Good Find Friday features interesting cars we’ve found for sale while conducting market analysis or appraisal research. They are not for sale by Wolf and Mare and we have no business relationship with the sellers of these cars. We just think they’re worth learning about and sharing with our readers!

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Today’s Good Find Friday car is something special. While it may look very similar to the car we featured last week, this one is a genuine factory-built M505 Porsche 930 Turbo Slant Nose Targa. Very few of these cars were ever constructed, and this one has a fascinating story to go with its captivating looks and performance. I was fortunate to appraise this particular vehicle in September of 2024 on behalf of the owner.

The Porsche 911 (930) “Flachbau,” or “Slant Nose,” is among the most distinctive and controversial 911 variants of the 1980s. Born out of Porsche’s racing program with the 935, the Flachbau first appeared through the factory’s Sonderwunsch (“Special Wishes”) program in the early part of the decade. These cars were effectively custom builds, ordered by well-heeled buyers who wanted the dramatic look of the 935’s flat front end with pop-up headlights in place of the standard 911’s upright lamps.

Each Sonderwunsch car was unique, often featuring different vent arrangements, side strakes, and trim details, since the work was carried out by hand to a customer’s specification. As a result, no two early Slant Noses are exactly alike, which is part of their appeal and mystique today.

By 1987, demand for the look had grown enough that Porsche introduced the Flachbau as a regular production option under code M505 for the U.S. market (and M506 for the rest of the world). These optioned cars had a more standardized appearance, with uniform pop-up headlights, front fender vents, and boxed rocker panels, making them easier to identify compared to the one-off Sonderwunsch builds.

A quick way to distinguish them is by consistency: M505 cars follow a set factory template, while Sonderwunsch examples often show variation in vent placement, headlight mechanisms, and trim execution. Checking for the option code on the build sticker or under-hood data plate will confirm an M505 car, while the absence of that code—combined with period documentation or irregular bespoke features—usually points to an earlier Sonderwunsch build.

Aftermarket conversion to “Slant Nose” configuration was common as well, making authentication critical in determining the value of a Porsche 930 Turbo ‘Flachbau’ car.

This particular Porsche 930 Turbo Slant Nose Targa is offered for sale on behalf of the owner by Sonderwerks, a Porsche service and restoration specialist in North Carolina. A deep discount of 50% is applied based on the car’s history, though the asking price is only available on request.

Sold new to the original owner in 1988, this ‘widow-maker’ apparently suffered the fate of so many of these cars and was involved in an accident resulting in an insurance declaration of “total loss.” The actual extent of the damage is not known, but the car was converted to a Cabriolet from a Targa sometime after.

The car has been owned and enjoyed by the seller for a decade or longer. In the course of his research of the car, he discovered its origins as 1 of 14 Porsche 930 Turbo Slant Nose Targas and ultimately decided to restore the car’s rear glass window and removable roof.

The work appears to have been completed to a great standard in terms of fit, finish, and accuracy, though the photographs are taken predominantly in dappled light and shade. An in-person inspection paired with reference material would be wise. The paintwork appears shiny and glossy, but I could not see any information in the current listing noting whether the car was repainted. The folding Targa top appears to fit very well. Lining up the metal core, glass, seals and top for a good fit is no easy task.

The interior appears to be in good condition overall and the interior upholstery and trim for the inside of the Targa bar and rear compartment looks generally correct, though the seat belt anchors are missing their plastic covers over the bolts and the coat hooks are missing. The odometer on the car indicates just 17,000 miles.

Assessing the value of this car is challenging given its history. The listing does note that cars like this can trade for $400,000 and that their asking price is over 50% off which is helpful in the absence of a listed price. As described by the selling dealer, this specific variant of the 930 Turbo is very rare and comes to market infrequently. There are comparables, however, including a recent sale of a 1988 M505 Slant Nose Targa at Bonhams’ Bonmont auction in Switzerland.

To appraise today’s car back in September, I had to consider its accident history and title note as well as its current (as of then) condition as a convertible and its potential reconversion to a Targa when determining value. I was therefore required to research the entire 930 Turbo Slant Nose market, including coupes, cabriolets and Targas. Additionally, I had to research how modifications and accident histories impact value.

One of the things the data showed — and I was surprised to see — is that the value of Coupes, Targas, and Cabriolet variants of 930 Turbo cars does not mirror the trend in the broader 911 market. Coupes represent the lowest value, which is counter to the 911 market as a whole, and Cabriolets are approximately 10% more valuable than Coupes. Based on sales data, Targas are more valuable than Cabriolets, which does jive with the rest of the air-cooled 911 market.

Given the car’s storied history, die-hard collectors will probably lean away from his car. As a result, the value would be depressed relative to a low-miles Targa without the past dalliance with a cutting disc. I’m estimating a sale price between $180-210,000. This would put the car in the sights of an enthusiast who will happily put miles on the car rather than polish it with a diaper in a warehouse.

This car represents a great opportunity to acquire a very special car at a nice price. Despite its past and recent modifications, it’s still 1 of 14 original and rare Porsche 930 Turbo Slant Nose Targas. Between today’s authentic (though restored) car and last week’s Porsche 935 DP, which would you choose? Let me know in the comments!

Wolf and Mare provides car finding, appraisal and auction services for sellers and buyers of collector European cars. We also provide importation services. Give us a call or drop us a line!