1978 Porsche 930

Most iconic Porsches were only around for a short time, dazzling enthusiasts for a couple of years and then retired. The 930 is the exception. This is in part because it was precisely the model’s longevity that played such a large role in its development of iconic status. Regardless the 930 has captivated the minds of Porschephiles for decades and helped create the legacy of this rear-engine rear-drive sports car. There were few major changes made during its production run, but the most significant came in 1978 when displacement was increased to 3.3 liters and an air-to-air intercooler was integrated into the rear spoiler. As far as values go, any early 930 holds a strong place on the collector market, but for the most part the 3.3-liter turbos are valued similarly to the earlier cars with only 3.0 liters. All are very valuable. Which brings us to the car featured here, a paint-to-sample 1978 Porsche 930, located in Houston, with a mere 44,445 miles.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1978 Porsche 930 on eBay

Year: 1978
Model: 911 Turbo
Engine: 3.3 liter turbocharged flat-6
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 44,445 mi
Price: Reserve Auction (Buy It Now $86,500)

1978 Porsche 930 Turbo US Delivery

Chassis No. 930880378
Engine No. 6881160

* One of only 450 US 930 Turbos built for 1978
* An Incredible find of a rare unmodified early 3.3 turbo
* Matching-Numbers Verified by Porsche Certificate of Authenticity
* Offered with Warranty Booklet, Owner’s Manual & Original California Registration
* Single Ownership for 22 years and Always a California Car from New
* Originally A Paint to Sample Example with Brown Leather Interior

This extraordinary find is a three owner example and exhibits only 44,445 original miles. Sold new on August 30, 1978, this US market 930 turbo is one of the last few built for 1978 and has been a California car from new. The CA registrations from the first owner and third owner are included in the documentation file. The third and last caretaker owns The Sport Shop in California, a specialty service shop which services BMW, Porsche and Mercedes, among others. His ownership of this vehicle lasted from 1992-2014, and he has declared that this car was his pride and joy, always maintained and never driven in the rain. The mileage was also verified as original, as is the full brown leather interior.

As discovered, this first year 3.3 Turbo remains in largely original condition and exhibits an older repaint on a solid original body. We have started the car and the motor sound healthy; it has new tires, but we recommend a thorough servicing before major driving as the car has remained largely unused for several years. The undercarriage is completely solid and original, and would require only detailing. According to the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity this was a metallic paint to sample delivery with leather to sample interior and optioned with electric sunroof, sport seats, among others. Offered with original spare, jack, owner’s manual with Warranty Booklet in pouch, and its COA, this example is deserving of close attention from enthusiast and collectors alike. It is with good measure that these early 930 Turbos are becoming less and less available on the market as they represent a new era in Porsche engineering and design. Owners are reluctant to part with them and when one becomes available it is not for long; we highly encourage close consideration here.

Full Resolution Photos: 1978 Porsche 930 Turbo

$86,500.00 Offers Welcomed

To learn more about this vehicle, please contact our sales department at (281) 497-1000 or sales@driversource.com

Selling Made Simple. We buy classic European & American sports cars! One vehicle & entire collections! Finder’s fees paid!!

This is an all-around good looking 930 with an interesting paint-to-sample interior. There are, however, some questions to be answered about the exterior color. As the seller notes the CoA shows that the exterior was originally a paint-to-sample Metallic, though what isn’t clear is whether it was later resprayed in what appears to be Guards Red. The pictures do not look like metallic paint and the seller’s statement that it was “originally” paint-to-sample raises questions. Without its original color, especially a paint-to-sample shade that may be difficult to match, the value should be held down some on this car. That doesn’t mean it’s a car that shouldn’t deserve our attention, but given the escalating values of the 930 in general, originality is of a high priority. Given the mileage this should, at the very least, make for a fantastic driver, we just need to determine an appropriate price.

-Rob