Rare Modern Porsches at The Pebble Beach Auctions

Rare Modern Porsches at The Pebble Beach Auctions

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1994 Porsche 964 Turbo 3.6 S FlachbauEstimate: $1,400,000 - $1,800,000Chassis: WP0AC2965RS480441Engine: 61R01023

A True 911-Based Supercar, Hand-Built by the Porsche Exclusive DepartmentOne of 39 US-Spec Examples; Just Two Were Finished in Grand Prix WhiteTime-Capsule Condition with Less Than 40 Miles from NewOriginal Window Sticker Still Affixed Two Decades After Being DeliveredOffered with Books, Tools, Spares, and Certificate of AuthenticityPROVENANCEBlackhawk Collection, Danville, California (acquired new in 1994)Current Owner (acquired from the above)

LITERATUREAndreas Gabriel, Porsche 911 Turbo – Air Cooled Years 1975-1998, model discussed on pp. 154-163

THIS CARIn August 1993, as production of the 964 was nearing its close, Porsche informed its dealer network of a final and limited series of special Turbo S Flachbau models to be built under the auspices of the factory’s Exclusive Department.

Based on the popular Turbo 3.6, the Turbo S incorporated myriad cosmetic and mechanical improvements, and most featured a new variation of Porsche’s famous flatnose front-end treatment, with pop-up headlights sourced from the contemporary 928/968 series. This limited series also featured Porsche Exclusive-designed front and rear bumpers, 959- style rear-quarter air vents, a special body-color rear spoiler, and unique Turbo S badging.

At the heart of the Turbo S Flachbau was the high-performance Type M64/50S engine, developed for the 1994 model year and internally designated by production code X88. The X88 option was, in essence, a factory derivative of the 1993 IMSA 3.6 Turbo engine that had been built by Andial for the Brumos racing team.

Featuring a larger turbocharger, revised camshafts, redesigned cylinder heads, modified inlet manifolds, and adjustments to valve timing, the X88 engine was conservatively rated at 385 bhp – a gain of 25 bhp over the already potent Turbo 3.6. Beyond the internal engine modifications, the X88 option included a front-mounted oil cooler and distinctive four-pipe exhaust system. The fine-tuning resulted in a 911 that possessed supercar performance, with 0-60 mph sprints taking just 4.7 seconds and a top speed approaching 175 mph.

In total, Porsche built just 76 examples of the 964 Turbo S Flachbau, all completed between November 1993 and January 1994. Despite their limited production run, these Turbo S models were built to suit the specific demands of three markets, ultimately dividing the series into distinct groups.

The first group, designated by code X83, was built specifically for the Japanese market. These 10 cars, all configured in left-hand drive and identically finished in Polar Silver Metallic, were distinguished by their unique Flachbau treatment, which made use of the earlier 930/944-style front end, along with 930-style boxed rocker panels and rear-quarter air vents. The second group, designated by code X84, was Rest-of-World (ROW) models, of which 27 examples were built – 15 configured in left-hand drive and 12 in right-hand drive. The X84 cars featured the more modern Flachbau treatment, and most were delivered to Singapore and Germany. The third group, designated by code X85, was built for the US market and similar in style to the X84 ROW models, but with minor cosmetic differences. In all, 39 examples of the X85 Turbo S Flachbau were built – the majority finished in black or Guards Red.

When new, these exclusive Turbo S models were sold to Porsche’s most important customers, including Porsche dealer Vasek Polak, the sultan of Brunei, and NBA superstar Michael Jordan. Today, these rare cars represent the final evolution of the original Porsche Turbo – the very last of the rear-wheel-drive, single-turbo cars produced continuously from 1975 to 1994. A testament to their important place in the company’s history, a Turbo S Flachbau was among a limited number of cars selected to take part in the Porsche Museum’s exhibit commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Exclusive Department.

The X85 Flachbau presented here is undoubtedly the finest new example remaining of this highly sought-after Porsche model.

Completed at the Porsche factory on December 16, 1993, this Turbo S was originally finished in Grand Prix White with Cashmere Beige upholstery, trimmed in optional supple leather. It was optioned with heated full-power comfort seats, driver’s side lumbar support, and light Rootwood trim on the dashboard, shift knob, and brake handle. Taken together, the color combination and rare options made this car unique among X85s and contributed to an original MSRP of $172,460.

On March 31, 1994, this Turbo S was sold new through Manhattan Motorcars in New York to its first owner, the Blackhawk Collection of Danville, California. For more than two decades, this one-of-a-kind Porsche was a fixture in the collection, accumulating just 35 total miles. The consignor, a collector with a passion for limited-production turbocharged Porsches, acquired the Turbo S directly from the Blackhawk Collection, and it has been driven minimally since. At the time of cataloging, the odometer read just 37 miles.

To ensure the car is presented in good mechanical order, the consignor entrusted it to a marque specialist earlier this year for service that included fluid changes and the installation of a new battery, drive belt, fuel pumps, and hood shocks.

In an effort to document the special nature of this time capsule Porsche, the consignor commissioned Mark Smith, creator of the comprehensive Flachbau.com registry and proprietor of Concours by Appointment, to produce a detailed inspection report. Through an analysis of original build data, production numbers, option stickers, and paint meter readings, Concours by Appointment compiled a comprehensive, multi-page report and Certificate of Authentication for this Turbo S. The full report is included with the sale of the car, and it will be made available for review prior to the auction. Further, prospective bidders are invited to discuss the car with Mark Smith prior to the sale. Arrangements may be made through a Gooding & Company specialist.

Today, this Turbo S presents in spectacular, as-new condition in all respects. The Flachbau even retains its original window sticker, which is still affixed to the passenger window 22 years after leaving the factory.

The sale of this car is accompanied by the factory owner’s folio (with all original books and manuals), keys, tool roll, and custom car cover, as well as many spare parts and extras still wrapped in the factory plastic. Beyond these important accessories, the Turbo S is offered with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, CARFAX vehicle history report, recent service records, and the aforementioned Concours by Appointment documents.

With only 39 ever built, X85 Flachbaus are prized by discerning collectors, and the finest examples seldom trade hands. One of just two originally finished in Grand Prix White, this magnificent Turbo S presents an opportunity to step back in time and acquire an as-new top-of-the-line Porsche.

1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Club SportEstimate: $350,000 - $425,000Chassis: WP0AB0915KS120507

Two Owners and Approximately 9,200 Miles from NewOne of Only 28 Examples Sold in the USThe Sole Example Finished in Irish GreenUS-Spec Factory Purpose-Built Lightweight 911Documented with Original Window Sticker, Porsche COA, and CARFAX

1988 Porsche 959 KomfortEstimate: $1,300,000 - $1,500,000Chassis: WP0ZZZ95ZHS900108*Please note that this car is titled 1987. Also note that this car will not be sold for use or resale in California or to a non-dealer California resident.

Outstanding Color CombinationGroundbreaking, FIA Group B Rally-Inspired Tour de ForceOne of Only 242 Komfort Models BuiltLow-Mileage Example with Less Than 8,200 KmOffered with Books, Tools, and Extensive Service Records

2,849 CC DOHC Flat 6-Cylinder EngineTwin KKK Turbochargers and IntercoolersBosch MP-Jetronic Electronic Port Fuel Injection450 BHP at 6,500 RPM6-Speed Manual Transaxle and All-Wheel Drive

1997 Porsche 993 Turbo SEstimate: $525,000 - $575,000Chassis: WP0AC2990VS375990

Just 345 Examples Produced; Only 176 Imported to the USLimited Production Model Built by Porsche’s Exclusive DepartmentUltimate Development of the Classic Air-Cooled 911 TurboStriking Original Example with 6,300 Miles from NewOffered with Books, Tools, COA, Build and Service Records

3,608 CC Type M64/60S SOHC Air-Cooled Flat 6-Cylinder EngineBosch Electronic Fuel InjectionTwin KKK Turbochargers424 BHP at 5,750 RPM6-Speed Manual Transaxle4-Wheel Ventilated Cross-Drilled Disc Brakes4-Wheel Independent Suspension with Coil Springs

Pebble Beach Equestrian CenterCorner of Stevenson Dr. and Portola Rd.Viewing:

Wednesday, August 1710:00am - 6:00pmThursday, August 188:00am - 6:00pmFriday, August 199:00am - 7:00pmSaturday, August 209:00am - 3:30pmSunday, August 219:00am - 5:30pmAuction:

Saturday, August 204:00pmSunday, August 216:00pm*Please note our updated auction time on SaturdayAdmittance:

Admittance - $40, admits one to all eventsCatalogue - $100, admits two to all eventsCash or credit card only.Children under 12 free.


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