Porsche began experimenting with turbochargers in the late-1960s. It wasn’t until 1975 however, when a road-going model, the 911 Turbo, was introduced. Available in Europe only as the Carrera 3.0, it was engineered so vastly different than the 911 from which it was derived, it received its own internal designation, the 930. First shown at the Paris Motor Show in October 1974, the new car was federalized for the U.S. market and debuted in 1976 as the Turbo Carrera. Claims as the fastest production car in America were quick to materialize as performance was magical – 0- to 60-mph in 4.9 seconds, the standing quarter-mile in 13.5 seconds and a top speed of 156-mph. Quite prodigious in an era of emissions-strangled vehicles.

Power was initially supplied by a blown 3.0-litre flat six with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection mated to a wide-ratio four-speed manual transmission. With the boost set at 11-psi, the 911 belted out 234 emissions legal horsepower. Outside, the car was identified by a signature “whale tail” spoiler, massively flared wheel arches with wheels notably larger in the rear than in the front. A beefier chassis, Bilstein gas shocks, and oil cooler were standard, too. By 1979 when this model was built, the engine was continually improved and upsized to 3.3-litres with an output of 300-hp (265 in the U.S.). Motor Trend quickly claimed it as the world’s fastest accelerating production car with a 0- to 60-mph time of 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 160.1-mph.

Chassis #9309800319 was completed in December, 1978 and as a 1979 model, it is the last year for the first generation turbo until Porsche began importing them once again in the mid-1980s. It is equipped with factory air conditioning, power windows, AM/FM stereo cassette radio and the optional factory electric sunroof. Painted in iconic Guards Red over Cork leather interior, it has mostly original paint with some minor paint work being completed over the years. It includes the original owner’s manual along with the coveted toolkit.

This highly sought-after early-model Porsche Turbo spent much of its life in California and is believed to have once been part of the Blackhawk Collection. The odometer shows 30,000 miles and the numbers and equipment of this 911 Turbo are verified by its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity which is included.