Presented by RM Sotheby’s.
Offered From The Tenebaum Collection
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 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.
One of the more compelling options available to 911 Turbo buyers was the M505 package, which transformed the car with the flachbau (or “flat-nose”). This gave the Porsche 930 a sleek, 935-inspired look with lowered and louvered front fenders, pop-up headlamps, boxed rocker panels, and straked side cooling vents on the radically widened rear quarter panels.
This was a pricey, and thus, rare option available for Turbo Coupes, Cabriolets, and Targas. Of these, Flachbau Turbo Targas are even rarer: Just nine M505 Turbo Targa Flachbaus were produced for 1989 (plus a single M506 Targa reportedly for the Middle Eastern market). From 1987–1989, a mere 29 Turbo Targa Flachbau examples were created in total. Although the majority of Porsche 930s received a four-speed manual gearbox, final-year cars, including this example, were fitted with a Getrag G50 five-speed manual transmission—a feature that further enhances the model’s celebrated driving dynamics.
According to the accompanying Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this US-specification Targa was completed on 4 March 1989. Commissioned through Porsche’s Special Wishes department by the heir to Sbarro, the Italian food empire (as confirmed by the bill of sale on file) it was finished, then as now, in Guards Red over a Cashmere Beige and Black partial leatherette interior.
Beyond the dramatic Flachbau bodywork, optional equipment included a limited-slip differential, a shortened shift lever with leather boot and knob, driver and passenger sport seats—each attractively trimmed with red piping—with electronic height adjustment, an amplifier, and velour carpet in the luggage compartment. A Light Rootwood dashboard, a center console, an electronic boost gauge, and even a passenger’s side lighted makeup mirror speak to the high level of custom specification throughout. Further, a Blaupunkt Reno radio was specified (an Alpine head unit is presently fitted).
Now offered from the Tenenbaum Collection displaying fewer than 8,000 miles, and accompanied by delivery documentation and window sticker, tool roll, tire kit, and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this Turbo Targa represents an exceedingly rare example of the already-exclusive Flachbau style. Add in its intriguing provenance, G50 gearbox, unique specification, and its wonderfully original, low-mileage state of preservation, and this example represents a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity for the serious Porsche collector.
RM Sotheby’s is set to kick off the collector car auction calendar once again by returning to the stunning grounds of the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix on 27 January for its 23rd annual Arizona sale. View all lots and register to bid online at RMSothebys.com.
