1994 Porsche 911 Turbo S X85 'Flat-Nose'
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$995,000 USD | Sold
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- One of 39 US-spec X85 Turbo S “Flat-Nose” examples and one of only 76 built in total
- Presented in Grand Prix White over black leather with Classic Grey multicolor fabric inserts
- Powered by a turbocharged, air-cooled 3.6-liter flat-six engine and five-speed transaxle
- Equipped with many options from Porsche’s Sonderwunsch factory customization program, including leather and Dark Rootwood interior accents, heated sport seats with lumbar support, remote six-disc CD changer, and electric sliding sunroof
- Accompanied by a factory tool roll, jack, lug wrench, tow eye, and Porsche air-compressor
- The zenith of air-cooled G-series Porsche Turbos, with the added rarity of its U.S.-specification X85 package
Among the rarest and most sought-after Porsches of its time, the 1994 911 Turbo S “Flat-Nose” combines the best of the classic air-cooled, single-turbocharger, rear-wheel-drive Turbo era with distinctive looks and ultimate exclusivity.
In late 1993, a final batch of 76 uncommitted 911 Turbo coupes was sent to Porsche Exclusive for conversion to "S" specification to punctuate the end of production for the Type 964 generation. Available in four distinct market variants—X83, X84, X85, and “USA Package”—these special 911 Turbo S coupes all were equipped with the "Works Increased Horsepower X88” air-cooled flat six-cylinder engine.
The X88 engine benefitted from an uprated KKK turbocharger operating with increased boost, a more efficient intercooler, modified cylinder heads with larger ports, increased-capacity fuel injectors, and more radical camshafts with advanced engine timing. A marked improvement over the standard 3.6-liter M64 911 Turbo engine, the X88 engine produced an additional 25 horsepower and had a much wider powerband, with a peak output of 385 horsepower at 5,750 rpm. Torque also increased to 384 pound-feet and was available much lower in the rev range, which helped resolve the 911 Turbo’s lack of urge at lower boost levels. A G50 five-speed manual transaxle transmitted power to the rear wheels through a 40-percent locking differential. The standard 3.6 Turbo suspension remained, but Porsche Motorsports race engineer Roland Kussmaul fine-tuned the ride height, lowering it about an inch and a half to enhance handling.
Most, but not all, of the 76 911 Turbo S coupes were given variations of the exotic, hand-fabricated and extremely expensive X85 “Flat-Nose” bodywork. The option incorporated 968-style retractable "flounder" headlamps, asymmetrical 959-style air intakes on both rear quarter-panels, a special front air-splitter, a louvered rear wing enclosing the intercooler, quad exhaust tips, and staggered 18-inch modular, light-alloy wheels built by Speedline exclusively for Porsche. Manufacturer suggested retail price guidelines for the U.S.-market X85—of which just 39 were built—began at an eye-watering $162,000, not including any additional optional equipment or custom tailoring these exclusive cars typically received.
In total, 76 Turbo S Flat-Nose coupes were built: 10 X83s were sold to Japan, 27 X84s offered to "Rest of the World" buyers, and 39 examples of the X85 version with flat-nose front ends were sold to the United States. An additional 17 X85s were delivered with standard 964 Turbo front fenders with fixed headlights.
Completed 22 December 1993, this stunning X85 Turbo S Flachbau is one of the 39 U.S.-spec examples and offers a wonderful level of preservation, retaining what is believed to be its factory finishes in addition to an exceptional array of Porsche Sonderwunsch, or “Special Wishes,” options. Cloaked in code P5 Grand Prix White, the car’s interior is uniquely trimmed in an array of black leather and code M526 Classic Grey multicolor fabric. The cabin is a stunning illustration of Porsche Sonderwunsch’s abilities in the 1990s. Enhanced with brilliant polychromatic fabric for the seat inserts and door cards, the interior sports Dark Rootwood accents on the shift knob, emergency brake handle, and instrument carrier while black leather is fitted to the seat bodies, console, dash, and instrument rings. An incredibly unique Porsche-branded car phone with leather-wrapped cradle and speaker is fitted below the dash.
As documented by a VIN Analytics build report, the car was further optioned with heated, lumbar-supported sport seats with full electrical adjustment, an electric sliding sunroof, remote six-disc CD changer, 18-inch polished Speedline wheels with Porsche-crest center caps, and a rear windshield washing system. While little is known of the car’s early history, it has undoubtedly lived a pampered life as evidenced by its clean presentation and odometer reading less than 18,400 miles at cataloguing time. A factory tool roll, jack, lug wrench, tow eye, and Porsche air-compressor complete the sale.
For those seeking the zenith of G-series air-cooled Porsche Turbos, but with the added rarity of the U.S.-specification X85 package, this well-preserved, Grand Prix White Turbo S Flat-Nose makes for the ultimate prize.