The Porsche 930 Turbo is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and it’s time we pay tribute to this legendary machine’s incredible racing pedigree. As an automotive historian and filmmaker, I recently sat down with CJ Wilson, the owner of Porsche Fresno, to dive deep into the 930 Turbo’s unrivaled history on the track.

The 930 Turbo, born from the iconic 911 lineage, didn’t just redefine high-performance road cars; it left an indelible mark on the world of motorsports. From its humble beginnings as a street-legal powerhouse to its utter dominance on racetracks around the globe, the 930 platform proved to be a versatile and formidable competitor, cementing Porsche’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

It all started with the 934, a race-ready variant of the road-going 930. Armed with a turbocharged flat-six engine, the 934 could go head-to-head with the likes of the Corvette and Ferrari Testarossa, punching well above its weight class. Sporting iconic liveries like Jägermeister, Interscope, and the unforgettable Brumos Racing colors, the 934 racked up victories and etched its name in motorsports history.

Related Story: Turbo Lag, Whale Tails, Widowmakers: Celebrating 50 Years of the Legendary ...

The ‘Moby Dick’ Porsche

But Porsche didn’t stop there. They took the 930 platform to new heights with the awe-inspiring 935, affectionately known as “Moby Dick” due to its elongated whale tail and extended front nose. This beast of a machine, with its monstrous power output of up to 800 horsepower in some configurations, dominated endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona, leaving competitors in the dust.

What set the 930 platform apart was not just its raw power but its remarkable longevity and adaptability. While other race cars became obsolete in the blink of an eye, the 934 and 935 remained competitive for over a decade, a testament to Porsche’s engineering prowess and relentless pursuit of excellence.

The 930-based racers even conquered the grueling 12 Hours of Sebring, a race notorious for its punishing track and oppressive Florida heat. Their durability and consistency were the keys to success in one of the world’s most challenging endurance events.

Throughout my conversation with CJ, we were regaled with stories from Porsche enthusiasts, racing historians, and the legendary drivers who piloted these machines to victory. Their tales of triumph and tribulation paint a vivid picture of an era when the 930 Turbo reigned supreme.

And, for Porsche dealers, the racing success of these cars fulfilled the “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” mantra.

Related Story: Central Octane: Inside the Factory Where the Porsche 911 Is Built

The Legacy Lives On

Today, the legacy of the 930 Turbo lives on, with the 934 and 935 still stealing the show at vintage racing events like the Rennsport Reunion and Pebble Beach Car Week. These automotive extravaganzas serve as a testament to the enduring impact of Porsche’s air-cooled wonders, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide to marvel at their timeless beauty and unmatched performance.

Porsche Motorsports’ unwavering support for these classic racers ensures that they will continue to be enjoyed on the track for generations to come. It’s a commitment to preserving not just the cars themselves but the spirit of innovation and passion that fueled their creation.

For those fortunate enough to experience a road-going 930 Turbo, the connection to its racing siblings is palpable. The raw power, the exhilaration, and the sense of history that comes with piloting one of these machines is an unforgettable experience, one that CJ knows all too well.

As we celebrate 50 years of the Porsche 930 Turbo, it’s clear that its impact on the world of motorsports is as profound today as it was when it first roared onto the scene. The stories of the brave drivers, visionary engineers, and passionate enthusiasts who shaped its legacy continue to inspire us, fueling our own love affair with these incredible machines.

So, here’s to the Porsche 930 Turbo, a true icon of the automotive world, and to the countless thrills and triumphs it has given us over the past half-century. As long as there are those who cherish the roar of an air-cooled flat-six and the rush of a perfectly executed apex, the spirit of the 930 Turbo will live on, forever etched in the annals of motorsports history.

Related Story: Legacy of Speed: The 1,600 Horsepower 1957 ‘Skeva’ Chevy Bel Air ...

About the Author

GV Wire Producer Dean Kirkland is the founder and director of Gas and Gears, an independent film production company that has produced numerous television series and feature films, including the award-winning documentary “Racing Through The Forest” (2014).