Porsche 911 Turbo 5 Gang

An impressive seven “X-Code” Porsche Exclusive options were standard on the LE. The exterior body work was modified at Exclusive with a front spoiler with opening for a supplied oil cooler not seen on any Turbo until that point and rear side air ducts for brakes, the same as seen on Slantnose cars of the era. Color crested center caps featured on the Turbo-width Fuchs wheels that could be selected in body color as a no-cost option. The interior received three leather Exclusive options: a short shift leather gear lever and three-spoke steering wheel both with a gold crest and a leather hand brake cover. Advanced security and convenience were addressed with a Porsche Remote Alarm System-1 and a premium Blaupunkt Berlin audio system. Furthermore, each Limited Edition received a gold-colored commemorative plaque on the center console proclaiming its special status.

Of the highest importance to most LE customers at the time must have been option code M148: Turbo Powerkit 330 PS. This rare option, standard for the LE along with a limited slip differential, gave these special Turbos the Type 930.66S Sport Equipment engine boosting output by 30 PS and a visual enhancement out back with a four-outlet exhaust. The press release announcing the LE pegged the top speed “in excess of 170 miles per hour” with the run to 62 mph flashing by in a conservative five seconds, through magazine tests often recorded faster times. Naturally, the last-of-its-kind 911 Turbo was of immediate interest to those on the British Isles and were snapped up immediately.

The Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity and original service book for this Guards Red 911 Turbo LE note a first registration on 30 June 1989 and features the expansive list of LE-standard Exclusive options from new as well as additional factory fitted options specified at Porsche Lancaster Colchester. Of note are the draped leather seats front and rear, heated front seats, and a trunk in velour carpeting. Service documentation on file and available for review that dates back to 2003 shows an LE that has been well-maintained at both independent Porsche specialists and, most recently, Porsche Centre Leicester.

Perhaps most impressive is this LE’s relatively unmodified state. It retains both its matching numbers type 930/66S “SE” engine and five-speed manual transmission with limited slip. The body remains unmodified, wearing a respray in its original shade of Guards Red. The interior retains those special Porsche Exclusive interior components and is noted to have received an interior retrim with correct Linen carpeting. It is offered with 50,874 miles, its original service book, trunk-mounted spare, and toolkit. Well-known among Porsche enthusiasts upon debut, the 911 Turbo Limited Edition became a mysterious model for a time due to its rarity, recognizable to only the most invested cognoscenti. Today, it is widely revered, not only for its special looks, explosive power, and Exclusive appointments, but its highly collectible nature as the last and best of its kind.