Tony’s Take: 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo S X85 ‘Flat-Nose.’ Say it softly and it’s just like praying. Why? Because this model is a Holy Grail for the serious Porsche 911 Collector. Not only is the car one of just thirty-nine Flat-Nose Turbo S’s built by Porsche Exclusive, it’s one of one factory-pained in Speed Yellow.
RM Sotheby’s list the differences between the Flat-Nose and its more pedestrian variants, and the staggering price-of-entry back in the day.
The option incorporated 968-style retractable “flounder” headlamps, asymmetrical 959-style air intakes on both rear quarter-panels, a special front air-splitter, a louvered rear wing enclosing the intercooler, quad exhaust tips, and staggered 18-inch “Speedline for Porsche” modular, light-alloy wheels.
Manufacturer suggested retail price guidelines for the US-market X85—of which just 39 were built—began at an eye-watering $162,000 alone, not including any additional optional equipment, “X” options, or custom tailoring these exclusive cars typically received. –supercarnostalgia.com
That’s $325,433.08 in today’s money, plus the cost of the following options: electric sunroof, power windows and seats, a limited-slip differential, air conditioning, rear wiper, headlight washers, a stereo entertainment system, and embroidered headrests. But it’s what lies underneath that’s collector catnip.
With its USA-spec X85 engine adding horsepower and low-end torque, with its lowered stance, the Turbo S X85 Flat-Nose’s set-up removed much if not all of the turbo-lag bedeviling earlier and lesser models. Add in the fact that this is a rear-wheel-drive Porsche with a five-speed manual – a true “driver’s car” – and you can see what all the fuss is about.
What will all that historic goodness cost at auction in the New Year? Let’s go to the tape!
This is not this car’s first time on the dance floor. In March of 2018, RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island hammered the nosey Yellow Turbo S for $654k. Since then, prices headed heavenwards.
Previous Sales
| Year | Model | Miles | Location | Sale Price | Sold By | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 964 Turbo 3.6 S | 6804 | Pebble Beach, CA | $1,160,000 | Gooding & Co. | 8/20/22 |
| 1994 | 911 Turbo S | 3700 | Phoenix, AZ | $1,325,000 | RM Sotheby’s | 1/27/22 |
| 1994 | 911 Turbo S X85 | 9921 | Atlanta, GA | $560,000 | RM Sotheby’s | 10/27/18 |
| 1994 | 911 Turbo S X85 | 28784 | Fernandina Beach, FL | $654,000 | RM Sotheby’s | 3/9/18 |
| 1994 | 964 Turbo 3.6 S | 29300 | Pebble Beach, CA | $715k | Gooding & Co. | 8/18/17 |
| 1994 | 964 Turbo 3.6 S | 40 | Pebble Beach, CA | $1,100,000 | Gooding & Co. | 8/20/16 |
| 1994 | 964 Turbo 3.6 S | 12500 | Nassau County, FL | $1,017,500 | Gooding & Co. | 3/11/16 |
Given this car’s low-but-no- limbo-low mileage and loving care – including a “top-end engine rebuild” – I predict it will fetch $915 – $1M
| Make | Porsche |
| Model | 911 Turbo S X85 Flat-Nose |
| Year | 1994 |
| Vin # | WP0AC2969RS480426 |
| Total Produced | 1 of 39 US-market Porsche Exclusive |
| Number of Owners | NA |
| Mileage | 28809 |
| Condition | ★ ★ ★ |
| Price When New | NA Inflation Calculator |
| Highest Previous Price | $1,160,000 (8/20/22) |
| Auction House | RM Sotheby’s |
| Auction Date | 1/26/23 |
| My Prediction | $915K to $1M |
| Hammered At |
