In August 1993, as production of the 964 was nearing its close, Porsche informed its dealer network of a final and limited series of special Turbo S Flachbau models to be built under the auspices of the factory’s Exclusive Department.

Based on the popular Turbo 3.6, the Turbo S incorporated myriad cosmetic and mechanical improvements, and most featured a new variation of Porsche’s famous flatnose front-end treatment, with pop-up headlights sourced from the contemporary 928/968 series. This limited series also featured Porsche Exclusive-designed front and rear bumpers, 959-style rear-quarter air vents, a special body-color rear spoiler, and unique Turbo S badging. At the heart of the Turbo S Flachbau was the high-performance type M64/50S engine, developed for the 1994 model year and internally designated by production code X88. The X88 option was, in essence, a factory derivative of the 1993 IMSA 3.6 Turbo engine that had been built by Andial for the Brumos racing team.

Featuring a larger turbocharger, revised camshafts, redesigned cylinder heads, modified inlet manifolds, and adjustments to valve timing, the X88 engine was conservatively rated at 385 bhp – a gain of 25 bhp over the already potent Turbo 3.6. Beyond the internal engine modifications, the X88 option also included a front-mounted oil cooler and distinctive four-pipe exhaust system. The fine-tuning resulted in a 911 that possessed supercar performance, with 0–60 mph sprints taking just 4.7 seconds and a top speed approaching 175 mph.

In total, Porsche built just 76 examples of the 964 Turbo S Flachbau, all completed between November 1993 and January 1994. Despite their limited-production run, these Turbo S models were built to suit the specific demands of three markets, ultimately dividing the series into distinct groups.

The first group, designated by code X83, was built specifically for the Japanese market. These 10 cars, all configured in left-hand drive and identically finished in Polar Silver Metallic, were distinguished by their unique Flachbau treatment, which made use of the earlier 930/944-style front end, along with 930-style boxed rocker panels and rear-quarter air vents.

The second group, designated by code X84, was Rest-of-World (ROW) models, of which 27 examples were built – 15 configured in left-hand drive and 12 in right-hand drive. The X84 cars featured the more modern Flachbau treatment, and most were delivered to Singapore and Germany.

The third group, designated by code X85, was built for the US market and similar in style to the X84 ROW models, but with minor cosmetic differences. In all, 39 examples of the X85 Turbo S Flachbau were built – the majority finished in black or Guards Red.

When new, these exclusive Turbo S models were sold to Porsche’s most important customers, including Vasek Polak, the Sultan of Brunei, and NBA superstar Michael Jordan. Today, these rare cars represent the final evolution of the original Porsche Turbo – the very last of the rear-wheel-drive, single-turbo cars built continuously from 1975 to 1994.

The X85 Flachbau presented here is a stunning, low-mileage example of this highly sought-after Porsche model. Completed at the Porsche factory in late 1993, this Turbo S was finished in the popular color scheme of black with a black full leather interior, and it was optioned with sport seats, sunroof, and colored Porsche crests on its wheels. Beyond its handsome color combination, the Turbo S was specified with several Porsche Exclusive options, including red seat piping, a front-mounted CD changer, and wood steering wheel trim.

According to a CARFAX Vehicle History Report, this Flachbau was first sold to an owner in California in May 1994. The car has since remained in Southern California, and the CARFAX report notes several services at Porsche of San Diego between 2003 and 2009. Since 2008, the car has resided in a La Jolla-based collection and has been driven just a little over 200 miles. The Porsche is accompanied by a Porsche build record, tool kit, jack, spare, and tire inflator, as well as the CARFAX Vehicle History Report.

With only 39 ever built, X85 Flachbaus are prized by discerning collectors, and the finest examples seldom trade hands. As an extremely low-mileage California car with several notable options, this magnificent Turbo S presents an opportunity to step back in time and acquire a sparingly used top-of-the-line Porsche.