1982 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3 (Forzathon)

The early 1980s were a challenging time for performance cars in the U.S. due to ever-increasing EPA regulations. So challenging, in fact, that the 911 Turbo — known as the 930 in America — was withheld from the U.S. and Japanese markets until 1986. The flared wheel arches and whale-tail were definitive characteristics of the 911 Turbo. Despite its evident turbo-lag, the 296 horsepower, air-cooled flat-six delivered aggressive performance and strong acceleration. Power was delivered through a four-speed, though a five-speed was available in the lesser, non-turbo Carrera. While 911’s have always been born — perhaps blessed — with oversteer, when coupled with the turbo-lag, the car could be more than a handful when accelerating through a corner. It’s hard to believe at this time some at Porsche considered letting the 928 replace the 911. Thanks to then-CEO Peter W. Schultz, the 911’s future was ensured and its legendary status continued.