Porsche 911 Turbo Air Cooled Years 1975 – 1998

In the spring of 1975, the first Porsche 911 Turbo rolled into dealers’ showrooms. “Porsche 911 Turbo – Aircooled Years” tells the story of the sports car legend, starting with the prototype at the 1973 IAA and ending with the last air-cooled 993 Turbo from the 1998 model year. With the introduction of turbocharging into standard sports car production, the still young Porsche company proved its courage and innovative strength. Hans Mezger and his team effectively reinvented exhaust gas turbocharging. The extraordinary success of the 911 Turbo contributed to the legendary reputation of the sports car brand.

Porsche Turbo Number 1 in the new Porsche Museum in Stuttgart Zuffenhausen

The Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 was built in the model years 1975 to 1977

The now legendary Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 entered the automotive world for the first time in model year 1975. It started out with a breathtaking 260 hp and quickly developed into the dream car and super sports car par excellence!

 

Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 Year 1977

Der Porsche 911 (930) Turbo 3.3. was produced in the model years 1978 to 1989

The new 911 Turbo 3.3 was presented for the first time in the 1978 model year. It launched with a sensational output of 300 hp and a significantly enlarged rear spoiler. The engine was so potent that the engine output did not have to be increased during the entire production of the model until the summer of 1989.

The 911 Turbo 3.3 at the 1978 Motor Show in England ©Porsche Archive

The Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3 of the 964 generation was offered from model year 1991 onwards

From the 1991 model year, a 911 Turbo was finally available again. Just how eagerly the new 911 Turbo based on the 964 was awaited could be seen from the fact that six of the twenty new Porsche Turbos were stolen at the press launch in St. Paul de Vence in the south of France. The new 911 Turbo ushered in a new era with power steering, catalytic converter technology, a new chassis with coil springs and ABS and a significantly improved aerodynamic body. No 911 Turbo has ever been safer and more comfortable to drive.

The 964 Turbo at the Geneva Motor Show in 1991 – © Porsche Archive

The most beautiful 911 Turbo ever? The Porsche 964 Turbo 3.6 was launched in the 1993 model year.

Der Porsche 964 Turbo 3.6 wurde im Modelljahr 1993 eingeführt. It had an even more fascinating look than its already very attractively designed predecessor, and could now be recognized by the chrome-plated 18-inch Speedline wheels. Its engine base was now also the modern 3.6 engine of the 964 and produced a breathtaking 360 hp. Unfortunately, it was only produced until 1994.

Press presentation of the 964 Turbo 3.6 in the south of France in 1993 © Porsche Archive

The last air-cooled 911 Turbo of the 993 generation was launched in model year 1995.

After a one-year break in production of the Turbo model, the new generation of the 911 Turbo, designated 993, was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1995. For the first time in the history of the 911 Turbo, the vehicle was equipped with all-wheel drive as standard. Another highlight in the history of the 911 Turbo was the first series-produced biturbo engine. The last air-cooled 911 Turbo had an output of 408 hp. It reached the 100 km/h mark from a standing start in just 4.5 seconds and had a breathtaking top speed of 290 km/h.

The Porsche 993 Turbo at the press launch in 1995 -©Porsche Archive

In addition to detailed purchase advice and price developments, the book also goes into great detail about special series such as the 930 Turbo S for Sonauto, the 964 Turbo Cabriolet, the 993 Turbo Cabriolet or the 911 Turbo “Package Cars” from 1994, whose existence even experts hardly know to this day. The book was produced in close cooperation with the Historical Archive of Porsche AG and features previously unpublished photographs. You can find initial purchasing advice and interesting information on price trends in our magazine article.