An enigma to all but the most well-informed Porsche anoraks, the 911 Turbo S of 1989 represents not only the epic swansong for the company’s legendary type 930 program, but also the genesis of its world-famous Exclusive Manufaktur or Sonderwunsch program. Hand built to precise and extravagant requirements—the so-called “special requests” of their dedicated customer base—examples of this supremely rare, limited-production model were strictly sold new to the wealthiest and most connected Porsche clients.
But the truly special features of the 911 Turbo S lay tightly nested above its rear wheels.
There, beneath the tea-tray-bedecked engine lid, resides its exclusive 330 horsepower, 930/66S 3.3-liter flat-six and five-speed G50 transaxle. This engine benefits from the “WLS” (Werksleistungssteigerung or “Factory Performance Increase”) upgrades, including revised ignition timing and fuel injection, an enlarged K27 turbocharger and wastegate, a massive front-mounted oil cooler, and a free-flowing non-catalyzed exhaust system with quad tips. Weighing approximately the same as a standard 930 but with 30 horsepower more, the Turbo S offers a considerable improvement in both top speed and acceleration. In total, just 55 911 Turbo S Coupes were produced with standard bodywork for 1989, 42 of which were earmarked for Porsche VIPs within Germany.
This Grand Prix White over full black leather example is one of those 42 cars and was delivered new to its first owner on 23 February 1989 via Porsche Centre Seestern in Dusseldorf, Germany. In addition to the Turbo S engine package, the car’s original specifications are highlighted by an Exclusive Manufaktur leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel, limited-slip differential, power sunroof, and power-adjustable sport seats.
In May 2014, the car—by this time superbly restored—was purchased from a German broker and imported to British Columbia, Canada. Since then it has remained a carefully enjoyed prize of the consignor’s highly esteemed collection of limited-production sports cars. Immediately prior to a comprehensive, $17,000 engine service by Exclusive Motorcars of Arizona in August 2023, the car was imported to the United States and titled for road use in Washington. Since import from Germany, this Turbo S has travelled approximately 1,271 kilometers (790 miles).
By nearly any measurable standard, these exceptionally special 911 Turbo S Coupes are distinct among the 21,000-plus 930 Turbos Porsche built from 1975 through 1989. They offer the latest, greatest, and most highly refined execution of 930 Turbo mechanicals, augmented by an exclusive powertrain configuration and unmatched exclusivity, all wrapped in the iconic, wide-body silhouette.