1994 Porsche Turbo S 3.6 964 X85 Flachbau

Description

1994 Porsche Turbo S 3.6 X85

VIN – WP0AC296XRS480404
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Black Leather
Engine – 3.6 liter flat 6-cylinder
Transmission – 5-speed Manual
Current Miles – 18,715 miles

General Overview

There are few road cars that carry a more significant visual and historic legacy than the Porsche Turbo. As an integral part of the Turbo legacy, the 3.6 Turbo is today considered a hallmark of performance excellence, signifying the best in air-cooled Turbo refinement. Porsche enthusiasts today favor the Turbo 3.6 for the familiar 911 greenhouse, distinct body lines, and traditional interior coupled with state of the art 3.6-liter turbocharged performance including a myriad of modern upgrades while retaining legendary Porsche engineering and iconic design features.

Introduced in 1990, as a turbocharged version of the 964 series, the 3.3-liter engine would later be updated before the end of production to the highly desirable 3.6-liter displacement engine. The wide rear fenders, revised front and rear fascia, and fixed rear spoiler created a timeless blend of legacy 911 features with hints of what would come in the next century. Best of all, the incomparable roar of the definitive air-cooled Porsche engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox delivered on all the performance promises one expected from Stuttgart’s halo offering. Approximately 1,500 Turbo 3.6 models were produced in 1993/94.

But, as Porsche is known to do, there was yet another very special and highly sought after iteration. One uniquely handcrafted using the basis of the already impressive 3.6 Turbo S; the X85 Special Edition. Created by Porsche’s Exclusive Department the X85 utilized remaining 1993 wide-body 964 Turbo coupes specially treated to a “Works Increased Engine” X88 option featuring a larger KKK turbocharger, intercooler, larger-capacity fuel injectors, and special camshafts, delivering 385 hp at 5,750 rpm, 25 more than the standard 3.6 Turbo. Not limited to just increased horsepower, these special cars were also fitted with a more robust clutch and stronger flywheel to manage the increased horsepower, while power was fed through a G50 five-speed manual transaxle with a ZF-sourced 40 percent locking differential. All X85 models were fitted with standard 3.6 Turbo suspension, including 21- and 22-mm anti-roll bars in front and rear, with Boge shocks and struts. Engineer/racer Roland Kussmaul lowered the ride height approximately 1.5 inches to enhance handling. Most notably, the front of the car was treated to a lower profile 935 inspired Flachbau (flat nose) front body design with distinctive lay down retractable headlights. Additionally, the wide rear fenders featured asymmetrical 959-style air intakes on both rear quarter-panels, a special front air splitter, a louvered rear wing enclosing the intercooler, quadruple exhaust tips, and 18-inch-diameter Speedline modular light-alloy wheels, 8-in. wide in front and 10-in. at the rear. Remarkable in performance and extremely rare, just 39 of the US market flat nose Turbo S models were produced.

According to the options information sticker contained in the original owner’s manual and further validated by the underside front trunk lid options sticker, this Turbo S 3.6 was outfitted with the following factory options:

Co2 – Equipped with Catalytic Converter
X85 – 964 864 3.6 Turbo Flat Nose Option
383 – Sport Seat Left
387 – Sport Seat Right
407 – 18” Polished Wheels
650 – Sunroof
692 – Remote CD Changer (6-disc)

After delivery from the factory, this Porsche was purchased new by the first owner, a resident of Ohio. The car remained with the first owner until it was sold to the second owner in 1999 with approximately 10,000 miles. Subsequent ownership and interval services in both New York and New Jersey followed, and in June 2006, with 16,818 miles, this Porsche was sold to the next owner, a resident of Naples Florida. A pre-purchase inspection was performed in 2006 at Porsche Naples, Naples, Florida (with 16,000 miles) for the benefit of the buyer. Following the inspection, the turbo feed line was replaced, a 15k service performed, new drive belts installed, and all oil return tubes replaced. In 2017 with approximately 18,000 miles, the current owner purchased this Porsche. Under current ownership this Porsche has been documented using annual pocket calendars, recording all miles accumulated under their near decade of ownership including service and detailing notations as well as a September 2023 purchase date noted for the currently mounted tires.

Today, with 18,715 miles indicated on the six digit odometer, this Porsche Turbo S X85 presents in superb condition. The exterior finishes are particularly fine with beautiful Guards Red paint displaying vivid color and high gloss throughout. The paint has been metered on all metal body surfaces, returning single digit numbers on two-thirds of the body panels with higher readings noted on the front fender, hood, and lower rear fender areas, all of which have likely been refinished for cosmetic improvement only due to typically speckled road use commonly found in these body surfaces. Importantly, all factory VIN identifications remain on the factory body panels in support of the correct and original body. The body panels show excellent door, trunk, and hood gaps, excellent fit along the front and rear bumpers, and beautifully maintained exterior trim. The front bumper and hood are in excellent condition though some scuff marks are evident on the underside of the air dam. The lenses are vivid and glossy, while glass and windshield are in excellent condition with no notable marks or chips. The multi-piece 18” Speedline modular alloy wheels feature polished alloy rims and Porsche crest center caps which are in excellent condition. The wheels are perfectly matched to the red exterior accented by red brake calipers perched over larger Turbo brakes. A set of Michelin Pilot Sport (225/ 40ZR 18 front and 295/30ZR 18 rear) tires are fitted and dated 2023 consistent with the current owner notations in the mileage logbooks.

Inside the car, a beautifully preserved black leather interior shows excellent seating surfaces on the optional Sport Seats and a matching leather covered shifter boot. The door panels, including door pulls and crisp snapping door pocket lids remain in excellent condition. The matching black dashboard, gorgeous instruments, and center console are also in excellent condition with switches and features operating as expected including those for the power seats and windows. Of note, the 5-speed manual gearbox sits prominently within the contoured center console, indicative of the original air-cooled manual gearbox combination that continues to be one of the most sought after features of Turbo Porsches. The headliner, sun visors, optional power sunroof, and control surfaces are all uniformly clean and nicely detailed. Also important to note, the air conditioning blows cold on all fan settings. The overall fit and finish of the interior is exceptionally fine, representing more than 30 years of care and preservation under current and prior ownership.

The engine compartment and engine are in excellent visual condition. The original engine is correct and documented with the matching Porsche factory VIN identifier still affixed to the engine and visible from underneath the car. Systems and components have been properly maintained with care to preserve factory details particularly so for this higher horsepower series Turbo S. Correct materials and finishes are also in place in the front storage area including the collapsible red-rim spare tire, correct and original front storage liner, factory tools and tool roll, factory treated metal parts, and the original paint sticker indicating Guards Red. The chassis displays clean and correct components as well as authentic finishes reflecting the low miles and proper care afforded by the owners and experienced dealer service technicians. Underneath the car, the floor pan, rocker panels, and suspension mounting points show no visual evidence of structural compromise consistent with a current accident free Carfax report.

The car starts instantly with a delightful, air-cooled resonance that only a Turbocharged air-cooled Porsche engine can deliver. Updated with added horsepower from the factory, when driven in a conservative way, the Turbo S delivers predictable and manageable driving manners. However, though docile in the 1500-3500 range, even experienced drivers will find the turbo lag to be a bit shy until eye-opening liftoff and epic power arrives like a hurricane. Once familiar with the power delivery traits, this Turbo S offers a command performance beyond any expectations from cars of this era. Brakes and gearbox are comfortably engaged though considerable attention is encouraged for even moderately skilled drivers when shifting in a more spirited manner. And while modern Porsches will offer more horsepower and predictable driving manners, there is a great deal to be said for the air-cooled slingshot juggernaut that only this Porsche Works Increased X88 powered Turbo S can offer.

This Porsche Turbo S 3.6 X85 Flachbau comes with a set of factory books and leather case, two black Porsche branded floor mats, tool roll with assorted tools, assorted service documents, and a key with key fob.

The 3.6 Turbo S offered here is a premier preservation grade example of one of the most desirable air-cooled ambassadors of the 911 lineage. Beautifully crafted by Porsche in the rarest Flat Nose Turbo S configuration, this example is one of 39 built for the US market. Featuring excellent cosmetics, unmistakable performance, and rarity, this Turbo S 3.6 is not only an ideal sports car, but a remarkable investment grade rarity combining the unforgettable air-cooled 911 magic that defines the legacy of the modern Porsche lineage. Due to California emissions, this Porsche is available to licensed California car dealers or out of state residents.