The 1985 Porsche 911 Turbo SE that inspired legendary rock star Glenn Tipton to pen platinum-selling album Turbo and hit single Turbo Lover is set to cross the block at Silverstone Auctions’ 21 October sale. It is expected to fetch between £180,000-220,000.
Lead guitarist Tipton first visited the Porsche factory while on tour with Judas Priest, which led him to order a 930 series 911 Turbo with one-off Chiffon White colour scheme and special SE enhancements, including vented rear wheel arches, sill extensions and soft leather interior trim.
“We had a tour of the factory at Stuttgart and I was so impressed with the engineering and how meticulous they were when building cars, and I just had to have one,” said Tipton. But I live out in the sticks, and it has to be nice weather to take the Porsche out, so I hardly ever use it. It’s time for it to go to someone who will get some use of it, but it’s going to be very hard to let it go.”
The 300bhp, 3.3-litre Porsche 911 has been in Tipton’s ownership for over three decades, but a demanding work schedule and music career have meant that its only covered 14,100 miles in that time. Despite its low mileage the car has been meticulously maintained, and in preparation for the auction the 911 was sent to a marque specialist for a full service with new petrol injectors.
Managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “We feel very privileged to offer this important car for sale for the very first time in its history. Cars with this unique history, single ownership, and known provenance rarely come to market, and this special car is a real opportunity for the enthusiast and collector alike.”
Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC
