In this article we will give you informative buying advice on the Porsche 930 Turbo, better known as the “Porsche 911 Turbo”. We will deal specifically with the Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 (1975 – 1977) and Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3 (1978 – 1989) model types.
Porsche 911 (930) Turbo 3.0 buying advice
The selection of used 911 Turbo 3.0 is very small. It is particularly difficult to find vehicles in original and unrestored condition. A total of only 2850 units were also produced in the model years 1975 to 1977. The very first 911 Turbo 3.0 from the first five months of production were still built with the “old” chrome exterior mirrors on the driver’s side, so these very early Turbos are even more sought after among collectors than the other models from the first 1975 model year already are. Even in the 1976 model year, the Turbo 3.0 was still delivered with the forged 15-inch Fuchs wheels, and has the typical look of the 911 Turbo 3.0 in its original condition.
The last 911 Turbo 3.0 from the 1977 model year were already equipped with 16-inch Fuchs wheels and the black stone chip foil on the rear fenders. But of course, if you can’t find a decent 1975 or 1976 car, you can retrofit the 16-inch rims on the 1977 911 Turbo to 15-inch. If you choose a US model, you should be aware that these cars were delivered with the slightly lower power of 245 hp due to stricter emission regulations. However, conversion to the European standard of 260 hp is easily possible.
Anyone looking for a very special air-cooled Porsche 911 with an incomparable silhouette these days, and who has the budget to match, is well advised to go for the 911 Turbo 3.0. Almost no other Porsche 911 from series production sparks more excitement and thrills.
Porsche Turbo 3.0 price development
A Porsche 911 Turbo was always something special. However, the first 911 Turbo 3.0 in particular was far ahead of its time and is now one of the most sought-after collector’s items in the air-cooled 911 range. However, because a 911 Turbo 3.0 was almost exclusively driven by particularly solvent owners, its condition and state of preservation is often better than one is used to from normal 911s with naturally aspirated engines. Prices are also back at a more moderate level in 2020. After €245,000 was paid for a Turbo 3.0 in condition grade 1 in 2017, prices are currently back around €195,000 thanks to Corona. Surcharges of over €50,000 are not uncommon for vehicles in particularly rare colors.
Purchase advice and price trends of the 911 Turbo 3.0
For complete buyer’s guide and price trends from 2015 to 2020 on the 911 Turbo 3.0 including body, engine, valve guides, chain tensioner, oil leaks, oil thermostat, transmission, exhaust system, heater, turbocharger, wastegate, interior, electrical system and more, visit our new book about the 911 G model “The Book 1974-1989”.
Porsche 911 (930) Turbo 3.3 buying advice
Every Porsche 911 Turbo is a special car, no matter whether it is a vehicle from the first model year 1978, or from the last model year 1989. This exclusive vehicle was usually also driven by people who had an above-average budget for the maintenance and care of their car. Therefore, the condition of used 911 Turbo is often better than that of the “normal” 911 Carrera models with the naturally aspirated engines. Also, since only a few 911 Turbo were used as normal business cars, the mileage is often quite low as well. However, low mileage on the Turbo 3.3 can also be due to the fact that even in old age, the upkeep and maintenance costs are still very intensive, and the cars are often really only driven on special occasions. Since engine performance has not changed between the first and last model years, the performance of all 911 Turbo 3.3s is similarly tremendous.
Visual updates increase attractiveness
Visually, the Turbo models from the 1980 model year onwards are particularly attractive because the twin-pipe exhaust system came into use from this point onwards. Without this exhaust system, a 911 Turbo is also hardly distinguishable from a 911 Carrera in turbo look. Another important point: it was not until the 1981 model year that Porsche’s bodies were really completely galvanized.
The engine of the 911 Turbo 3.3 underwent a truly significant update from the 1983 model year onwards, as a revised mixture preparation system and a retuned ignition system significantly reduced fuel consumption. In conjunction with a modified main silencer, torque also increased noticeably. The designation of the engines also changed from this point on.
Since there are hardly any noticeable price differences between the models before and after model year 1983, the decision should be in favor of the later models.
The last three model years of the 911 Turbo
Starting with the 1987 model year, the 911 Turbo became even more visually attractive with a modified light strip at the rear. This slightly modified look ushered in the last three model years. Those who can and want to afford it should in any case select a vehicle from the last model year 1989, because only these models were equipped with the highly sought-after five-speed transmission.
Porsche 911 (930) Turbo 3.3 Price development
Well-maintained examples of the 911 Turbo 3.3 are always in high demand, especially if they have a traceable maintenance history. This can also be seen in the prices on the used car market. From 2015 to 2016 alone, prices of the 930 Turbo rose by over 40 percent. As of this period, a Turbo 3.3 in very good condition is trading at €150,000, according to the experts at Classic Data. Even in the Corona crisis year of 2020, the 930 was able to maintain its price level and still trades at €145,000. For the 1376 Turbo Coupés with the coveted five-speed transmission from the last model year 1989, a surcharge of at least €25,000 is due.
Conclusion Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3
Those who can afford the six-figure budget for a 911 Turbo 3.3 and are not bothered by the quite noticeable maintenance costs will enjoy one of the most charismatic 911s ever on a daily basis.
The 911 Turbo 3.3 is a true Porsche icon, a very special car. Regardless of whether it’s equipped with a four- or five-speed transmission. In no other 911 are you pressed into the seats more brutally than in the 911 Turbo 3.3.
You still have to be able to drive and control this car. Since the power of 300 hp also did not change between 1978 and 1989, the performance of the 911 Turbo is always similarly explosive. All 911 Turbo models after 1989 became softer, more perfect and less exciting. If you want the “real” 911 Turbo, you can’t get past the 1978 to 1989 model years, unless you opt for the predecessor 911 Turbo 3.0.
Detailed buying advice on the Porsche 911 Turbo
In the second part of the buying guide in our new book, the Porsche 911 Turbo Air Cooled Years 1975 – 1998 / Hans Mezger Edition 2020, you can read about what to look out for in the exhaust system, turbocharger and wastegate, transmission and chassis.
