Full Circle: David Schardt’s Reunited 1984 Porsche 911 Turbo

SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
Full Circle: David Schardt’s Reunited 1984 Porsche 911 Turbo
Full Circle: David Schardt’s Reunited 1984 Porsche 911 Turbo - Image 1
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Some cars are more than machines—they’re milestones. For David Schardt, president of Forgeline Motorsports, this 1984 Porsche 911 Turbo is one of those cars. A highly-customized icon of 1980s performance and style, it once served, in the 1990s, as a promotional flagship for David’s first business, The Wheel Source, and for the then-startup wheel manufacturing venture known as Forgeline Motorsports. But life evolves, and when David and his wife Sherri began growing their family, the Porsche was sold to make room for more practical transportation.

Fast forward to Christmas Eve 2024, when fate intervened. While scrolling Facebook, a friend spotted David's old 911 Turbo listed for sale and immediately shared it with David. A quick message to the seller that same day led to a deal, and just like that, the car was soon back home.

A Time Capsule on Wheels
When David reacquired the car in 2025, he was stunned to find it nearly untouched from the day he sold it decades earlier. The original Forgeline RS wheels were still mounted, and even the “WHEEL SOURCE” decals remained proudly displayed in the windows—a nostalgic reminder of the car’s role in promoting his first business and the early days of Forgeline Motorsports.

Built to Thrill
This isn’t your average 1984 Porsche 911 Turbo. It’s a uniquely-modified machine that blends vintage character with serious performance upgrades. Originally enhanced in the 1980s, the car features a steel Slant Nose conversion by Bavarian Coachworks, giving it a bold and aggressive front-end profile that sets it apart from the crowd.

Under the rear decklid, the engine was rebuilt by Howe Motorsports and fitted with a larger turbocharger, Electromotive twin plug ignition, custom ported heads, and a B&B exhaust system—all working together to deliver modern power with classic turbocharged punch to the tune of 700HP. A G-50 5-speed transmission brings smoother shifting and improved drivability, compared to the original 4-speed.

Stopping power comes courtesy of Big Red Brembo brakes, while a Racing Dynamics front strut brace and Bilstein shocks keep the chassis planted and responsive. Exterior enhancements include a RUF front spoiler, and the interior has been tastefully upgraded with custom leather seats, red gauge bezels, a MOMO steering wheel and shift knob, and a custom stereo system installed by Dayton, Ohio's California Custom Sounds.

The car rides on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, 225/40ZR18 up front and 295/30ZR18 in the rear, wrapped around a set of Forgeline forged three piece GF3 wheels, sized 18x8 and 18x10.5, finished with Satin Hyper Silver centers and Polished outers. These wheels not only elevate the car’s aesthetic but also deliver the strength and performance that Forgeline is known for.

Rolling Upgrade: The Forgeline GF3 Wheels
While David was excited to find his lost 911 still riding on the original Forgeline RS wheels, those wheels had unfortunately incurred some damage, over the past 30 years. So Dave decided that an upgrade to new set of wheels manufactured with modern technology would be a necessary move. The Porsche now rides on Forgeline forged three-piece GF3 wheels from the Forgeline Performance Series. These custom-made wheels feature a classic five-spoke design and are engineered for serious track duty, with a 2100 lb. street tire load rating per wheel. Built from precision-machined forged 6061-T6 aluminum centers and heat-treated rim shells, the GF3 incorporates Forgeline’s signature “I-beamed” spoke technology to reduce weight while enhancing strength and rigidity. Hidden ARP assembly hardware ensures a clean, smooth appearance and easier maintenance, while the design allows generous brake clearance for extreme fitments. Finished with Satin Hyper Silver centers and Polished outers and wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, this GF3 fitment not only elevates the car’s stance, it represents the craftsmanship and innovation that has defined Forgeline since its humble beginnings in 1994.

“Seeing the car again was incredible—it still had the original RS wheels and even the old decals," says David. "Selling it back then was the right decision for our family, but I never stopped thinking about it. I always hoped I’d find it again someday. Now that it’s back, it’s even better than I remembered; it’s an absolute blast to drive. And the reaction it gets from people is amazing. Everyone loves the slant nose and the whale tail, and a few people even remember it from our Wheel Source days. I’m very excited to own this car again.”

Full Circle
From its origins as a promotional flagship to its return as a cherished part of David Schardt’s personal collection, this 1984 Porsche 911 Turbo represents more than just horsepower; it’s a living piece of Forgeline history. With its bold styling, serious performance, and unmistakable presence, the car continues to turn heads and spark conversations, just as it did decades ago. Now reunited with David and the Forgeline team, it’s back where it belongs—on the road, in the spotlight, and still making memories.