1985 Porsche 911 (930) Turbo SE 'Flatnose'

Anyone who followed the "World Championship of Makes" (essentially an International championship for long-distance Sports Car racing), will remember their surprise at the shape of the new 935 when it first appeared at Mugello in March 1976. Subsequently, these 'Flachbau' or 'Flatnose' 935s and 936s were to prove very competitive in the hands of drivers such as Ickx, Mass and Stommelen and during the next two seasons managed four victories in eight World Championship races and a triumph at Le Mans in each year.

However, Porsche began to worry that all these victories by the works Flatnose cars might alienate the vast number of private clients who were investing their own money in conventionally shaped competition 911s, and decided to restrict their efforts for 1978 to an entry at Le Mans. The distinctive look of the 'Flachbau' (literally translated as Low Build) obviously retained its appeal in the minds of their road car customers and from 1985 until early 1989, UK Porsche 930 buyers could specify their car in this style to special order.

This 1985 Porsche 930 SE Flatnose, was first registered on 11th November 1985 to Porsche GB Ltd on the famous "911 HUL' number plate. The 1st of just 50, right-hand drive factory "Flatnose' models, this example was the Porsche GB press car for many months and featured in numerous publications such as "Car' Magazine in January 1986.

The SE "Flatnose' was a fully bespoke, hand-built option for the 1980's Porsche buyer and was over twice as expensive as a standard 930 Turbo when new. Finished in its original colour of Silver Metallic this example was not only the first delivered to the UK, but featured a number of superb factory options, including the extremely rare Recaro Ideal "C' seats, special order full Can-Can Red leather interior, a full engine conversion with 330bhp, and a modified front spoiler and oil cooler and all of these specifications are confirmed by Porsche GB.

The car was purchased by its 4th and current owner over 16 years ago in April 1999 at 12,200 miles, and with the odometer now reading just 33,864 miles, this SE "Flatnose' boasts a fully documented service history from new, substantiating the mileage and demonstrating that this example has been cared for by knowledgeable Porsche experts such as Bob Watson Engineering, Steve Bull, Porsche GB Reading and Stratstone of Wilmslow.

Supplied with its original stamped service books, manuals, wallet, a comprehensive invoice file since 1999 and a number of previous MoT certificates, potential buyers are welcome to take a close look at the service records of this vehicle and we welcome any inspections. The last service was carried out in April 2015 and included an oil change and comprehensive check. Additional recent work in the last 5,000 miles includes a new clutch, air conditioning service, new front discs and pads, starter motor, alternator, ignition box, battery and 4 'Continental Sport' tyres.

This very special car is a blue-chip icon of its era and represents an exciting opportunity for any lover of the Porsche marque. Offered with the original tool roll, tyre inflation kit, factory stickers, National Panasonic CQ873 stereo, jack, unused spare wheel and factory wax finish to the inside of the front wings, Silverstone Auctions are very proud to offer this very important piece of Porsche UK history.

Picture Credit: GT Porsche Magazine