Highlights
- Rare Dage Flachbau (flat nose) conversion
- Built to 930 Turbo specification with interior by Zeemax
- Bare metal restoration in 2022 with photographic record
- Well documented history
- Ready to be enjoyed
The Appeal
At the beginning of the 1980’s Porsche had started to flirt with the bespoke production of so called “Flachbau” 930 Turbo 911’s for hand-picked, lucky customers. The idea was to emulate the look of the iconic 935 Porsche race cars but in a more practical road car specification. One such customer was reported to be Mansour Ojjeh, head of TAG, whose request is thought to mark the origin of Porsche’s “special wishes” program. The exclusivity of these flat nosed cars encouraged some specialist firms to offer conversion packages to customers. One such specialist was Dage Sport Limited.
Our example was understood to have made its way to Dage in 1989 entering the workshops as a G-series 911 SC Cabriolet. Dage went on the convert the car to a full 930 Turbo specification mechanically and to a flat nose specification aesthetically. The interior was also fettled, at around this time, by Zeemax. Dage were thought to have used the car as a demonstrator for a while making this a unique and appealing example.
The History and Paperwork
- This 911 was first registered in the UK in April 1983
- The VIN number suggests the car started life as a UK specification 911 SC Cabriolet
- By 1989 the car had undergone a significant transformation
- This work was undertaken by Dage Sport Limited, specialists in flat nose conversions
- Dage undertook a full conversion to a 930 Turbo mechanical specification
- A transformation to a flat nose body specification was also undertaken
- An interior makeover was undertaken by another Porsche specialist – Zeemax
- The result was a distinctive and unique 911 in a striking colourway
- Dage were believed to have used this car as a demonstrator for a period
- The car is now only for sale following a recent bereavement
- Our example has undergone only very light use in later life
- An invoice from 1992 details an odometer reading of 64,119 miles
- Given that, our car has covered a mere 8,000 miles in the last 31 years
- There is a good level of paperwork accompanying this 911
- This includes the current V5 in the name of the owner
- Numerous previous MOTs are present in hard copy
- This includes the current MOT which is valid until June 2023
- A good number of invoices are on hand detailing maintenance expenditure
- This includes the Zeemax invoice for interior retrim
- Numerous photographs are on hand documenting the 2022 body restoration
- It should be noted that the car passes its 40th anniversary in April 2023
- As such it should be eligible for registration as a Historic Vehicle after then
- That should qualify the car for MOT and VED exemption from that point
The Interior
- Our 911 features a unique and distinctive interior by specialists Zeemax
- This consists of the signature “tombstone” seats trimmed in ruched, two-tone leather
- The interior includes a full set of unusual ivory coloured Zeemax / VDO gauges
Studying the undated Zeemax invoice for the interior work suggests that they added light grey leather inserts to the existing wine-coloured interior of this 911. This means that the wine-coloured elements are, likely, original with the light grey elements of the interior added later by Zeemax. In any event it makes for a distinctive and unusual interior. The condition appears surprisingly good and the wine-coloured carpets still feature the Zeemax added, light grey leather edge binding.
The customisation work extends to the familiar 911 dashboard too. The wine-coloured top section is complemented by a light grey lower section. Our car seems to feature some special, ivory coloured Zeemax gauges too. They still bear the correct VDO makers mark but the big tachometer also bears “Zeemax” branding. It is reassuring to see this is the 930-Turbo appropriate item with integrated boost gauge too. A few other customised and personalised items can be found in here too. This includes the steering wheel, alloy pedal covers and unusual, wooden gear knob and seemingly much later, red stop / start button.
The Exterior
- The flat nose front end of our car is an obvious highlight of the exterior
- The wine red metallic paintwork presents beautifully following a bare metal respray
- Our car is complete with desirable split-rim Fuchs alloy wheels and “tea tray” rear wing
This 911 offers the onlooker a real sensory overload in a very positive way. It’s hard to know where to look first. Is it that sublime and unusual flat nose with its pop up headlamps? Is it those deeply dished, polished alloy and matt black Fuchs wheels? Perhaps it’s the big Kremer style, tea tray rear spoiler? Which ever it is, you won’t be disappointed by the drama and pristine exterior condition of our example.
It is surprising how different the 911 shape looks with that flat nosed front end rendering it, somehow, simultaneously familiar yet more rare and exotic looking. Our car features a black fabric hood which appears to be in a fine condition. A hood bag is understood to be included with the car.
The refurbished wheels look superb. They consist of highly polished alloy rims with the familiar matt black, five spoke Fuchs centres. These are split rim examples with a circle of bright chrome lugs fastening the two parts together. They are staggered front to back in true 930 fashion. The fronts wear 205/50 16 tyres whilst the rears are chunky 245/45 items. A matching set or Toyo Proxes T1R are fitted. The open spoke design of the alloys facilitates a view of the big, cross drilled disks and Porsche inscribed callipers.
The overall external condition of the car will leave you in no doubt over the diligence and quality of the bare metal respray undertaken in 2022.
The Mechanics
- Dage converted the mechanical specification of our car to full 930 3.3L Turbo spec
- A full top end rebuilt costing over £5,000 was undertaken in 2011 at around 70,000 miles
- The vendor reports that the car drives beautifully with no issues reported
Our example isn’t all about the “show.” Dage were sure to take care of the “go” too. This was by way of conversion to a full 930 Turbo mechanical specification. This meant fitting the revered 3,299cc, turbo charged, flat-six “boxer” engine with intercooler. In factory specification this was good for around 300bhp.
Our car has clearly been well looked after, too. The 2011 top end rebuild included a new clutch and front disks and pads were replaced in 2020. The underlying theme, however, is how few miles the car has covered between these maintenance interventions. Between that 2011 rebuild and today the car, according to its MOT history, has covered only around 2,000 miles!
It will be unsurprising, then, that the current owner reports that the car is in a fine mechanical condition and appears to want for nothing currently.
Summary
A Porsche 911 of any period and pedigree is, today most likely to be a sought after and desirable classic ownership proposition. Porsche’s Germanic build quality and single-purposed focus on sporting prowess has paid dividends. Not all 911s are that rare, however, with relatively high numbers of some models being produced and, thanks to that inbuilt quality, are still around today.
Our example, however, can surely claim to offer a unique provenance. There are other flat nose conversions around, of course, but our car’s history as a Dage demonstration car and featuring its special Zeemax interior helps set it apart from others. It’s been well loved and well cared for with, seemingly, its every need being fully attended to. What enthusiast with even a drop of petrol in their veins wouldn’t want to be the owner of a 930 Turbo Cabriolet “Flachbau?” It’s always highly likely to be the only one in the car park, after all.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.