Porsche 911 Turbo Martini: 9 Rare Details That Make It Iconic

The Porsche 911 Turbo Martini stands as a pinnacle of 1970s automotive engineering, merging ferocious performance with eye-catching Martini Racing aesthetics. This special 1978 model, showcased at the British Motor Show, exemplifies the raw excitement of early turbocharged 911s, known internally as the ‘930’. With its boosted flat-six engine, distinctive wide-body styling, and luxurious cabin, it captured the imagination of enthusiasts and set the stage for the Turbo lineage’s ongoing dominance.

Birth of the Turbo Legend

The 911 Turbo emerged in an era when Porsche sought to push boundaries beyond naturally aspirated limits. Introduced in 1975, the initial 930 featured a reworked 3.0-litre flat-six engine augmented by a single KKK turbocharger, delivering 260bhp. This setup propelled the car to exhilarating acceleration, though not without the notorious turbo lag that made it a handful for drivers unaccustomed to its surge.

By 1978, refinements elevated the game: displacement grew to 3.3 litres, power climbed to 300bhp—a 40bhp increase—and the engine shifted 30mm rearward for superior weight distribution. These changes addressed handling quirks inherent to the rear-engine layout, making the Turbo more planted without sacrificing its wild character. Priced at over £78,000 new (equivalent to roughly £320,000 today), it occupied supercar territory, outpacing rivals in speed and prestige.

Signature Martini Racing Livery

What sets this example apart is its Martini Racing paint scheme, a nod to Porsche’s victorious motorsport heritage. The white body accented by bold red and blue stripes evokes the glory days of endurance racing, where Martini-liveried Porsches dominated tracks like Watkins Glen and the Nürburgring.

• Exterior Highlights: Sweeping stripes along the hood, sides, and rear create a dynamic flow, contrasting the flared wheel arches and massive ‘tea-tray’ rear spoiler designed for downforce.
• Wide-Body Stance: Fender flares accommodate 16-inch Fuchs wheels, enhancing grip from wide low-profile tires.
• Functional Aerodynamics: The prominent wing channels air to cool the intercooler while stabilizing high-speed runs.

This livery wasn’t mere decoration; only nine such Turbos received it, tying directly to Porsche’s racing programs where 2.1-litre RSR variants pushed turbo tech to 470-500bhp in competition trim.

Luxury Meets Performance Inside

Step inside, and the Turbo defies racer stereotypes with opulent materials. Leather-wrapped surfaces, power-adjustable seats, and a comprehensive gauge cluster prioritize grand touring comfort. This 1978 show car boasts unique Fuhrmann orthopaedic seat padding—padded blocks intended for ergonomic support during long drives. Though innovative, the cost sidelined them from production.

Cabin accents mirror the Martini theme: red and blue stitching and trim inject vibrancy into the black leather palette. Air conditioning, electric windows, and a gated four-speed manual shifter underscore its dual role as daily luxury and weekend weapon.

Driving Dynamics: Thrill and Challenge

Behind the wheel, the 911 Turbo Martini delivers a visceral experience. The 3.3-litre engine idles smoothly, but mashing the throttle unleashes turbo spool-up followed by a tidal wave of boost—peak torque arrives abruptly, demanding respect. Top speed exceeds 155mph, with 0-60mph in under 5 seconds, blistering for the era.

Handling blends terror and triumph. Rear-engine bias and turbo lag earned nicknames like ‘Widowmaker,’ yet the 1978 updates improved balance. Four-wheel disc brakes provide confident stopping, while the suspension—tuned with Bilstein shocks—corners flatly under power. Modern eyes see it as analog bliss: no driver aids, just pure mechanical feedback.

From Show Stand to Collector’s Gem

This exact car headlined Porsche’s 1978 British Motor Show display, drawing crowds with its presence. Surviving in pristine condition, it represents a bridge between prototype racer and production supercar. Restorations, like one 1977 Martini 930 revived after 21 years dormant, highlight the model’s resilience and enthusiast passion.

Today, values soar into six figures, fueled by rarity and provenance. The nine Martini Turbos command premiums, especially show cars like this one.

Evolution: Turbo’s Lasting Impact

The 930 Turbo birthed a dynasty. Fast-forward to 2026: the 992-generation 911 Turbo S boasts 701bhp from twin-turbo V6 with electric-assist turbos, lapping the Nürburgring in 7:03.92—blisteringly quick yet daily-drivable. The 992 Turbo offers 641bhp, 0-62mph in 2.7 seconds via eight-speed PDK, balancing excess with precision.

Core DNA persists: rear-engine layout, flat-six (now flat-four roots), and turbo ferocity. Yet electronics tame the beast, making it accessible without diluting thrill.

Performance Specifications at a Glance

Why It Endures

The Martini Turbo captivates with unfiltered emotion: laggy boost, howling exhaust, and telepathic steering. It embodies Porsche’s risk-taking spirit, proving turbos could redefine sports cars. Collectors cherish its history; drivers crave its unpredictability. In a sanitized world, this relic reminds us of motoring’s wild heart.

Ownership Considerations

• Maintenance: Specialist Porsche service essential; turbo and fuel systems demand expertise.
• Costs: Annual upkeep £5,000+; parts scarce for 930s.
• Driving Tips: Smooth inputs mitigate snap oversteer; build boost progressively.
• Investment: Appreciating asset, especially low-mileage originals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes the 911 Turbo Martini special?

Its rare Martini livery, show-car history, and unique Fuhrmann seats distinguish it among nine built. Raw 1978 turbo performance adds allure.

How does the original Turbo compare to modern 911 Turbos?

Originals offer analog thrills with lag; modern versions like the 992 deliver refined 700bhp without compromise.

Is the 930 Turbo safe for modern roads?

Challenging due to no aids, but restored examples with updated tires/brakes handle well under skilled piloting.

What’s the value of a 1978 Martini Turbo today?

£300,000+, with provenance pushing higher; rarity drives demand.

Can you daily drive a classic 911 Turbo?

Possible for short trips, but comfort and reliability favor modern Turbos.