Porsche 911 Turbo Flachbau

In 1982, Porsche racing sponsors requested that the German automaker’s Exclusive Manufaktur—sometimes called “Sonderwunsch,” or “Special Wishes”—program create a unique road car that looked like the world-beating Type 935 racer. The resulting bodywork indeed bore a close resemblance to the aerodynamic 935, with louvered steel front fenders made flush with the hood and fitted with retractable headlamps. The rocker panels were boxed and extended to meet the widened rear quarter panels, which contained new brake-cooling vents with side strakes and an electric fan for additional oil cooling. Wider wheels and tires were fitted at both ends.
Within months, Porsche was overcome with customer requests for the 935-inspired “Flat-Nose” treatment. Unsurprisingly, these cars were typically optioned by only the wealthiest clientele, and with many additional factory upgrades. In 1987, Porsche finally added the North American Flat-Nose package, known as M505, to the factory catalog, and 142 coupe examples were produced for the United States that model year.
Production was similarly limited the following year; on offer is one of just 148 coupe examples of the Flat-Nose 911 Turbo to enter the United Sates for 1988. Finished in the handsome Dark Blue paint, the exterior is complemented by color-matched Fuchs wheels. Silver Grey leather wraps the bulk of the interior including the door cards, shift boot, center console, and seats, while Dark Blue leather covers the upper dashboard. Dark Blue piping completes the interior appointments.
In addition to the highly exclusive M505 Flat-Nose option, the build sheet further includes an electric sliding roof, steering wheel with a raised hub, and a luggage compartment upholstered with black velour. Upon sale, the Porsche will be accompanied by a window sticker copy, owner’s books, and tool roll. Within the past 12 months, the car was sent to Olsen Motorsports Inc. for service. An invoice detailing the work is present in the vehicle file.
A unique and particularly rare example of the Porsche 911 Turbo, this M505-equipped Flat-Nose example’s desirability is further bolstered by the limited milage (the odometer displays 19,817 miles at time of cataloguing) and the rare color combination. With just 148 Flat-Nose coupes built for the U.S. market in 1988 model year, this Porsche will surely be desired for decades to come.