The final models of the classic-era Porsche 911 fit into the stereotypical image of the go-go 1980s as perfectly as red braces, Filofaxes and Babycham. It’s an enduring image of the greed-is-good age, the lipstick-red or midnight-black widow maker with the tea-tray on the decklid, prowling through London's financial district, racing through the Limehouse Link and obliterating the office juniors’ GTIs as if they were mere plankton to the Stuttgart sharks. 

Porsche’s 911 Turbo, in production from 1975 to 1989 and generally known as the 930, was every inch the bedroom wall poster hero alongside the Lamborghini Countach and the Ferrari F40, but unlike those Italian unicorns it was robust enough to use every day.

The example we have here could certainly teach many a classic thoroughbred about the concept of longevity. It may have over 217,000km on the clock, but  pore over the details and you’ll see that it all looks magnificently fresh: this is down to the fact that an eye-watering amount of money has been spent fully overhauling the car, with no stone left unturned in the pursuit of correctness. The Rosewood Metallic example spent its early life in Germany, its high specification clearly making it an attractive proposition for regular use, and the substantial 21st-century refresh took place after it had made its way to Norway.

In the history file we find invoices for a full engine rebuild with new ancillaries, gearbox rebuild with new synchros, new turbocharger and wastegate, an overhaul of the air conditioning system, new light lenses, new bushes, new brake lines, attention to the exhaust system and wheel bearings... you name it, it’s had it. The result is a 930 that’s reportedly crisp and responsive to drive, with jaw-droppingly pretty looks.

The massive history file proves how much work, effort and expense has gone into this car, and the results speak for themselves.

There’s something transcendent about sitting in a 1980s 911. In modern cars you get used to the compromises in visibility brought on by the necessity of having chunky pillars all around, but a vehicle like this reminds you of the delicacy cars used to have. It’s a beautifully presented interior too, with the 911’s tasteful trim neatly complementing the vivid exterior.

This car was well-specced from new, with a particular highlight being the presence of both a sunroof and air conditioning; the history file shows us that a lot of money has been spent on overhauling the air con system as well as fixing the sunroof drainage to ensure it’s watertight. The seat trim is in lovely condition, as are the matching doorcards, and the carpets and headlining are in good order throughout.

The steering wheel and dash are very pleasing, and the only deviation from classic specs is a modern Panasonic head unit. It's all dry and tidy inside the front boot with the factory specification sticker present, the correct carpet and the space-saver spare wheel – and the interior boot light illuminates as it should.

The colour specification of this car is extremely sought-after, being the supremely desirable Rosewood Metallic. You can’t beat the visual impact of the combination of staggered Fuchs wheels and a whale-tail, and it’s clear that a lot of attention has been paid to the details as the car bears close scrutiny and presents very well indeed.

The paint has a deep lustre and all body panels appear straight and true with no obvious evidence of corrosion. The correct badging and trim is all in place, and all of the window glass and light lenses are in good order, the latter having been renewed. The iconic Fuchs alloy wheels are in glorious condition, and wear matching Continental tyres with plenty of tread.

The powertrain of a Porsche 930 isn’t just a means of locomotion, it’s a cultural icon and a bona fide legend. And as the history file demonstrates, this car is in thoroughly fine fettle having had a huge amount of money spent on overhauling everything: the engine has been rebuilt and treated to new ancillaries, the turbo’s been replaced, and the gearbox rebuilt with new synchros.

We can see elsewhere in the file that proper attention has been paid to the suspension and braking systems, and the car reportedly drives with the vim and eagerness of a far younger example.

There’s a very clear reason for buying a 1980s Porsche 911 in 2022, and that is quite simply that it’s a dream come true. Anyone who grew up in the 1970s, ’80s or ’90s will have yearned for a whale-tail 911 at some point in their youth, that’s an inescapable fact.

And this wonderfully maroon example really does have a few tales to tell:  a car that’s been properly used, it’s certainly seen a few things – but you’d never guess today that it’s got 217k on the clock.

Everything has been gone through to get the car to the condition you see here, and there’s a robust paper trail to prove it.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*