In 1982, Porsche racing sponsor Mansour Ojjeh requested that the German automaker 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 and rocker panels that were boxed and extended to meet the widened rear quarter panels. Porsche was soon overcome with customer requests for this 935-inspired “Flat-Nose” treatment and sometime thereafter this optional bodywork package was formally added to their catalog. Unsurprisingly, these cars were typically optioned by only the wealthiest clientele, and with many additional factory upgrades.

ONE OF 105

Clad in the unmistakable shade of Guards Red over a handsomely trimmed cockpit rendered in special-order Champagne leather with black leatherette trim, this M505 “North American Flat-Nose” Turbo coupe is one of just 105 examples produced for the model year. Its original window sticker illustrates that it was delivered new to Jim Ellis Porsche of Atlanta, Georgia, with additional factory specifications including an electric sunroof, driver lumbar support, Blaupunkt Reno cassette/radio, stone guard decals, and a luggage compartment trimmed with black velour.

Immediately prior to acquisition by the consignor, this Flat-Nose Turbo was treated to nearly $52,000 in cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment from Porsche Classic and other specialist vendors. Invoices on file show that a 2018 engine-out service performed by Porsche Classic included a new ignition coil, V-belt, spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor, hoses, ignition control unit, oxygen sensor, gaskets, clutch, pressure plate, and release bearing. The car’s exterior was similarly treated to a full paint correction and protective ceramic coating regimen.

A full NOS OEM champagne leather interior kit was sourced from Autobahn Interiors of San Diego, California to a cost approaching $10,000; this interior was then installed during the car’s time at Porsche Classic. The 16-inch staggered Fuchs wheels were completely refurbished by Weidman’s Wheels of Oroville, California in February 2019.

In April 2020, the consignor commissioned Stahl Motorsports in West Palm Beach, Florida to execute another $50,000 in mechanical sorting to get this Flat-Nose in "perfect touring" condition. A compendium of invoices illustrate that new brake rotors, pads, lines, and Michelin Pilot Sport tires were fitted to the rear wheels. Furthermore, Bilstein performance shocks were added at all four corners, while the front suspension assembly received new wheel bearings, ball joints, and tie rods.

Additional rebuilds were furnished to the car’s air conditioning system, engine top-end, turbo, emergency brake assembly, clutch, and struts. The numbers-matching engine and gearbox were removed and separated in order to fit a new flywheel, service the clutch, and install new seals for the crankshaft and mainshaft. Lastly, a tasteful pair of Euro-spec taillights were installed in conjunction with a new fuse box and Bosch battery.