1988 Porsche 911 Turbo 'Flat-Nose' Coupe

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$291,000 USD | Sold

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  • One of 148 code M505-equipped North American coupes built for the 1988 model year
  • Porsche Classic Technical Certificate recipient; matching-numbers engine and transmission
  • Showing 8,565 miles at the time of cataloguing
  • Lavishly optioned with extended Champagne leather
  • Accompanied by a tool roll, owner’s manuals, an air compressor, and service invoices

A dream car for many since it first hit the road in 1975, Porsche’s first generation of 911 Turbo, known internally as the 930, quickly established itself as a global performance benchmark. With huge flared fenders and a whale-tail rear deck spoiler, it certainly looked the part as well, all while being instantly recognizable as both a Porsche and a 911.

In 1982, Porsche racing sponsors requested that the German automaker’s Exclusiv 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. During the 1988 model year, Porsche completed just 148 coupe examples for the North American market

On offer is one such example of the Flat-Nose 911 Turbo to cross the Atlantic. Completed in February 1988, this 911 Turbo was originally delivered to an individual in Atlanta, Georgia. Finished in the classic shade of Guards Red over a Champagne leather interior, this Flat-Nose, like many of its siblings, left the factory with a desirable list of options. Leather swathes the bulk of the interior, extending to the steering wheel, heater console, signal button, brake lever, and seat belt latch. In addition to the highly exclusive M505 Flat-Nose special option, the build sheet further includes driver’s lumbar support, an electric sunroof, stone guard, a black velour luggage compartment, an alarm system, and a Blaupunkt Reno stereo. These factory specifications are all confirmed on the original window sticker on file.

Presently showing 8,565 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloguing, invoices on file verify the outer chain box seals were replaced in August of 2022. A year later, the air conditioning was repaired, and the shifter bushings were replaced. Lastly, the car received its Porsche Classic Technical Certificate in April 2022, which confirms the engine and transmission to be the numbers-matching units from the factory. A Porsche Classic Communications Management infotainment/GPS system was installed at this time in place of the original stereo head unit. Upon sale, the Porsche will be accompanied by a tool roll, owner’s manuals, an air compressor, and even a key pouch in its original plastic packaging.

A unique and particularly rare example of the Porsche 911 Turbo, this M505 equipped “Flat-Nose” example’s desirability is further bolstered by its limited mileage and the luxuriously equipped Champagne leather interior. With just 148 such coupes built for the North American market in 1988 model year, this Porsche will surely be coveted for decades to come.