RM Sotheby’s Auction: 1987 Porsche 911 Turbo

Tony’s Take: This is hardly my first Porsche 911 Turbo prediction rodeo. The last example – a Grand Prix White over Flamenco Red ’86 with 40k on the clock no-saled at $190k. That was a big ask, even in July.

Air-cooled turbo Porsche prices have stayed steady since then, with slant nose variants bringing big bucks. For good reason. According to Motors, Megabytes & Mods, the Porsche 930 Turbo is the world’s most iconic car.

As they say, if you don’t understand it, it’s not for you. And if you don’t respect the short wheelbase Porsche 930 Turbo’s whale tail happy turbo lag, you may not be around long enough to gain a full appreciation of the Porker’s sound and fury.

RM Sotheby’s car is an excellent color combination: Guards Red paintwork and Linen partial leather upholstery.

The car for sale (above) differs – significantly – from the one in the video. It’s not stock.

Porsche of Nashville modified the car, installing a Fabspeed stainless steel exhaust and sport headers, a K27 Turbo and a long-neck intercooler. Great for performance, lousy for collectors.

On the positive side, in 2013, Porsche’s Music City dealer performed an engine-out reseal service at 33k miles. Four years later, they inspected the Turbo and wrote-up a “true frame report.” So good to go.

Comparables

The record high $242k was a one-of-a-kind Factory Pearl Orange Turbo I once owned – a higher mileage example buoyed by its color combo. FYI Low-mileage cars in the right color bring between $200k – $275k off-market, depending on condition.

Last Three Sales

Again, Porsche 930 Turbo prices aren’t softening up just yet. Collectors may be tucking them away vs. selling them at the lower end. Their reticence helps keep the supply relatively low, prices firm. (Porsche produced 1605 930 Turbo Coupes in ’87.)

Considering the Porsche 930 Turbo’s “iconic” status, their not frightening expensive serviceable nature (especially compared to anything Italian of the same vintage) and the Bee Gees’ fun factor, I believe these cars are currently undervalued. When the market takes off again, so will 930 prices. Downside: nicknamed “the Widowmaker” for a reason.