Photography Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
The ’80s. It’s difficult to think of a time that provided us with more memorable pop culture. The hair. The clothes. The movies. Even the music, which is seemingly getting better with age, is hard not to get nostalgic about. Cars from that era are no exception.
And why not? The generation provided us with a number of iconic designs. A mere mention of ‘the ’80s’ has probably already made you think about the Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari Testarossa. I don’t blame you: it’s hard to think of another pair of cars that suited its generation more perfectly. The Porsche 911 Turbo is also universally regarded as one of the period’s best, but is a standard 930 the most ’80s? No way—but this 1988 Porsche 911 Turbo ‘Slant Nose’ Cabriolet definitely is.
Porsche set the world on fire with the 930 Turbo. Released in 1975, the 930 quickly earned the reputation for incident after several boost-lag induced snap over-steer accidents. Even with the Turbo’s extra widebody housing massive rubber, the stability was still questionable—especially for novice drivers. The love-it-or-hate-it ‘whale tail’ rear spoiler wasn’t just a tacked on styling cue; it was a heat venting traction aid. Still, the tricky powerband proved to be a handful for many.
But hey! Any fame is good fame, right? The boosted Carrera’s notorious character attracted many to showrooms and the car sold rather well considering its $85,000 MSRP—more than $172,000 in today’s coin. Porsche made changes throughout its production to reduce some of the car’s homicidal tendencies, stay compliant with mid-cycle production implemented emission requirements, and to keep the car market fresh.
Starting in 1981, the most expensive option was offered through Porsche’s Sonderwunschprogramm (Special Order Program): the Flachbau—better known as the ‘Slant Nose’. Rumor has it, a Porsche enthusiast and racing sponsor asked the Special Wishes department for a 935 racecar-inspired 930, which the Porsche factory kindly granted. The finished one-off was a hit, and customers demanded a “street 935” factory offering.
Option packages M505 and M506 started at around $29,000 Usd., valuing the option at nearly half the standard Turbo’s asking price! The cost reflected laborious production as the fenders were cut and reshaped by hand at the factory. With louvers trailing the oh-so-’80s flip-up headlights, the wedge clip gave the Porsche an “all-business” look over the standard round lamp face.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, only 948 orders were placed, making the Flachbau 930 one of the most rare and unique 911s to date. Like many rarities, imposters pollute the market, lending authentic originally spec’d Slant Nose cars highly sought-after collectables. This immaculate cabriolet example might be one of the nicest left with less than 9,000 miles accumulated.
Ordered with special Silver Metallic paint over Marine Blue leather, this three-owner numbers-matching 930 drop-top is said to present in near showroom condition. The wider M505 spec anodized Fuchs wheels were finished in silver—a nice change from the two-tone black backing standard look. This Slant Nose was nicely optioned with a Blaupunkt Reno sound system, power seats and windows, heated mirrors, anti-theft security, air-conditioning, limited-slip differential, and more. With so few miles, this unicorn has barely seen outside the stable—it’s probably time to break it in.
The standard 930 Turbo is a masterpiece, but a convertible 930 Slant Nose Turbo earns ‘The Most ’80s Porsche 911 award’. Flip-up headlights? Check. Widebody and ‘whale tail’? Check. Sun-soaking convertible? Check. Exclusivity not even a Countach can match? No question. More dangerous than nose candy? Probably. Grab you Wayfarers and Phil Collins tape—Miami is calling.
History
– One of 948 Slant Nose Porsches, and 591 Cabriolets
– Three-owner, numbers matching original; less than 9,000 miles since new
Specifications
~282 horsepower, 3,164 cc SOHC air-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine with a single turbocharger and Bosch electronic fuel injection, four-speed manual transmission, front and rear independent suspension, and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Wheelbase: 89.4 in.
Vehicle information
Chassis no.: WP0EB0937JS070324
Engine no.: 68J00855
Gearbox no.: 2J11311
Valuation
Auction house: RM Sotheby’s
Estimate: TBD; offered at no reserve
Price realized:TBD; auction on March 12
