Switching its focus from prototypes to GT-class racing during the early 1970s, Porsche successfully redirected its considerable development efforts into the 911, which had already enjoyed significant success in virtually all forms of motorsport. It is impossible to overstate the massive impact made by Porsche’s brilliant 911 Turbo (marketed in Europe as a 930, its engine type designation).

Ernst Fuhrmann led development, adapting the technology developed for the all-conquering 1973 Penske/Donohue 917/30 Can-Am car to the 3.0-liter, flat-six Carrera RS 3.0, with a KKK (Kühnle, Kopp & Kausch) turbocharger at its heart, plus suspension refinements, larger brakes and a strengthened four-speed manual gearbox. A functional “whale tail” rear spoiler increased cooling airflow to the rear-mounted engine and provided aerodynamic downforce. Wider rear wheels with upgraded tires resided within flared wheel wells, increasing grip and stability at speed.

Designated as a type 930 engine, but commonly known simply as the Turbo, the new vehicle was released in the spring of 1975, with exports to the U.S.A. commencing in 1976. In 1978, power output reached 300-hp with a displacement increase to 3.3-liters and the addition of an air-to-air intercooler, plus numerous detail developments. Porsche’s careful and relentless development program also ensured that the “930” was a sound base for racing vehicles. On the street, the 911 Turbo proved fast but demanding; however, skilled drivers quickly learned how to drive the “930” properly, and to drive it well beyond the limits of most other sports cars.

The car looked as wild as its technology was innovative. The minute you start the 911 Turbo and barely get moving you know this is the essence of a true driver’s car. The car gives you feedback through its front wheels and the sensation through the steering wheel when it is being pushed sends signals and shocks (if committed enough) all the way through your shoulders. The power is wonderful because you are always involved with the car. The 911 Turbo talks to your senses constantly when at speed; it sends you the message that everything is just fine, but pay close attention to every feeling filtering through every fiber of your body.

Finished in “triple black” with a black top boot, this ominous looking, final-year 1989 911 Turbo Cabriolet is a “rest of the world” VIN car that includes its VDO instrumentation being in metric form with the speed and mileage registered in kilometers. It appears to have many original appearing aspects to its platform, but we unfortunately received no background information regarding the car other than a few of its accessory-type features.

Along with the highly respected 3.3-liter, 300-hp flat six-cylinder type 930 engine with turbocharger and intercooler, the Porsche is equipped with the very desirable 1989-only five-speed manual gearbox, and it is also quite rare as one of only 724 Cabriolet examples produced for worldwide delivery in the 1989 model year. Porsche 911 Turbo Coupes were most plentiful this year, still with only 1,376 built and an additional 104 1989 911 Turbos in the Targa form. By all common standards, this is a rather scarce machine.

Among the equipment you will find an electrically powered top, Fuchs forged alloy wheels (polished rims, black hub area), power four-wheel disc brakes that are drilled and ventilated, “whale tail” spoiler, “periscope-style” third brake light, windshield washers, headlight washers, Michelin Sport A/S Plus tires, Momo Corse steering wheel, tinted glass, Sony CD unit in-dash, integrated foglights, air conditioning and all the panache such a legend has to offer.

With 162-mph advertised top-end and 0- to 60-mph time of 5.2 seconds you’ll have a great time on your favorite roads with this bold, black presence. It has nothing in common with the refrigerated luxury boxes that you’ll be blowing by. Simply put, it is the ultimate classic G-Series Porsche and every serious drivers enduring object of desire, presented in its most desirable totally open-air form.