Spotless Slant Nose: 1987 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet
Vehicle manufacturers will sometimes look at modifications performed by third parties and see the benefit of integrating that change into a production model. Such was the case with Porsche and its 911 Turbo model. Kremer Racing developed the styling changes that resulted in the Slant Nose variant, and buyer demand motivated Porsche to introduce the new front as part of its Special Order Program. This 1987 911 is one of those cars, and the fact it is a Cabriolet increases its desirability and rarity. It presents superbly, needing nothing but a new home. The seller has listed the 911 here on Craigslist in St. Petersburg, Florida. It could be yours for $169,900, and I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder Tony P for spotting it.
Porsche rode a wave of success during the late 1970s and early 1980s with its 935 model. Based on the 911, this variant was designed for long-distance racing competition, with the Le Mans 24-Hour in its sights. The 935 featured a flatter nose to improve aerodynamic efficiency and increase the top speed on the daunting Mulsanne Straight. Kremer Racing scored an outright win in 1979, subsequently receiving inquiries from owners about the possibility of producing a road car conversion kit featuring the race car’s distinctive flat nose. The popularity of the modification prompted Porsche to offer it as a factory option in 1986. Our feature car emerged in 1987, and its presentation is hard to fault. The Black paint retains an exceptional depth of color and shine with no significant flaws or defects. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no evidence of rust. The Cabriolet top fits tightly, while the trim and lights are excellent. The enormous Fuchs wheels are free from stains and marks, and when combined with the bulging fender flares and the iconic “whale tail” rear spoiler, they confirm that this Porsche is more than a pretty face.
This is the business end of this 911, and it is disappointing the seller doesn’t supply engine photos. Lifting the hood will reveal a rear-mounted and air-cooled turbocharged 3.3-liter flat-six powerplant, producing 282hp and 278 ft/lbs of torque. It feeds to the road via a four-speed manual transaxle, resulting in astonishing performance. The journey down the ¼-mile will take 13.5 seconds, with the engine running out of breath at 155mph. Those figures make it easy to understand how Porsche extracted a top speed of over 200mph from its racing version. The seller has been the car’s custodian for 2½ years, purchasing it from an enthusiast who had kept it sheltered and appropriately maintained for fifteen years. They include comprehensive service records, the original tool kit, compressor, and Porsche Cars of North America Certificate of Authenticity. There is no indication regarding how it runs or drives, but I can’t spot anything suggesting the news would be anything but positive.
The lack of photos extends to this Porsche’s interior because this is the only image supplied. It tells us very little beyond that the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. It is trimmed in Black leatherette and appears to retain factory items like the Blaupunkt stereo. The seller doesn’t mention modifications or aftermarket additions, which are important considerations in a car of this caliber. It is described as being in Concours condition, with everything working as it should.
This 1987 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet Slant Nose is a stunning car, with the listing and photos confirming its condition as exceptional. The price is hardly pocket change, but it is appropriate for a model that has experienced increased values during the past year. The sticking point will undoubtedly be the price because it is beyond the reach of mere mortals. It will almost certainly find a new home, but the seller may need patience. Do you agree?
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Comments
I remember seeing this as a concept or preproduction car at the Chicago Auto Show back in the day.As confrontational then as it is now. For the record, I’m a fan, since it didn’t interfere with building the “original design too. My Dad was astounded at the price-$10,000 for each fender.
There are better cars for less than half that much money. My minivan is faster.
Gross… I guess you flew past “the point” so fast in your ‘awesome’ minivan that you missed it entirely…
Very few pictures, but the car sold moral of the story, when you have a car of this caliber I guess all it takes is a few good pictures and oh yeah the 25K original miles would have sealed the deal for me. Buyer made one hell of a deal in 5 years the car will be worth double.