1978 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3

Following its domination of the Can-Am racing series in 1972 and ’73, Porsche decided to share its turbocharging technology with devout customers. A year after its 1974 Paris auto-show debut, the first Turbo arrived here as a 1976 model. At a time when the most powerful Corvette had 210 horsepower, a Mustang II “King Cobra” boasted 139 ponies, and recovery from the first energy crisis had barely begun, Porsche’s 2825-pound Messerschmitt attacked the supercar class with 234 horsepower.

It was such a departure from 911 blueprints that Porsche assigned the Turbo a fresh type number: 930. A front spoiler, swollen and flared fenders, and a fluke that would shame Shamu added visual menace. Wheels, tires, brakes, and suspension parts got upgraded. Porsche swapped the 911’s magnesium-cased five-speed transaxle for a new aluminum ’box containing four stout gearsets and a larger clutch.

The KKK turbocharger fitted to Porsche’s 3.0-liter SOHC flat-six spun to 90,000 rpm to generate 11.4 psi of blow. Technology trickling down from the track included the first production-car waste gate to limit boost, an intercooler (1978 and ’79 models), and cross-drilled brake rotors. Somehow, these Turbos managed without electronic fuel injection, catalytic converters, and power-assisted steering.