One of the Finest 930s We Have Encountered in Recent Memory. A Wonderfully Original 2-Owner Lifelong California Car that Presents and Drives Superbly.

1986 Porsche 930 Turbo
Guards Red with Tan Leather Interior
VIN WP0JB0933GS050868, Engine no. *68600837*

Since its introduction over forty years ago, the Porsche 911 Turbo (also known as the 930) has continued to reign as an icon of performance supremacy. After unprecedented success pioneering turbocharged engines in the 917 Can Am and 911-based sports cars, Porsche shocked the sports car world by developing a reliable and capable turbocharged road car for the consumer market. Contemporary road testers struggled for superlatives to describe the effortless speed and deceptive composure of the Turbo. The 930 quickly distinguished itself among the supercar elite, placing Porsche in this lofty category and changing the way mainstream consumers saw the brand.

In many ways, the production 930 was diametrically opposed to Porsche's previous high performance 911, the Carrera RS. Whereas the early series RS was a raw and elemental homologated racecar adapted for the road, the 930 was a proper flagship; a luxurious and refined car meant to effortlessly cover great distances at high speed. At the same time while production cars were hitting the streets, competition Porsche Turbos were cleaning up on the racetrack. The 930's lurid fender flares and rear spoiler gave the car a distinctive and aggressive presence, gracing cover after cover of top performance magazines. Although relatively affordable and overlooked by collectors for many years, 930s have emerged as collectible icons thanks to their dramatic styling, innovative technology, and direct connection to Porsche’s racing dominance and heritage.

Initially available in a non-intercooled 3.0 liter variant, a 3.3 liter intercooled variant superseded the 3.0 for the 1978 model year. By 1980, US laws prevented further sale of the 930 by Porsche North America. It was not until 1986 when the incorporation of an oxygen sensor, electronic assistance for the mechanical fuel injection system, and a three-way catalytic converter permitted these glorious cars to return to the US. Thus, the market for US cars expanded, including this remarkable low mile example, arriving in the first year of the 930 return to North America.

This particular two owner, lifelong California car must be counted as one of the most exceptional original 930 Turbos available today. Originally delivered in Hermosa Beach, California, this 1986 US market 50 state car sold new with factory installed emission equipment, sunroof, and limited slip differential. According to the factory service booklet accompanying the car, this 930 Turbo was delivered new on May 23, 1986. Recorded service booklet stamps show inspections and maintenance as follows: May 1986, 0001 miles, June 1986 with 1368 miles, January 1987 with 4800 miles, May 1989 with 7561 miles, April 1991 with 12,291 miles, August 1992 with 15,549 miles, April 1994 with 17,703, May 1996 with 18,579 miles, March 1997 with 19,452 miles, April 1998 with 20,514 miles, May 2000 with 21,518 miles, November 2001, with 22,103 miles, and October 2003 with 22,621 miles. A recent Carfax further confirms the original mileage and California state emissions inspections as mileage accumulated from 22,858 in 2004 to 25,200 when passing the most recent emissions test in May 2018. Today the 25,268 miles currently showing further supports the remarkable history, documentation, and exceptional condition of this fine 930.

The current and second owner purchased the car in 1989 and has maintained regular services with documentation, receipts for oil changes, fluid services, and larger services as needed. In 2012, the car received servicing that included replacing both fuel pumps, fuel pressure accumulator, filters, new hood shocks, oil and filter change, Freon charge, and brake fluid change totaling $4,217.31. Also in 2012, the ignition control module was replaced, and later in 2013 a new A/C compressor was installed including a new dryer, and a new turbo oil line, totaling over $2,500. Additional services in 2016 have also included replacing the turbo boost control housing and a new oil level sensor. In 2018, the car was serviced with an oil and filter change, and a new steering column upper bushing.

Today, this Porsche presents as one of the most exceptionally well-preserved low mile 930 Turbos in existence. The original paint is remarkably glossy throughout with all trim, emblems, and glass exhibiting a crispness and refined level of detail one seldom sees even in low mileage cars. The body is laser straight with excellent panel gaps and smoothly operating doors, hood, and deck lid. Every aspect of the exterior reflects consummate care, exquisite details, and breathtaking finishes. It would be hard to find another 930 Turbo that reflects the unique combination of low miles, world-class preservation, and impeccable presentation. Close inspection of the glass, rubber trim, gaskets, black fender join trim, bumper trim, and trademark rear wing rubber, reflect both the precision and factory dedication of the original Porsche assembly, Porsche authorized service, and owner stewardship.

The interior is in excellent original condition showing beautifully preserved finishes, lightly used and properly preserved. The seats are in excellent condition with supple leather and excellent sheen. The carpets are wonderfully original, with the headliner, visors, and surrounding trim all exemplary. The dashboard is similarly fine without cracks warping, or shine, while the gauges and switches are correct and in excellent cosmetic condition showing vivid color, bright needles, and exceptional detailing. The original radio has been updated with a newer Blaupunkt unit. The door panels are in excellent condition as well and the rear seats, which appear to have never been used judging by the near new finish to the leather and exceptional seat belts and latches. The condition and integrity of the interior further supports the indicated low mileage and careful ownership.

The engine compartment unmodified and has not been restored, yet it presents beautifully. Other than authorized services and maintenance as needed, the original engine and engine compartment are basically representative of the car when new. Only the commonly deteriorated heat pad shows signs of aging. The finishes throughout are remarkably preserved, appearing undisturbed, an increasingly rare find among 930s as they continue to age. The trunk is also pleasingly original with very clean factory carpet and all structural elements beneath the carpets appearing just as they left the factory. The correct spare, compressor, and tool roll are present with the car, once again, all in excellent condition. The underside of the car is clean, dry, and shows no evidence of compromise to the floor or structure. Further supporting the originality of the car, the light factory hazing of original red paint still shows on the floor pans, consistent with how these cars were originally delivered. The suspension components are clean and dry, again confirming the low miles and proper service this Turbo has seen.

The car runs and drives exceptionally well. The engine starts easily, settling into a deep but eager Porsche idle. The clutch engages smoothly and releases properly. The factory 4-speed gearbox has good synchromesh and linkage action, making both up and downshifts easy and smooth, far from a given in the typical 930. The engine runs well, boosting cleanly throughout the rev range, passing emissions properly, and showing correct function of the warm up regulator. The steering has the inimitable light and communicative 911 feel and the chassis and suspension are tight and reassuring. The driving experience of this sympathetically kept, low mileage car is truly a delight given the modifications one often sees in these 80s supercars.

This exceptional Porsche 930 Turbo comes with a file of records and service receipts tracing the mileage and ownership of this car over the past 30 years. Also included with the car are an excellent complete set of tools in a very nice pouch, original air compressor, factory jack and spare tire, owners manual and warranty and maintenance books in the original factory folio case, a car cover with bag, and a complete set of Porsche factory service and repair binders still in their original factory boxes.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an exceptional two-owner, low-mileage California 930 with excellent maintenance history, unbelievable preservation, and exquisite presentation. For anyone seeking a spectacular performance icon of uncompromising care and consummate attention to detail, this is the car that will continue to define the very best of Porsche’s flagship offerings for years to come. We encourage stringent in-person inspection to confirm the exceptionally crisp and original presentation, which will impress the most discerning collector or enthusiast.