I have a 1979 930 that has a 160mph speedo. Some people tell me that it was changed because they regularly came with 150 mph speedo's. Is this true? I own a low mileage car with all the history. Why would this be?
Thanks in advance

 

The early '79 930's came with 150 mph speedometers. The later 79 930's had 85 mph speedometers due to a new U.S. Federal law that required the maximum range on speedometers to be 85 mph. This lasted until 1983 when it was replaced by the 160 mph speedometer.

Sloane Russeck

 

They made 1200 1979 930 Turbos - the first cars came out with 150 MPH Speedometers - then around VIN 650 to 750 because of the Ralph Nadar law they changed them to 85 MPH Speedometers - many people who had those 85 MPH speedos changed them to the original 150 mph speedos - and that should be documented in you books. Porsche never made a Factory 160 MPH Speedometer for a 930 - yours has been changed. They way you can tell which Speedometer it should have (other than the VIN) - and not very many people know this - is - The 150 mph speedometer cars had tall headlight washers and the 85 mph speedometer cars had short headlight washers. I sell Porsches - have for 8 years - but my brother who owns his own independent dealership has sold Porsche's for 29 years and the 79 930 is one of his favorites - that is how i came upon this tidbit of information. Hope it helps you.

 

Correction - Porsche never made a 160 MPH speedometer for a 1979 930 turbo.

 

The 1986-89 911 turbos had 160 mph speedometers. My '79 930 vin #554 has the 150 mph speedo with the large headlight washers.

Sloane Russeck

 

What do I have then? I have a 79 930 with short washers and a 150 speedo. Vin 9309801082

Eric 79 930

 

Eric,

Your car should have came with the 85 mph speedo. It was probably changed out when the car was originally delivered. This was a very common thing to do. If it was a late '79 it would also have the headlight adjustment bezzels.

Sloane
1979 930

 

Thank you for all your responses. I understand.