1977 Porsche 911 Turbo Carrera
© RM Sotheby's

1977 Porsche 911 Turbo Carrera

When the Porsche 911 Turbo Carrera was introduced in 1974—with production beginning in 1975, followed by US deliveries in 1976—it represented something new from the German automaker: Its first true production supercar. Although it was immediately identifiable as a 911, the Type 930, as it was internally designated, featured a 3.0-liter flat-six boasting a single KKK turbocharger with K-Jetronic fuel injection. Output was, at 245 horsepower for US-market cars (260 horsepower elsewhere), immense; weighing less than 2,700 pounds, the 930 could sprint to 60 mph in just over five seconds and easily top 150 mph.

1977 Porsche 911 Turbo Carrera
© RM Sotheby’s

The Turbo quickly name became synonymous with high performance, albeit performance that demanded the talents of an experienced driver: This was a wickedly fast car that could easily punish those who did not approach it with skill and respect. Of course, this only added to its appeal.

1977 Porsche 911 Turbo Carrera
© RM Sotheby’s

Story by RM Sotheby’s