1979 Porsche 930 Turbo at Auction With $175K Bid

A 1979 Porsche 930 Turbo listed on Bring a Trailer reaches $175,000. Details include specs, history, and condition notes. Explore the full story.

The bid for a 1979 Porsche 930 Turbo has already reached $175,000, and with several days remaining, interest continues to build — not just for a classic 911, but for one of the most defining performance cars of its era.

This example shows 48,000 miles and is powered by a 3.3-liter turbocharged flat-six paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Introduced in the late 1970s, this version marked a key evolution of the 911 Turbo, adding an intercooler and delivering a factory-rated 261 horsepower. Power is sent to the rear wheels, supported by an optional limited-slip differential.

The significance of this car goes beyond the individual listing. The 930 was the first production turbocharged 911 and quickly established itself as the flagship of the range. At the time, its combination of power and race-derived engineering set it apart, with turbocharging and intercooling directly influenced by motorsport development.

Finished in Guards Red over black leather, the car reflects one of the most recognizable configurations of the 930 Turbo. Visually, it carries hallmark features of the period: wide fenders, 16-inch Fuchs wheels, and the distinctive “tea tray” rear spoiler, which in the 3.3-liter version also houses the intercooler.

Service history adds another layer to the story. In 2022, the engine was removed and resealed, with valve adjustments performed and key components replaced, including fuel and oil lines, ignition parts, and the exhaust system. Additional work addressed supporting systems such as air conditioning. However, a January 2026 inspection noted engine oil seepage and leaking axle-flange seals, factors that remain relevant for potential buyers.

The car is accompanied by a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, service records, manuals, tools, and spare keys. Its market history is also traceable — the same vehicle was sold in 2022 for approximately $105,000, offering a clear reference point for its value trajectory.

Recent sales of comparable late-1970s Porsche 930 models often range between $180,000 and $230,000 or more, placing the current bid within a familiar market context given the mileage, configuration, and condition of this example.

There are also notable limitations. The car has not passed a California smog test, which may affect registration and usability in that state. Additionally, the body has been repainted under prior ownership, something that can influence originality assessments among collectors.

Even so, the appeal is clear. This is not just another vintage sports car, but a representative of the early turbocharged Porsche era — a period that helped define the brand’s performance identity. The final auction result will show how today’s market values that combination of history, condition, and specification.