Porsche 911 930 (1974 – 1989) Review

Porsche 911 Type 930 1974-1989

After 11 years in production, the Porsche 911 received its first serious facelift. And in line with the times, the visual changes radically altered the way it looked - all in the name of US safety legislation. The 1975 model was nothing less than a step-change in direction for the 911, which was now becoming a much more civilised car to own.

1974 saw the introduction of calmer engines - that produced lower power but more torque - which were fuel injected by Bosch for smoother, cleaner and more economical running. The body - outwardly little changed - was wider, as where the wheels. And it also heralded the introduction of impact bumpers as well. People who bemoan them today, should take a look at the Fiat X1/9 or Spider to see how it's not done.

From August 1975 of that year Porsche became the first manufacturer to produce hot-dip galvanised bodies, and overnight, that  licked the old car's corrosion problems. By now there was just the standard 2.7-litre car and the 911S in the range; the latter having an extra 25HP.

The introduction of the impact bumper cars also ushered in the era of the series production Carrera. No longer was the Carrera reserved for racing specials but it now denoted the range-topping 911. In comparison with the legendary 2.7RSL and RST, it the new Carrera was a bit on the soft side, especially as it was given the option of a Sportomatic torque converter gearbox. There's no denying the 1975 Carrera was an easier car to live with, though. The engine was in the same 210HP state of tune as before, but as these Carreras were 100kg heavier and came fully loaded with all the equipment of the standard models, plus electric windows, performance was down.

In 1976, the 911 Carrera gained a 3.0-litre engine block, still magnesium. Price and performance took an appreciable jump as Porsche worked to ensure there was distance between its rear-engined model line and the newer 924. More equipment was added too - cast alloy 15in wheels were standard, with forged 16-inch rims a cost extra, and for the first time, a Sport version was offered with the option of a Turbo rear spoiler. It was launched with 200HP (10HP down), but had more torque, giving the same 5.9 second 0-60.

In 1978 Porsche introduced the SC ('Super Carrera'). It's 3.0 litre engine had an aluminium rather than magnesium block for greater reliability, plus Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and a 5-speed transmission. Original power output was 180HP, rising to 190HP, then, in 1981, to 205HP.

From 1982 the coupé and targa were joined by a new full convertible - the first time Porsche’s offered such a car since the 356 Roadster.

In 1983, the final - and most say best - naturally aspirated 911 impact bumper variant was launched. The 3.2 Carrera remains a popular all-year supercar for enthusiasts todat, such is its strength and reliability. Although it looked identical to the outgoing SC, with 3.2-litres and 231HP. the 'base' 911 was now a 150mph motor car, and capable of mixing it with the Ferrari 308. But the 911 Carrera was also more economical than before.

Options were extended to include either the standard or wider Turbo-look body complete with spoilers and wide wheels, for those City types who couldn't yet run to the real thing.

For the final 911 Carrera, Porsche looked to its past. The 911 Club Sport was a stripped-out version of the 3.2 that dipped under the 1000kg mark, and offered more fun than any other 911 since the RST/RSL of 1973. Porsche created it by stripping out non-essentials like the rear seats, sound deadening, electric windows and even the passenger’s sun visor. The engine put out the same power but revved more freely, and 300rpm higher, thanks to lightweight inlet valves and a reprogrammed ECU .

A mere 340 were made, of which 53 came to the UK in RHD form.