The 1980s were a wild time for sports cars and exotic vehicles. Flashy hero cars on television and bedroom posters converted millions of young people into auto enthusiasts. However, Porsche didn’t do flashy. So, aftermarket tuners needed to step in to give the 911 some street cred—the touches needed to compete against the Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach.
Enter Gemballa - opens in new window or tab., the Stuttgart-based tuning outfit. Gemballa produced one of the most flamboyant 911 examples, and a Miami-based eBay seller is now taking bids - opens in new window or tab. on one of those rare models.
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Built for Pioneer
Gembella outfitted the 1986 Porsche 911 Cabrio with a slant nose inspired by racing Porsches of the day. It also has wide rear fenders complete with intake vents adorned with strakes—clearly inspired by the Testarossa. The car for sale on eBay was a show car for the Pioneer car stereo company. It lived a pampered life, as seen by the odometer reading: just 31,500 miles.
The dark cherry red paint is the only understated feature of this modified Porsche. Most poster cars tend to be bright and loud. But the shade looks perfect—as one would hope for such a high-dollar exotic. The custom ivory leather is a classy contrast.
The Pioneer sound system from back in the day was upgraded with modern audio. It’s funny to see the storage slots in the dash for extra cassette tapes still there—while the cassette deck is long gone. Shame, as this convertible would be perfect for recreating the hairstyle for the classic Maxell “Blown Away” poster - opens in new window or tab..
Flashy But With Fine Touches
We love the wide, color-matched BBS alloy wheels - opens in new window or tab.—fitted, of course, with Gemballa-logo center caps. It’s an incredible period touch. The body kit - opens in new window or tab., save for the wild side vents, is surprisingly understated for the era. It’s so low that I’m sure it’d scrape driveways and speed bumps everywhere. But it just looks right.
We’re thankful that a turbo-look whale tail spoiler wasn’t fitted. While the spoiler is fitting on a turbo car, it’s an overdone accessory added to too many non-turbo Porsches of the era.
While some Gemballa models were based on the 930 Turbo, this Cabrio on eBay is powered by the European-spec 3.2-liter naturally-aspirated six that would have been stock in the period. Well, somewhat stock. The European engine, not constrained by US-market emissions regulations, got extra horsepower over what US dealers offered.
The five-speed transmission, based on the 1986 model year, should be the traditional 915 gearbox rather than the highly-upgraded G50 ‘box fitted to cars in 1987 and later. So, the shifting could take some getting used to. Still, these are incredible drivers’ cars no matter what’s fitted in front of the engine.
Music stars are known for their love of Gemballa 911s. Sir Mix A Lot and Vanilla Ice come to mind as well-known Gemballa owners. To recreate that 1980s vibe, pop in a CD, drop the top, and motor down the road in this unusual Porsche - opens in new window or tab..
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