JUDAS PRIEST TURBO LOVER INSPIRED 911 TAKES CENTRE STAGE

HEADING OUT TO THE HIGHWAY

AS WE went to print a unique Porsche 911 Turbo SE owned by Judas Priest lead guitarist Glenn Tipton was being auctioned by Silverstone Auctions at the Porsche Sale

Collected by Tipton from the Porsche factory while on tour in Europe in 1985, the 911 Turbo SE was the inspiration for him penning the platinum-selling album Turbo, and best-selling single, Turbo Lover.

“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,” recalls Tipton of his 1985 tour.

Tipton’s 911 features a unique Chiffon White colour scheme, with special SE enhancements of vented rear wheel arches, sill extensions and soft leather trim.

The 911 Turbo SE, with an estimated price of £180,000— £220,000 (AUD $300-370k), was Tipton’s pride and joy for over three decades, but his demanding music career meant he has rarely had the opportunity to enjoy the wail of the turbo-flat six. As a result, it has only covered 14,100 miles.

“I live out in the sticks, and it has to be nice weather to take the Porsche out, so I hardly ever use it," said Tipton. “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.”

Already meticulously maintained by Tipton, in preparation for the sale the 911 Turbo SE was sent to highly respected specialists Two Plus Two for a full 'once over' to ensure it's auction ready.

“We feel very privileged to offer this important car for sale for the very first time in its history,” added Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions. “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.”