More than an old car #66: Porsche 930 Flachbau

Previously, I wrote about the Porsche 356, which was the car that made the Stuttgart-based company so popular today. It has always captured the imaginations of many a young child, and some even go on to fulfill their dreams. However, for mere mortals like me, I am happy enough to be able to spot not just an old car, but a unique 1982 Porsche 930 Flachbau!

The Porsche 930 (also known as the 911 Turbo) was technically part of the classic 911 range that took the world by storm. Porsche experimented with turbocharging technology in the 1960s before implementing it on the 930 in 1975. Turbocharged engines essentially force more air into the engine, allowing it to generate more output. A huge 'whale tail' was installed to vent in more air and the tyre fenders were widened to provide more stability.

What made this vehicle more special was that it had been modified by Porsche itself under its "Sonderwunschprogramm" [Special Wishes Program]. This was started in 1981 at its Werk Zuffenhausen assembly plant, otherwise known as "Werk 1". However, it only became an official option by Porsche from 1987-1989. Each vehicle was handcrafted by modifying the front fenders to resemble that of the 935, a famous rally car developed by the company as well. Visible differences include the installation of pop-up headlights compared to the rounded fixed ones that you may see, air vents on the rear tyre fenders and the obvious 'slant-nose'/flachbau treatment. There is also evidence that initially, quad headlights were installed into the bumpers before the design was changed. Such cars commanded a high premium, not less due to the customised nature of the work done.
It was powered by a 3299 cc flat-six engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 270 km/h, with an acceleration of 5.1 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It was 4290 mm long and weighed 1419 kg.

Production of the 930 ended in 1989, and only about 58 were made in this particular early configuration! As shared on this forum, the car was originally converted in 1982 and registered here in Singapore in late November. It has gone through a few colour changes: from Zinn metallic [gray], to white, black, a rather bright yellow and back to white again. Thanks to the insights of some older folk on Facebook, I was able to find out a lot more information when I posted this picture online. What is more amazing is that we have 2 such Flachbaus including this one here! I have actually seen all of them and you could really appreciate the uniqueness of these beauties. I don't know whether you can find them, but hopefully with this information you'll be able to recognise a rare piece of automotive history!