Porsche 964 Turbo Flachbau

Based on the already potent 911 Turbo 3.6, the new Turbo S Flachbau (Flatnose) was produced in three separate series for Japan (X83), Rest of World (X84), and the US (X85). While slight cosmetic and equipment differences existed between the series, all Turbo S Flachbau models featured pop-up headlights, X92 Exclusive front spoiler, X93 Exclusive rear spoiler, and X99 Exclusive intakes in the rear fenders.

Another shared characteristic was the X88 Sport Tuning Option. Based on the IMSA 3.6 Turbo engine built by Andial for Brumos Racing in 1993, the M64/50S engine produced 385 hp at 5,750 rpm – 25 more than standard – and 384 lbs./ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm, with the extra power derived from a larger KKK K27 turbocharger with a more efficient intercooler, modified cylinder heads, higher-lift camshafts, uprated fuel injectors, and revised air intake. Beyond the internal engine modifications, the X88 option also included a front-mounted oil cooler and four-outlet exhaust system.

Other changes included a standard 20 mm lower and stiffer M030 sport suspension. The G50/52 five-speed manual transaxle received a new clutch and flywheel, while a 40% self-locking differential was fitted instead of the usual 20% version.

Due to the more favorable combination of increased power and improved aerodynamics, overall performance was improved over the standard Turbo 3.6. The 0–60 mph dropped from 4.7 seconds to about 4.6 seconds, while top speed increased from 175 mph to 179 mph.

This 1994 Porsche 964 Turbo S Flachbau X83 was completed by Porsche’s Exclusive Department in Zuffenhausen, Germany, on November 25, 1993, and delivered to Mizwa Motors, Porsche’s Japanese distributor of the period. Like the other nine X83 models constructed for the Japanese market, this car was configured in left-hand drive and finished in Polar Silver Metallic (code A8) over a black leather interior.

Setting it apart from models destined for the US or the rest of the world, Japanese Flachbau models adopted the pop-up headlight configuration used in the 930 S Flatnose models from 1983–1989. Running-board-style side skirts and rear fender intakes with horizontal satin black blades were also unique to the X83 version. Aside from the lengthy list of standard Turbo S equipment, optional extras noted on this car’s Porsche Certificate of Authenticity included an electric sliding sunroof, tinted windshield, 18-inch Speedline for Porsche three-piece modular wheels, model designation delete, and Equipment for Japan.

This Turbo S is understood to have resided in Japan until 2014, when it was purchased by US-based Porsche collector and specialist dealer David Mohlman, who sold it to well-known Belgian collector and historic racer Johan-Frank Dirickx in 2014.

In late 2016, this Turbo S was acquired from Dirickx by its current owner via Porsche expert and historian Prescott Kelly. At the behest of Mr. Kelly before completing the sale, this Turbo S was inspected by Jochen Bader, a former head of Porsche’s Classic division, who pronounced the car in very solid, original condition in a September 2016 report on file.

Granted a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) “Show or Display” exemption in November 2016, this Turbo S was once again imported to the US in December 2016. Maintained within the current owner’s expansive Porsche collection, this Turbo S displayed less than 40,000 km (25,000 miles) at the time of cataloguing, and presents in very original condition throughout. Invoices and an ongoing logbook on file show that this Flachbau has had consistent, meticulous attention lavished on it.

Offered with its books, tools, jack, spare, air compressor, delivery accessories, and other historical documentation, this 964 Turbo S Flachbau is the ultimate expression of the 964 series. With a mere 10 examples built, X83 Turbos are seldom offered for sale. Arguably the finest example extant of this rare breed, its appearance at auction makes for an almost unrepeatable opportunity for the discerning Porsche collector.