, including a power sunroof, were offered as well.

In 1978, Porsche updated the model with a larger 3.3-liter engine with a stated US-market output of 253 horsepower, an air-to-air intercooler, revised suspension, and new brakes. With the US emissions restrictions tightening once again in 1980, 1979 became the last model year that the Porsche 930 was specified for the American market for some time to come.

Completed in December 1979, the example on offer belongs to the final batch of cars sent to the United States before the model was pulled from the lineup. Moreover, it is finished in a highly desirable and rare color: The original owner elected for Paint to Sample Continental Orange, which had ceased to be offered on the Turbo beyond 1978. In addition, the car features California equipment, a limited slip differential, electric passenger mirror, a black roof liner, and an electric sliding roof.

Significantly, the car is documented by a Porsche Classic Technical Certificate which confirms the numbers-matching engine and transmission are present. A Porsche Certificate of Authenticity will also accompany the coupe in addition to owner’s books and a collection of invoices dating from 1993–2021. The most recent work completed in September 2021 included replacing the sunroof and window seals, replacing both rear struts, and rebuilding the front right brake caliper. At time of cataloguing just 33,775 miles showed on the odometer, indicating limited use over the past 40-plus years.

This final-year example for the original run of the Type 930 Turbo is undoubtedly amongst the most coveted of Porsches, and its qualities are only enhanced by its rare Paint to Sample Continental Orange exterior and a matching-numbers engine and gearbox.