Porsche 911 Type 964 Turbo S "Leichtbau" Coupé 1993, Alemanha
Fotografia
1993 Porsche
911 Type 964 Turbo S "Leichtbau" Coupé
Chassis no. WP0ZZZ96ZPS479056
Chassis no. WP0ZZZ96ZPS479056
•One of only
86 produced
•Delivered new to Switzerland
•Two owners
•Only 14,600 kilometres from new
•Sought-after options: wind-up windows, no airbag
•Certificate of Authenticity
•Delivered new to Switzerland
•Two owners
•Only 14,600 kilometres from new
•Sought-after options: wind-up windows, no airbag
•Certificate of Authenticity
The new
engine turned out to have enormous marketing power. It became a real status
symbol to have that little word 'turbo' on your rear deck, and this fashion
spread right across the motor industry.' - Peter Morgan, 'Original Porsche
911'.
Much of the Porsche 911's development had resulted from the factory's racing programme, and it was the then Group 4 homologation rules, which required 400 road cars to be built, which spurred the development of 'Project 930' - the legendary 911 Turbo. In production from April 1975, the Turbo married a KKK turbocharger to the 3.0-litre RSR engine, in road trim a combination that delivered 260bhp for a top speed of 250km/h. But the Turbo wasn't just about top speed, it was also the best-equipped 911 and amazingly flexible - hence only four speeds in the gearbox - being capable of racing from a standstill to 62km/h in 14 seconds.
The Turbo's characteristic flared wheelarches and 'tea tray' rear spoiler had already been seen on the Carrera model, while the interior was the most luxurious yet seen in a 911, featuring leather upholstery, air conditioning and electric windows. The Turbo's engine was enlarged to 3.3 litres for 1978, gaining an inter-cooler in the process; power increased to 300bhp and the top speed of what was the fastest-accelerating road car of its day went up to 260km/h. More refined than hitherto yet retaining its high performance edge, the Turbo sold in the thousands, becoming the definitive sports car of its age. When Porsche revealed that the original 911 would be replaced by the new Type 964 in 1990, dealer stocks of the existing Turbo model sold out overnight.
Representing a major step forward for the 911, the new Carrera 4 and Carrera 2 - coded named '964' - were launched in 1989, the former marking the first time that four-wheel drive had been seen on a series-production 911. Porsche had experimented with four-wheel drive on the 959 supercar, and many of the lessons learned from the latter influenced the design of the 964's chassis and suspension. Face-lifted but retaining that familiar shape, the Carreras had been given a more extensive work-over mechanically, 87% of parts being claimed as entirely new. Although the normally aspirated duo shared the same 3.6-litre, 247bhp, flat-six engine, the Turbo initially kept its existing 3.3-litre unit, which now developed 320bhp. Power-assisted steering (another 911 'first'), anti-lock brakes, and a five-speed manual transmission were standard, with the Tiptronic auto 'box a Carrera 2-only option.
In May 1992 Porsche announced a special limited-edition version of the Type 964 Turbo: the "Turbo S Leichtbau" (light build). Some 25-50 units were planned, though this was later increased to 80. As its nomenclature suggests, this new model was intended to be both more powerful and lighter than the stock Turbo, as well as offering enhanced handling and subtle re-styling. The engine changes raised the maximum output by 61bhp. "With different camshafts, precision-machined intake ducts, slightly higher charge pressure and an optimised ignition and fuel injection system, this six-cylinder engine was capable of producing 381bhp," explained Porsche. "To deliver all that power to the road surface safely, the car was lowered by 40 millimetres and the running gear was given firmer settings."
The 'Leichtbau' requirement was achieved by deleting the under-body protection, soundproofing, air conditioning, power steering and rear seats, while further savings came from thinner glass, aluminium doors, a carbon-fibre luggage compartment and thinner carpets, the result being a reduction of 180kg over the standard Turbo. Production of the Turbo S Leichtbau began in July 1992 for the 1993 model year. Some sources state that Porsche ended up building six more cars than the 80 planned, though actual production data is sketchy.
Never restored, this pristine example of one of the rarest and most collectible members of the Porsche 911 family was delivered new to Switzerland and has covered only some 14,600 kilometres. Currently in the hands of only its second owner, who acquired it for his private Porsche collection in 2017 and has not driven it since then, the car is described by him as in "like new" condition in every respect. Finished in Speed Yellow with contrasting black interior, it comes with its original sales contract, Type Approval paperwork, original pouch and manuals (including service manual), and cancelled Swiss Carte Grise (2019).
Much of the Porsche 911's development had resulted from the factory's racing programme, and it was the then Group 4 homologation rules, which required 400 road cars to be built, which spurred the development of 'Project 930' - the legendary 911 Turbo. In production from April 1975, the Turbo married a KKK turbocharger to the 3.0-litre RSR engine, in road trim a combination that delivered 260bhp for a top speed of 250km/h. But the Turbo wasn't just about top speed, it was also the best-equipped 911 and amazingly flexible - hence only four speeds in the gearbox - being capable of racing from a standstill to 62km/h in 14 seconds.
The Turbo's characteristic flared wheelarches and 'tea tray' rear spoiler had already been seen on the Carrera model, while the interior was the most luxurious yet seen in a 911, featuring leather upholstery, air conditioning and electric windows. The Turbo's engine was enlarged to 3.3 litres for 1978, gaining an inter-cooler in the process; power increased to 300bhp and the top speed of what was the fastest-accelerating road car of its day went up to 260km/h. More refined than hitherto yet retaining its high performance edge, the Turbo sold in the thousands, becoming the definitive sports car of its age. When Porsche revealed that the original 911 would be replaced by the new Type 964 in 1990, dealer stocks of the existing Turbo model sold out overnight.
Representing a major step forward for the 911, the new Carrera 4 and Carrera 2 - coded named '964' - were launched in 1989, the former marking the first time that four-wheel drive had been seen on a series-production 911. Porsche had experimented with four-wheel drive on the 959 supercar, and many of the lessons learned from the latter influenced the design of the 964's chassis and suspension. Face-lifted but retaining that familiar shape, the Carreras had been given a more extensive work-over mechanically, 87% of parts being claimed as entirely new. Although the normally aspirated duo shared the same 3.6-litre, 247bhp, flat-six engine, the Turbo initially kept its existing 3.3-litre unit, which now developed 320bhp. Power-assisted steering (another 911 'first'), anti-lock brakes, and a five-speed manual transmission were standard, with the Tiptronic auto 'box a Carrera 2-only option.
In May 1992 Porsche announced a special limited-edition version of the Type 964 Turbo: the "Turbo S Leichtbau" (light build). Some 25-50 units were planned, though this was later increased to 80. As its nomenclature suggests, this new model was intended to be both more powerful and lighter than the stock Turbo, as well as offering enhanced handling and subtle re-styling. The engine changes raised the maximum output by 61bhp. "With different camshafts, precision-machined intake ducts, slightly higher charge pressure and an optimised ignition and fuel injection system, this six-cylinder engine was capable of producing 381bhp," explained Porsche. "To deliver all that power to the road surface safely, the car was lowered by 40 millimetres and the running gear was given firmer settings."
The 'Leichtbau' requirement was achieved by deleting the under-body protection, soundproofing, air conditioning, power steering and rear seats, while further savings came from thinner glass, aluminium doors, a carbon-fibre luggage compartment and thinner carpets, the result being a reduction of 180kg over the standard Turbo. Production of the Turbo S Leichtbau began in July 1992 for the 1993 model year. Some sources state that Porsche ended up building six more cars than the 80 planned, though actual production data is sketchy.
Never restored, this pristine example of one of the rarest and most collectible members of the Porsche 911 family was delivered new to Switzerland and has covered only some 14,600 kilometres. Currently in the hands of only its second owner, who acquired it for his private Porsche collection in 2017 and has not driven it since then, the car is described by him as in "like new" condition in every respect. Finished in Speed Yellow with contrasting black interior, it comes with its original sales contract, Type Approval paperwork, original pouch and manuals (including service manual), and cancelled Swiss Carte Grise (2019).
