Inspired by the slant-nosed Porsche 935 race car, Porsche tuners such as RUF took to the 911’s familiar round headlights and high fenders for a new look. The aerodynamic front end that helped the 935 qualify for FIA Group 5 rules gave street-going cars a track-ready look that proved popular with well-heeled customers. It did not take Porsche long to catch onto the idea with its own special-order option for its 911 Turbo. Officially dubbed as the 930 S and known internally by option code M505, the low-slung front end first became available for order in the early 1980s in Europe.

The Flachbau (“flat build” in German), or “Flat-Nose” front end was largely crafted by hand, making it a time-consuming addition. Pop-up headlights made the car more aerodynamic and drastically changed its distinctive side profile. The enhancements took the already ferocious, winged, 330-hp 911 Turbo to a new level, pushing its top speed to 173 mph. Due to federal regulations that prevented Porsche from selling its top-of-the-line model in the U.S., the 911 Turbo Flat-Nose was forbidden fruit until 1986. Only a handful were imported with the help of Bruce Canepa.

Like the 911 Turbo Flat-Nose offered here, most were ordered from Porsche with numerous options from its Special Wishes department. This car was completed in paint-to-sample Garnet Metallic over leather-to-sample Pearl Beige upholstery with dark red piping, carpeting, and dashboard. Electric sports seats, an alarm system, and a sunroof helped it straddle the line between ultra-luxury coupe and true supercar.

Built to German-market specifications, this 911 Turbo was brought to the U.S. at the behest of Canepa via Hahn Sportwagen in Stuttgart, Germany. It shows fewer than 4,400 miles and its condition is commensurate with that low figure. Tasteful factory interior upgrades include burl wood paneling on its dashboard, additional leather trim, and an extensive Clarion audio system integrated into its center console. Its original owner spent nearly 70,000 Deutsch Marks on upgrades in 1985. By the time the 911 Turbo reached the U.S., its price skyrocketed to about $90,000, nearly a quarter of which accounted for its special body.

The 911 Turbo Flat-Nose will be delivered to its next owner with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, its original tool kit including an air compressor, Porsche and aftermarket audio manuals in German and English, and even the Lufthansa Cargo air waybill tags from its initial trip to the U.S. This well-documented example is certainly one of the finest extant.