Hardly any sports car has shaped the world of automotive enthusiasts and model builders as much as the Porsche 911 Turbo. First presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1974, the 911 Original Turbo, internally designated as Type 930, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. For you model builders, this is not only a reason to celebrate, but also an invitation to experience the technology, history, and myth of this exceptional vehicle up close and to recreate it in scale.
The Birth of the Super-Elfer
The early 1970s were a time of new beginnings. Porsche had achieved great success in motorsport with turbo technology, for example with the legendary 917/10 and 917/30. But the step of bringing this technology into a production vehicle was revolutionary. In 1973, a first prototype was shown at the IAA, and a year later the 911 Turbo was ready for series production, astonishing the world. The first deliveries to customers began in 1975.
The original Turbo was a declaration of war on the competition. A 3.0-liter boxer engine with KKK turbocharger, 260 hp, 0 to 100 km/h in about 5.2 seconds, and a top speed of 250 km/h made the 911 Turbo the fastest German road sports car of its time. The mighty whale tail rear spoiler, the flared fenders, and the wide Fuchs wheels instantly made it an eye-catcher and the epitome of the turbo look.
Anecdotes and First Owners: A Gift with Symbolic Power
One of the most beautiful stories about the first Turbo is that of Louise Piëch, sister of Ferry Porsche. On August 29, 1974, she was given the very first series-produced 911 Turbo for her 70th birthday. A one-off with a 2.7-liter turbo engine and Carrera lettering, which she continued to drive regularly into old age. This gesture not only honored her role in the Porsche family, but also finally made the Turbo a symbol of innovation and family history.
The Turbo in Motorsport and Everyday Life
What many do not know: The 911 Turbo was not only a hero on the road, but also the basis for Porsche’s first turbocharged racing cars such as the 934. The combination of motorsport technology and everyday usability was unique and remains so to this day. The Turbo was the first production vehicle to bring turbo technology to the road so uncompromisingly that the Porsche Sport Driving School was even founded to teach owners how to handle the brute power.
Appearances in Film, TV, and Pop Culture
The 911 Turbo has long since made its way into pop culture. It appears in numerous films, TV series, and even video games. Particularly iconic is the black 964 Turbo from Bad Boys (1995), which is still considered one of the coolest movie cars to this day and also has a cameo appearance in the latest part of the series. But the Turbo also appears regularly in other productions from the 70s and 80s and always stands for speed, style, and independence.
Model Building: The Fascination in 1:24 Scale
Now it’s your turn. For model builders, the Porsche 911 Turbo is a dream object. Our anniversary kit brings the technology and myth directly to your home. Based on original drawings from the Porsche archive, the kit consists of 86 individual parts, which are assembled in a beginner-friendly way at Level 3 using the included Revell Contacta glue. A real highlight for technology fans.
The Turbo and Its Legacy: 50 Years of Innovation
For the anniversary, Porsche has created the 911 Turbo 50 Years special model as a tribute to the original. With historical design elements such as the tartan pattern on the seats, special paint finishes and add-on parts in Turbonit, as well as a badge with the years 1974 to 2024. The Fuchs wheel also lives on as a design element, a nice detail that has also found its way into the watch sector, for example with the limited Chronograph 1 – 50 Years 911 Turbo Edition.
Get the Legend to Build Yourself
Whether as a model building inspiration, a dream car, or a cult object, the Porsche 911 Turbo is and remains an icon. With our model kit you can bring a piece of this legend into your living room and experience the technology, history, and fascination of the original Turbo up close. Let yourself be inspired by the precision and attention to detail during assembly and celebrate 50 years of madness on wheels with us.