Lot 014: 1986 PORSCHE 911 TURBO

Unveiled in October 1974, the 911 Turbo (or 930) was originally conceived as a means of homologating the mighty Porsche 934 into FIA Group 4 competition. Soon outgrowing this role, the newcomer developed an enthusiastic following among those who relished its explosive acceleration, challenging handling and monstrous turbo lag. Playing Mr Hyde to the standard 911's Dr Jekyll, it sported a deep front air dam, flared wheelarches and outsize rear spoiler as well as stiffer suspension and improved brakes. Initially powered by a force-fed 3.0 litre flat-six, the need to keep pace with such supercar rivals as the Ferrari 512BB and Lamborghini Countach saw engine capacity increased to 3.3 litres in 1978. While, the adoption of Bosch fuel injection some four years later brought no more horsepower (300bhp @ 5,500rpm), it did result in greater torque and better throttle response. Thus equipped, the 911 Turbo was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds and 162mph. Available from September 1987 onwards, the Targa and Cabriolet versions provided even greater thrills and helped boost the model's popularity still further. Finished in red with red leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good overall" condition. Reportedly "supplied new to the States" before being "re-registered in the UK during the early 1990s", 'B4 YUW' appears to have been extensively modified. Reconfigured as a right-hand drive 'Flat Nose' style Cabriolet, it is also understood to boast a recent mohair hood / tonneau, G50 five-speed manual gearbox, stainless steel exhaust system and Porsche Cup type alloy wheels. Said to have had "over £20,000 spent on it within the last few thousand miles", the Turbo further benefits from "a CD stereo, Tracker GPS security system and Cobra Category 1 alarm / immobiliser complete with keyless entry". An impressive machine, 'B4 YUW' is offered for sale with history file and MOT certificate valid until September 2008.