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Fan Requested Update
🕑 Added 2023-10-06 18:50:33 +0000 UTCA devoted fan recently graced us with a stunning pair of classic Porsche 911 Turbos from the iconic 930 era. Among them, we were particularly captivated by the limited-edition beauty known as the LE (Limited Edition) and the instantly recognizable Slantnose variant.
It's fascinating to note that the Slantnose, characterized by its distinctive slanted front end, wasn't some aftermarket modification but a genuine factory design. It emerged as an alternative to the traditional frog-like front end of the 911. This deviation from the norm could be attributed to the popularity of pop-up headlights during the 80s and early 90s.
Our dedicated team embarked on a mission to painstakingly rebuild the physics for both these remarkable vehicles, ensuring they adhere to Porsche's exacting specifications.
The Limited Edition (LE) Turbo, introduced in 1990, marked the end of the 930 era. This car was destined to be a memorable send-off as Porsche transitioned to the new Type 964. Only 50 LE Turbos were ever built, making it an exclusive gem in the world of Porsches.
Porsche's Exclusive team at Zuffenhausen meticulously hand-finished a select batch of the last 3.3-liter, five-speed G50 gearbox-equipped cars. The LE Turbos boasted features that were typically optional extras, such as rear wheel air intakes, side skirts, and a front spoiler, reminiscent of the Type 935 Le Mans sports racers. Furthermore, a Getrag five-speed gearbox, already standard on the Turbo, was enhanced with a limited-slip differential for the LE version.
Under the hood, the 930 LE came equipped with a potent 330 bhp power unit, a substantial 30 bhp boost over the regular model, making it the most powerful variant built at the time. Customization options abounded, allowing buyers to select body colors from the standard range or even go for a color-to-sample option at an additional cost.
Inside, the choices were equally extensive, with the ability to select from various leather colors for the electrically adjustable seats. Leather extended to details like the handbrake gaiter, and the steering wheel followed the three-spoke design, akin to the original 1974 Turbo's, adorned with a gold Porsche crest.
The Slantnose, on the other hand, was produced in greater volume, with around 686 cars reaching different markets. Notably, this generation of 911 Turbo was accompanied by the Porsche 911 Turbo S (M505) and 911 Turbo SE (M506) on dealer showroom pricelists. The M505 models were also the first Slantnose version cars officially imported into the US. Production involved fitting pressed front wings/fenders that featured air-intake ducts above the pop-up lamps, followed by finishing in the Restoration and Repair Department in Werks 1.
M505 models retained the standard 930 front valance and the 3.3 Turbo motor with a catalytic converter. For some US states, the low-mounted, centrally positioned oil cooler was not permitted. Hence, these models featured an oil cooler mounted in the right rear wheel arch behind the air intake vent. Additionally, a few M505 cars were assembled by Alan Johnson Racing from factory-supplied kits in the US.
M506 models showcased the front-mounted oil cooler and a deeper air dam. Most of them boasted the 330bhp 930/66 Turbo S kit, with the exception of vehicles delivered to Rest of World (RoW) markets requiring a catalytic converter. UK market cars featured the 330bhp kit along with interiors sporting Special Wishes center consoles, while some RoW cars adhered to specific market requirements with Hella front side lamps.
Production numbers remain challenging to verify due to the absence of formal factory publications. However, the figures mentioned here are derived from original factory letters and extensive research conducted with esteemed contacts in the Porsche community.
Both the LE and Slantnose Porsches are remarkable pieces of automotive history, embodying the spirit of their era and the innovation that has made Porsche an enduring icon. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to explore and recreate these automotive gems, ensuring their legacy continues to shine brightly.
#Porsche #Porsche911 #PorscheTurbo #ClassicCars #AutomotiveHistory
