1989 Porsche 911

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys The Monterey Auction event, 13 - 15 August 2026.
$450,000 - $550,000 USD

• One of only nine M505 Turbo Flachbau Targas produced for 1989; ordered via Porsches Special Wishes department by the heir to the Italian food company Sbarro
• Sole year of production for 930 Turbo models equipped with the G50 five-speed transmission
• Special features of leather-lined, extended center console with VDO gauges, sport seats with electric height adjustment and red piping, electronic boost gauge, and shortened shifter with leather trim and boot
• Displaying just 8,019 miles at cataloguing time; highly original state of preservation, retaining numbers-matching engine and gearbox
• Accompanied by delivery documentation, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, owners manual, and warranty information

The 911 Turbo Flat-Nose pays homage to Porsches 935 factory racecar developed for FIA Group 5 competition in the mid-1970s. Following its immense success, racing sponsors clamored for a roadgoing version. Porsches Exclusive Manufaktur program sometimes called Sonderwunsch, or Special Wishes obliged with an option package for the European market in 1981. It featured louvered steel front fenders made flush with the hood and fitted with retractable headlamps. Wider rear fenders with straked cooling vents housed an electric fan for additional oil cooling and accommodated wider wheels and tires.

In 1987, Porsche finally added the North American Flat-Nose package known by the code M505 as a pricey and rare option available for Turbo Coupes, Cabriolets, and Targas. Of these, Flat-Nose, or 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 to 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 models celebrated driving dynamics.

According to the accompanying Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this US-specification Targa was completed on 4 March 1989, finished as it is today, in Guards Red over a Cashmere Beige and Black partial leatherette interior. As confirmed by the original Bill of Sale on file from Paul Miller Porsche in Parsippany, New Jersey, it was commissioned through Porsches Special Wishes department by the heir to Sbarro, the Italian food empire.

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 with electronic height adjustment each attractively trimmed with red piping an amplifier, and velour carpet in the luggage compartment. Special options that speak to the cars high level of custom specification include a Light Rootwood dashboard, an electronic boost gauge, a passenger-side lighted makeup mirror, and a leather-covered extended center console with VDO gauges, clock, and Porsche script logo.

Acquired by the consignor from a notable collection in 2020 displaying fewer than 7,918 miles, it has rarely been driven since, showing just 8,019 miles at cataloguing time. It retains its numbers-matching engine and gearbox. 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 Turbo Targa Flachbau represents a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity for the serious Porsche collector.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo26/.