There weren’t many ways to improve the stunning looks of the 911 Super Carrera, but when one of Porsche’s wealthy private customers and racing sponsors requested the Sonderwünsche (Special Wishes) department to create a unique road car that looked like the world-beating Type 935 racer, the exclusive department was happy to oblige. That first extreme example generated a swarm of requests from customers who also wanted their own “935 for the street.”

Soon, Porsche was producing a small series of 911 Turbos that bore a close resemblance to the aerodynamic 935, with special new louvered steel front fenders lowered to hood level and fitted with retractable headlamps. The rocker panels were boxed and extended to meet the widened rear quarter panels, which themselves contained new brake-cooling vents with attractive side strakes and additional oil cooling with an electric fan. Wider wheels and tires were fitted at both ends, and these cars were optioned with many desirable upgrades.

Only 44 cars were converted in 1985 and another 52 in 1986. By 1987 Porsche had recognized the profits available in the conversions and offered the option packages M505/506. Another 87 examples were built that year. An eventual total of 678 Flachbau (Flat Nose, or Slant Nose) Turbo coupes and cabriolets were built by Porsche. Option M505, for U.S.-market cars, was priced at $29,559 above and beyond the $85,000 base cost of the car.

Along with its powerful 3.2-liter Type M930/68 turbocharged engine and four-speed transmission, this ’87 flat-nose 911 Turbo cabriolet was finished in the ever-popular Porsche color of Guards Red. Upon its completion on 4 June 1987, the car was optioned with the desirable M505 flat-nose front end, a Blaupunkt radio, power-operated top, alarm system, and Goodyear tires. The well-kept black interior features black partial leather seats and an updated Blaupunkt radio which now accommodates the use of CDs.

Few cars in the history of the 911 exceed the model it was built upon. This flat-nose, complemented by its turbo-charged, air-cooled powerplant, is a jewel in Porsche’s lineage and would make a fine addition to any collection of Stuttgart’s finest sports cars.