The Porsche 930 Turbo Slantnose

The Porsche 930 Turbo Slantnose (known as ‘Flachbau’ in German, and additionally ‘Flatnose’ in English) is a distinctive design variation of the Porsche 911 Turbo. Produced in the 1980s, and inspired by Porsche’s successful 935 race cars, this car featured a low, sloping front with (eventually) retractable pop-up headlights that replaced the traditional round ones so iconic to the 911’s silhouette. The flatter, streamlined nose gave the car a unique look, reducing drag and creating a more race-inspired aesthetic.

Originally, the Slantnose design was available as a special order through Porsche’s Sonderwunsch, or ‘special requests programme’, which allowed customers to customise their cars in unique ways. These custom cars required substantial hand-modification, as the design involved reworking the entire front of the car and fitting the special headlights in place of the standard round 911 lights. Due to the high cost of these modifications, the Slantnose was relatively rare, which contributes to it being highly desirable to collectors today.

Officially, the Slantnose option was formally available on the 930 Turbo from 1987 to 1989, with Porsche producing fewer than 1,000 factory-made examples during this time.

As each Slantnose was essentially hand-built, buyers could end up paying nearly double the price of a standard 911 for this rare conversion, which no doubt further limited production numbers. In addition to the unique bodywork, most Slantnose models also received upgraded performance features, including larger spoilers, wider rear wings with integrated vents, and enhanced suspension to improve handling at higher speeds. Those lucky enough to own one enjoyed both exclusivity and performance, as the Slantnose came equipped with the formidable 3.3 litre turbo-charged flat-six engine, producing up to 300 horsepower, and making it one of the fastest cars of its time with a top speed of 171 mph.

The car’s rarity and distinctive appearance have made it highly collectible today, with prices in recent years reaching several times the original price. Porsche lovers and collectors favour the Slantnose not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its direct connection to Porsche’s racing history. While primarily available in Europe, some Slantnose models made their way to the USA, but strict import regulations and emissions standards meant that American buyers faced additional hurdles to acquire one. The majority of the third generation models did end up there, however.

Interestingly, the headlights on the first generation were incorporated in the front bumper but thankfully the pop-up headlights soon made an entrance to complete the iconic look we now love. The headlights were initially polarising among Porsche fans, however, as they departed from the classic round lights that defined the 911’s face. However, this feature soon became a distinctive mark of the Slantnose model, emphasising its individuality within the Porsche lineup.

Today, the Slantnose is celebrated for its unconventional design, representing an era of pretty bold styling choices. Its blend of performance, rarity and unique styling has cemented its place in Porsche’s history as a true collector’s item, and one that currently won’t give you much change from £150,000…