Early cars pumped out 260bhp and used the weight of the rear-mounted engine and traction from the fat rear tyres to hit 0-60mph in under 6 secs before powering onto 155mph, more than enough to get the motoring press in to a frenzy at the time. Such was the power and torque available, Porsche saw fit to equip the 911 Turbo with just four gears, with second good for well over 70mph.
In developing the Turbo, Porsche used knowledge gained from turbocharging their 917’s flat-12 for the Can Am Series, which it dominated in 1973, and the 911 Turbo would itself also become a formidable competition car.
Production and development continued through to 1989. Engine capacity was increased to 3.3-litres and power to 300bhp in 1978, which is where it stayed.
ALL WHITE NOW
Along with Guards Red and black, Grand Prix White was the 80s colour of choice. As Porsche’s default racing colour, it suits the Stuttgart cars well and it certainly suits this 911 Turbo.
Registered on August 1, 1986, it was originally supplied by then Official Porsche dealer, Glen Henderson Motors, of Glasgow. A full black leather interior compliments the white exterior. Options extend to electric Sports seats, with white piping and a graduated top tinted windscreen. The original owner also opted for Grand Prix White centres for the Fuchs, for the ultimate 80s vibe. Somewhere along the way, these have been repainted in black which in our opinion, is the better choice.
The current owner has been this Turbo’s custodian since 1996, taking the mileage from 32,000-miles to 49,600-miles. In recent years, mileage has been restricted to comprehensive annual servicing and MOTs, while in storage with Gloucestershire based Windrush Car Storage.
All documented servicing and repairs from 1996 has been taken care of exclusively by West Midlands Porsche specialist Two Plus Two. While largely routine, recent work includes a new crankshaft oil seal, exhaust system, plus heat exchangers and much of the turbo plumbing and pipework. This engine out job has been fully documented with pictures.
Paintwork is still largely original and in honest condition. Typically the front and rear valances have been repainted. The interior reflects the exterior being completely original. The Sports seats show minimal wear and the original Blaupunkt Toronto radio/cassette is present and correct, so dig out those tapes!
ON THE ROAD
Unlike the most mid – engine exotica of the same era, you can jump straight into the 911 Turbo and just drive. The Sports seats are Porsche’s finest and while the 930/36 4-speed box has its own character and suits the Turbo well, the ratios ensure 0-60mph comes up in 5.1 seconds, second and third are ample for B roads, the latter extending well into 3 figure speeds, while 4th takes you past 160 mph.
It’s all about boost and torque. Yes, it takes a while to build compared to modern turbos, but when it arrives, it’s with a solid and positive shove that you can enjoy for longer with the taller ratios unique to these cars. The flip side when not in the mood, is it’s almost relaxing – if that’s possible in a 911 Turbo! It’s all part of the cars dichotomy and legendary usability. And compared to lesser 911s, with its full leather interior, it’s almost plush too.
IN SUMMARY
A Supercar legend, that’s eminently useable, fast, but not furious and all part of the Turbo’s mystique.
