1980 Porsche 911 (930) Turbo

Please note there is no tool roll accompanying the car

This original, right-hand drive UK-specification (C16) Porsche 911 (930) Turbo was sold new on 23-5-1980 by AFN Ltd from the Falcon Works in Isleworth London. It was ordered new by a Mr Gordon Durham of Yarm Cleveland and the most comprehensive of history files contains early correspondence with AFN and a complete account with Porsche factory invoices and receipts when he decided in 1985 to update to near LE specification.

Superbly preserved in its original hue of Copper Brown Metallic with a tan Pasha interior, this poster Porsche Turbo still retains its original registration and remained with its first owner for 25 years. The history file contains a remarkable back story of his ownership including awkward letters to AFN and their service manager, a consolatory invite to the Geneva Motor show, and the service book - stamped six times by AFN to 70,280 miles and then twice by HP Motorsport with the mileage then showing 97,542 miles in 2010.

The real excitement begins in 1985 when Mr Durham decided he wanted the car updated to near LE specification and the account of this could not be better choreographed with the history file listing the factory order, Porsche factory parts invoices, a basic translation of the ordered parts, and the payment. In essence, the 3.3-litre engine was uprated with 4-pipe exhausts, modified intercooler and turbo chargers. This upgrade required the fitting of an additional oil cooler which became an integral part of the new LE-style air-dam with two driving lights. Additional work at the time included a limited-slip differential, a full gearbox check, new dampers, new anti-roll bars and the car was lowered without risk of fouling. The notes refer to new Dunlop Tyres being fitted as recommended and the old ones returned. At the same time a passenger door mirror was fitted together with checks to the bonnet struts and heating system.

The DVLA print-out then shows three further owners with a Porsche Inspection being conducted for a new owner at 99,188 giving it a basic clean bill of health, recording no damage, matching numbers and having received only remedial paintwork commensurate with age and mileage and there are older MOTs dating back to 1986 and 33,000 miles. The current indicated mileage is 99,936 and we can report the car drove faultlessly on the way to our photo shoot.

The Porsche is supplied with a tool kit in great condition, service book, spare keys, immobilisers and even a AFN Club Wallet and members card. In a stunning colour combination, the car sits between a standard 930 Turbo and the Turbo LE and is a fascinating example of the archetypal poster car of the eighties, however, you still need to drive a good 930 Turbo to understand what the fuss is all about.