1975-1977 911 Turbo: Porsche's 155 Mph Marvel

The 1975-1977 Porsche
911 Turbo may be 35
years old, but it is a 155
mph marvel. What does
it have to offer, and is it a
car for you?

To start with, this Porsche
might be the world's most
affordable and usable super-
car. The 911 Turbo was
available from 1975-1977.

It is equipped with a 3.0-liter
engine and a single KKK

(Kuhnle, Kopp, and Kauche) turbochager making 260 hp and it has a four-speed
manual transmission. Other 911s were equipped with five-speed gearboxes, however,
the four-speed unit has thicker internals to withstand the turbo's extra power. The 0-60
time is in 6 seconds and it is reported that this 911 will do 90 mph in second gear.
The car's top speed is 155 mph.

The 911 Turbo of 1978-1989 with its 3.3-liter 300 and up hp engine offered a
different driving experience than the 3.0-liter (1975-1977) version. First, the
turbo kick of the 3.3 engine is more noticeable as it has a much more off/on
power delivery. Also the later version added more weight and the larger engine
is placed further back behind the rear axle. Thus, the car's handling is more of
a challenge.

The 1975-1977 911 Turbo is known for providing crisp handling combined
with creamy power delivery. On the outside, this 911 gained a 'whale-tail'
rear spoiler. It helps to get cool air into the hot turbo's engine bay. Additionally,
it pushes the back end of the car down and delivers the engine's power into the
ground.

Additionally, the car has a deeper front spoiler and wider wheel arches front and
rear that give the car a more aggressive stance. Under the Fuche wheels are
11.1 front and 11.4 inch vented disc brakes.

The 911 Turbo debuted in March 1975 at the Geneva Motor Show and it did
not disappoint. When it tested the car one month after the show, Auto Car
reported, "It may look like an ordinary 911, but the effect is shattering." Motor
Trend said, "Nothing even comes close." And, a year earlier Car gave its verdict,
"[It] takes 2+2 motoring into a realm previously only attained by the most exotic
two-seaters."

Speaking of 2+2s, this 911 Turbo can seat two children in the rear or the seat
back folds down to provide a usable storage shelf. The front seats are supportive
and the dash and control layout are all classic 911 Porsche. Furthermore, the deep
footwalls provide plenty space. The outward view forward and out the back is
very good.

Concerning the 911 Turbo's performance, Classic & Sports Car says, "Let out the
hefty clutch and this 911 feels just like any other: the steering heavy at low speeds
but sharp, the suspension hard as the nose bobs up and down, bury your right foot,
however, and you quickly get a taste of what all of the hype was about 35 years
ago. As the tacho needle approaches 4000 rpm, you feel a thumping arrival of peak
torque as the turbo spools up to its heady 80,000 rpm and gives the flat-six a kick
like the afterburners of an F18 jet." Both the brakes and transmission perform best
after being warmed up.

On twisty roadways, this 911 Turbo really comes to life as the car becomes more
focused as the front bobbing is reduced, the steering communicates, and the chassis'
agility becomes apparent. Thus, the driver realizes that this car's DNA was developed
at the race track.

This 911 Turbo is every day usable but it offers extremely rewarding performance
at the upper end.

When new, this Porsche 911 turbo sold for about $25,000, which was twice as
expensive as the regular 911. Today, the car costs about $35,000 on the used car
market. Buy a good example, and this is an investment piece.

As with any used vehicle purchase, a good pre-purchase inspection by a Porsche
specialist is a must!

The 1975-1977 Porsche 911 Turbo. Loads of character, driving pleasure, and
value for the money. It may well be the most affordable and usable supercar ever!
.
Have an auto question or comment? You can email it to me at
Kbusch3@verizon.net. Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best
for the Price..." www.DriveTheBestBook.com.