Car Collector International
Classic · 1981–1989

Porsche 911 Turbo Flachbau (930)

The Porsche factory's flat-nose 935-inspired 911 Turbo — built in tiny numbers by the Sonderwunsch programme.

Car Collector International Editorial
Studio three-quarter front view of a black Porsche 911 Turbo Flachbau Cabriolet (930) with roof raised, flat-nose front end with pop-up headlights closed, side louvres and black five-spoke wheels, on a plain grey backdrop.
Overview

Why this car matters

Built by Porsche's Sonderwunsch (Special Wishes) programme from approximately 1981 and offered as an official catalogue option from 1986, the Flachbau ('flat-nose' or 'slant-nose') 911 Turbo replaced the 930's signature headlamps with pop-up units in a 935-inspired flat front. Construction details and production numbers vary by source; widely cited estimates are 948 cars across coupe, Targa and Cabriolet bodystyles between 1981 and 1989.

The Flachbau is now the most sought-after factory derivative of the 930 generation and the bridge between the road car and the 935 racing programme.

Factory Sonderwunsch derivative built in genuine catalogue numbers; the most visually distinctive 930 and the closest road-car link to the 935.

Variants

Range and production

VariantYearsProductionNotes
Flachbau Coupe1981–1989Not separately recordedMost numerous body style.
Flachbau Targa1987–1989Not separately recordedOpen Targa derivative.
Flachbau Cabriolet1987–1989Not separately recordedOpen derivative.
Collector Variants

Limited & special editions

The models below represent the most significant limited and special edition variants — factory-produced cars that command meaningful premiums over standard examples and warrant specific attention from serious collectors.

930 Turbo Flachbau / Slant-nose (M505 / M506) · 1981–1989 (factory option)

948 (factory Flachbau across all years)
Distinguishing features
Factory-built slant-nose conversion through Porsche Sonderwunsch (Exclusive), with pop-up headlights, fender air intakes and revised front-quarter pressings. M505 was the US-market option code; M506 the European code.
Value premium
30–60% over a standard 930 Turbo in similar condition.
Inspection points
Verify factory build with the original Porsche Kardex listing M505 or M506. Inspect the fender pressings, headlight mechanism and side intakes for factory-grade fit.
Authentication
The market is full of aftermarket slant-nose conversions (Strosek, Gemballa, dealer-installed kits). Only a Porsche Kardex / COA listing M505 or M506 confirms a factory car.
Buyer's Guide

What to look for

Provenance and originality

Start with identity, paperwork and originality. For the Porsche 911 Turbo Flachbau (930), the strongest cars have continuous ownership history, matching numbers where applicable, original books and tools, factory build documentation and evidence of work by manufacturer-approved specialists. Porsche Sonderwunsch / Werk 1 build documentation, certificate of authenticity, original colour and unmodified specification.

Mechanical inspection priorities

Mechanically a standard 3.3-litre 930 Turbo; turbo health, intercooler condition and cooling system integrity are decisive. A proper pre-purchase inspection includes cold-start behaviour, ECU diagnostics and fault-code history (where applicable), leak-down or compression testing, underbody photography, suspension and chassis inspection, brake condition and a long enough road test to expose heat-related faults. Deferred maintenance on a car of this class is almost always more expensive than buying a better-sorted example.

Body, paint and accident history

Use a paint-depth gauge, lift access and a specialist familiar with the model's factory panel gaps and finish standards. Collector value is dramatically affected by structural repairs, refinished panels, poor paintwork and missing factory trim or option content. Documented cosmetic refresh is acceptable; concealed accident or fire damage must be priced severely.

Specification strategy

Factory Sonderwunsch cars with documentation lead. Period dealer or aftermarket conversions trade significantly below. Specification, colour, options and limited-build variants move values significantly. Buy the best-documented example in the most desirable specification you can justify, rather than a tired example of a rarer derivative that will need years of corrective work.

Ownership

Living with it

Typical mileage
1,000–4,000 miles typical for collector use
Service interval
12 months; mileage interval varies by model and use
Annual running cost
$5,000 – $18,000
Fuel economy
15–28 mpg depending on use
Insurance
Use an agreed-value collector or specialist supercar policy with limited mileage, secure storage, documented photography and an annual value review. Premiums vary sharply by age, storage location, declared value and driver profile.

Maintenance planning

Budget annually even if the car is used sparingly. Fluids age, tyres and date-coded rubber components must be replaced regardless of mileage, and stored cars need exercise. A documented maintenance rhythm protects both reliability and resale value.

Parts and specialist access

Use a 930-experienced Porsche specialist for inspection; Porsche Classic factory programme supports certification. Before purchase, confirm parts availability for model-specific bodywork, electronics, gearbox and engine components. A discounted car waiting on unobtainable parts or a factory service slot is rarely a saving in collector ownership.
Common Problems

Known issues by system

Identity

Factory vs aftermarket conversion

CriticalMajor value gap for non-factory cars
Symptoms — No Sonderwunsch documentation, unusual chassis stamping, retrofitted bodywork.
Inspection — Porsche Classic Certificate of Authenticity.
Turbo / intercooler

Turbocharger bearing wear

Major$5,000 – $11,000
Symptoms — Smoke under boost, oil consumption, soft boost build.
Inspection — Compressor wheel inspection, oil analysis, leak-down test.
Body

Corrosion under flat-nose bodywork

Major$8,000 – $35,000
Symptoms — Bubbling around flat-nose seams, paint-depth anomalies.
Inspection — Specialist 930 body inspection.
Auctions

Recent results

DateAuctionCarMileageResult
2026-05-08
Mecum
Indianapolis
1994 911 Turbo S Slant Nose (X83) (Lot S146)
$990,000
Sold
2026-05-08
Mecum
Indianapolis
1988 911 Turbo Slant Nose Cabriolet (Lot S144)
$209,000
Sold
2026-01-17
Barrett-Jackson
2026 Scottsdale (Lot 1380)
1989 911 Turbo Targa Slant Nose
$440,000
Sold
2025-02-27
RM Sotheby's
Miami (Lot 233)
1989 911 Turbo Slant Nose Cabriolet
$428,500
Sold
Investment

Long-term outlook

Strong HoldHorizon: 5–10 years

Closed-production factory Sonderwunsch 930 derivative. Documented factory cars with Porsche Classic certification should continue to lead.

Our view, not advice. This section is Car Collector International's editorial judgement on where this model sits in the collector market, based on the production, specification and market data set out in this guide. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell and it is not investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise.

Recommended

The trusted network

Specialists

  • Porsche factory-approved specialist
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    UK / Europe
    Porsche 911 Turbo Flachbau (930) inspections, major service planning and originality reviews.
  • Model-focused independent
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    United States
    Pre-purchase inspections, scheduled service and market-correct preparation for the 911 Turbo Flachbau (930).
  • Concours preparation studio
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    International
    Paint correction, PPF, detailing, preservation and sale preparation for premium collector cars.
  • Hagerty
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    USA / UK / EU
    Agreed-value collector and supercar insurance with global recognition.
  • Lockton Performance
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    UK / EU
    Specialist agreed-value cover for modern hypercars and limited-production supercars.

Storage

  • Windrush Car Storage
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    London & Cotswolds, UK
    Climate-controlled storage and collection management for high-value classic and supercars.
  • AutoVault
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    Essex, UK
    Dehumidified storage at 55% RH in purpose-built sealed buildings, with maintenance programmes and individual motor-trade insurance cover.
  • Classic Car Club Manhattan
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    New York, NY
    Secure urban storage for collector and modern performance cars.

Transport

  • CARS UK
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    UK & Europe
    Enclosed event, concours and collection transport across Europe.
  • Reliable Carriers
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    USA (national)
    Enclosed coast-to-coast transport for premium supercars and classics.
  • FERRLOG
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    Italy / Europe
    Air-ride enclosed transport for Italian and European collector cars.
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The valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.