Two-Owner Lifelong California Slantnose Cabriolet. One of 28 M505 5-Speed Cabriolets Built. Original Paint, Books, Tools, and Records.
1989 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet Slantnose
VIN WP0EB0932KS070524
Guards Red with Cashmere Beige Leather Interior
The ‘flachbau’ version of the 930 (known also as the 930S and in English as the ‘Slantnose’) is a true 1980s icon. Incorporating the more aerodynamically efficient smooth front fenders of the Le Mans-winning 935, the Slantnose was a modern and visually stunning take on the traditional 911 package which helped it transition from being a venerable and somewhat old-fashioned sports car to one of the most iconic and sought-after sports cars of the 80s.
Like many Porsche design trends, the aesthetics of the Slantnose had a functional basis on the race track. To reduce drag of their 911-based race cars, engineers removed the headlight pods of the 911 and replaced them with a flat front fenders. This purposeful look captured the hearts and minds of enthusiasts, and as early as 1981, factory Slantnose road cars were being quietly built in small numbers for important customers through the Sonderwunsch (‘special wish’) program. During the same period, there was a proliferation of aftermarket Slantnose conversions, which varied in quality and were sometimes even executed in fiberglass. This demonstrated the significant market demand for the Slantnose, and for the 1987 model year, Porsche made it a publically available (and eye-wateringly expensive) option. Designated with code M505, the Slantnose option cost $29,555 in 1989 (above the $85,000 price tag of the 930 Cabriolet) and included revised front fenders with pop up headlights, boxed rocker extensions, and large vents let into the rear fenders, which serve to admit air for the auxiliary oil cooler on the right side. In 1989, the 930’s last model year, the car received the vastly improved G50 transmission (the first time a 5-speed gearbox was offered in the 930), making the 1989 Slantnose among the rarest 911s of the era. Indeed, just 28 1989 M505 930 Cabriolets were built, representing what was, simply put, the most expensive 911 a customer could buy.
This particular Slantnose Cabriolet is a two-owner lifelong California car which was sold new 10 May 1989 by Berkey Imported Cars, Inc. in Pleasanton, California. The included Certificate of Authenticity shows that the car was completed 3 March 1989 and is a genuine M505 car fitted with the following options:
California Emissions
Steering Wheel w/Raised Hub
Tonneau Cover
Heated Seat – Left
Limited Slip Differential
Shorter Gear Shift Lever
Amplifier System
Slant Nose
CD-2 CD Player w/Radio
Luggage Compartment Black Velour
Bridgestone Tires
The pre-delivery inspection was performed with 27 miles on the odometer on the 10th of May 1989 and the car was delivered to a resident of Oakland, California. Berkey continued to service the car early in its life, performing additional maintenance in June of 1990 at 2,508 miles and in March of 1991 with 4,336 miles. Service was performed later on by Michael Stead Porsche in Walnut Creek, California in 1997 and 1999 with 16,021 and 24,330 miles. The first owner consigned the car for sale to Prestige Autohaus, Walnut Creek, CA, where the second and current owner purchased the car in March of 2005. At that time, the car had covered 42,482 miles. Subsequent records by the current owner document the modest 3,000 miles covered by the second owner. Services include regular oil and fluid changes, brake servicing at 44,090 miles, smog tests as needed for up to date California registration, and a new battery in 2014.
Today, this remarkably original Porsche is in very nice condition with excellent original Guards Red paint applied over exceptionally nice original factory body panels. Showing only minor paint imperfections, light surface scratches, and minor road chips on the hood, the finish is very satisfying particularly considering the originality of the car. The paint meters below 6 mils on all metal panels. The rubber and black trim are excellent throughout the car. The stance is on correct and desirable 7- and 9-inch Fuchs wheels, are color coded and show minor curb rash on the rear wheels. The glass, lenses, and lights are also in excellent condition other than a chip in the windshield, which has been present since before the current owner purchased the car and has not grown during his 13 years of ownership. The power convertible top is in very nice shape with only minor evidence of use. The electric mechanism works properly and the rear window remains supple and clear.
The uniquely optioned Cashmere leather interior is very nicely appointed, having been fitted with the beltline leather package, which includes leather lower dash, HVAC control box, door pulls, and door pocket lids. The overall condition of the materials and surfaces is excellent, including the seats, carpets, and dash. The leather seats show minimal use, with only minor driver’s side bolster wear evident in the leather. The rear seating area appears essentially unused and free of damage, with smoothly hinging rear seatbacks, showing excellent finishes both front and back. The original carpets are in very good condition, showing some areas of light use in typical places, in keeping with the low miles indicated. A set of period tan over mats is included with the car. The dashboard, switches, iconic black-dial instruments with orange needles, and analog controls are excellent and correct, once again showing virtually no evidence of excessive use or long-term sun exposure. The original Porsche-branded CD player is still in place.
The engine compartment is mercifully unmodified, a welcome treatment for a 930 Turbo given that so many examples have been altered over the years. The original engine and engine compartment are clean and attractive, offering a very nice presentation consistent with an unmodified example that has been driven minimal miles and properly cared for. The trunk is stock in appearance covered with the optional black velour and housing factory correct spare tire, air compressor, and proper materials and finishes indicative of an original factory preserved Porsche of this vintage. Underneath the car, there is only mild evidence of road use and no indication of structural damage or compromise to the floor or other components.
The car starts easily either cold or warm, settles into a smooth idle, and pulls authoritatively when on boost. One of the most defining parts of the experience is the G50 gearbox. While 4-speed 930s suffer from the widely space gears and the vague shift action, the G50 transforms the car. Ratios are closer together, and there is a modernity to the shift action and synchromesh that turns one of the weakest dynamic points of the 930 into one of its strengths. As one might expect from a car of this performance lineage, power is there when needed but the car remains still very usable even in generally mild traffic. The chassis, steering, and suspension are tight, while the 917-derived brakes respond very nicely even under higher demand from highway speeds. This Slantnose comes with the original owner’s manual, service records, an original sales brochure, detailed owners notes and mileage records from 2005, service records from 2005 onward, spare keys, tools, tool roll, air compressor and Certificate of Authenticity confirming this is a factory Slantnose cabriolet delivered with all options featured on this exceptionally original car. Included among the books is the original maintenance booklet which supports the early service history as well as the retaining the original options sticker.
This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire a very original low-mileage, well-preserved factory Porsche 930 Slantnose Cabriolet, delivered new in the quintessential 1980s color combination. 930s of all types have appreciated markedly, with rare variants becoming especially collectible. One of only 28 5-speed Slantnose Cabriolets built, this 930 is both rare and beautiful, making it a particularly difficult car to find, ensuring its continued desirability as the Porsche market continues to appreciate and enthusiasts seek out the very best examples of these iconic sports cars.
The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.
Fantasy Junction • 510-653-7555 • 1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608