Gemballa Avalanche classic cars for sale

History of the Gemballa Avalanche

Gemballa GmbH, based in Leonberg, Germany, has made a name for itself since 1981 as an audacious customiser—envisioned by Uwe Gemballa—for elevated Porsche vehicles. The Avalanche, introduced in the mid-1980s, was Gemballa’s headline act on the basis of the Porsche 911 Turbo. It set itself apart in a crowded field of tuners with extravagant bodywork and radical interpretations of German sports cars, transforming the technical foundation of the 930 Turbo into a machine at the edge of what road-legal cars could achieve at the time. These models catered to clients who craved uniqueness beyond even Porsche's own specials, amplifying both visual drama and performance.

Model Development and Evolution

The Avalanche debuted in the 1980s, derived from the 911 Turbo (930) platform. It represented a leap beyond conventional tuning—Gemballa replaced or drastically modified nearly every body panel, introducing fresh aerodynamics and bespoke interiors. Successor models followed trends in turbocharging and aesthetics, with each iteration pushing further into distinct styling and mechanical upgrades. While production numbers remained low, later variants sometimes integrated more advanced electronics and further personalised details, responding to both technology’s advance and customer demand for uniqueness.

Highlights and Unique Features

The Avalanche is defined by its sharply angular bodywork, often including side skirts, widened arches, custom bumpers, and distinctive rear spoilers. Interior conversions ranged from high-quality natural leather to high-tech features rare for the era—such as televisions and extensive sound systems. Mechanical upgrades focused on squeezing the most from Porsche’s turbocharged flat-six engines, with substantial power rises depending on the client’s demands and specification.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Limited Runs

Given Gemballa’s bespoke approach, nearly every Avalanche could be considered a special edition. However, rarer builds with individual customer requests—such as unique paint colours, special interior trims, or advanced multimedia systems—stand out further. No official factory-run limited edition exists in the usual sense; instead, the limited nature stems from the extremely low production numbers and highly personalised specifications of each car.

Common Issues and Maintenance Considerations

Due to the significant modifications over standard Porsche components, maintenance of an Avalanche requires expertise in both Porsche and aftermarket tuning. Some replacement parts—especially unique body panels or interior electronics—can be difficult to source and may need to be custom-fabricated. Buyers should pay special attention to the condition of turbo conversions, custom wiring, and fit and finish of aftermarket bodywork when inspecting any Avalanche.

Engine, Transmission, and Driving Behaviour

Avalanche models are renowned for their increased power compared to their Porsche base cars. Enhanced turbocharged engines deliver aggressive performance, particularly in acceleration and mid-range torque. Handling is affected by the wider track and revised suspension setups, offering more grip but a firmer ride. The gearbox usually receives upgrades to handle the boosted power. The Avalanche’s character is of a car built for high-speed confidence and dramatic presence rather than subtlety.

Popular Models:

• Avalanche based on Porsche 911 Turbo (930): Turbocharged six-cylinder, significant power upgrades, full custom aero kit, exclusive interiors.
• Later variants may incorporate Porsche 964 or 993 upgrades, further advancing performance and drivetrain technology. undefined

Design, Comfort, and Customisation

Exterior design is perhaps the defining trait: massive wheel arches, custom spoilers, and a silhouette that makes no effort to hide its bespoke origins. The interior often features tailor-made upholstery in premium leather, custom dashboard layouts, and unique trim elements like rare woods or high-grade metals. Special equipment such as advanced hi-fi systems, CRT televisions (in 1980s models), and adjustable seating is not uncommon. Paintwork sometimes departs completely from Porsche’s palette, offering customers practically limitless specification freedom.

Other Notable Details

Ownership of a Gemballa Avalanche is closely associated with the owner's personality—a reflection of their appetite for individuality and performance. Because Gemballa adjusted each Avalanche to client orders, historical research for a specific car (e.g. build sheets, invoices) is crucial for collectors. Some Avalanches have lived flamboyant lives in pop culture, furthering their status within car enthusiast circles.

Summary

The Gemballa Avalanche offers a unique blend of turbocharged Porsche performance combined with custom luxury and headline-making visual presence. Designed and built for the select few who demanded more than a factory sports car, each Avalanche is a one-off in terms of specification and styling. These cars stand out for those seeking a classic that goes far beyond factory perfection—embodying the spirit of 1980s and 1990s tuning culture at its most daring.