1989 Porsche 911 (930) Turbo 'Flachbau'

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 "Flatnose" 935s and 936s (in Group 6) were to prove very competitive in the hands of 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 1981 until early 1989 Porsche 930 buyers could specify their car in this style to special order. Just 50 C16 cars were manufactured for the UK market.

These cars were initially equipped with an uprated engine of 330bhp (from 300) mated to a 4-speed transmission. However, at the end of 1988, the uprated 5-Speed G50 gearbox was introduced, which eased the peaks in power delivery by reducing the effects of 'turbo lag'. The factory SE also benefitted from a dual-exit exhaust system, limited slip differential, heated front seats and a sunroof.

This example is a genuine, factory-produced, Porsche 930 Turbo SE G50, built in 1989 under the "Sonderwunchprogramm' (Special Wishes Programme). The car was originally destined for the North American market but the order was cancelled and the car left the factory as a right-hand drive example and was delivered new to the UK on 28th July 1989.

Factory options included 506 (Slant Nose), sunroof, short-shift gearbox, CD player with an additional amplifier. Finished in the superb combination of Guards Red with a black interior, the car is presented in superb condition and has clearly lived a very cossetted existence.

The service history shows stamps in the original service book coming from JCT 600 in 1992 at 1,653 miles. JCT 600 in 1997 at 4,080 miles. JCT 600 in 2010 at 10,790 miles and Porsche specialist Gareth Jones in 2015 at 11,977 miles. Our vendor will ensure a service and safety check is carried out at Porsche Cardiff prior to the auction. The current odometer reading is showing just 12,600 miles and the condition of the car must be seen to be believed.

The paintwork looks to be original and the panel fit and shut lines are excellent. The interior is also in superb order and there is very little wear to the seats and bolsters. The engine bay is very tidy and the front compartment presents well. On a road test with Silverstone Auctions, the car pulled hard through all gears and was a thrill to drive. The steering felt light and direct, the gearbox was tight and the brakes, clutch and overall driving experience inspired real confidence.

We welcome pre-sale inspections and prospective bidders should contact the office for further details. In addition, bidders should note that the cherished number plate, as shown in the pictures, is not included in the sale. A highly collectable Porsche that ticks all the boxes in terms of condition and pure turbo-driving thrills.