Despite all of us knowing a thing or two about the automotive hobby, we’re occasionally reminded that not everyone lives in the same world. For instance: if you happen to own a European sports car that is known for needing a fairly rigorous maintenance schedule, you also know that details about its mechanical upkeep are sort of essential in a classified listing. That’s why upon seeing this 1980 Porsche 911 that features a slant-nose conversion among numerous other modifications including a bad paint job with zero information about how it’s been maintained – well, it’s a reminder not everyone plays in the same sandbox. Find the 911 here on craigslist for $55,000 in Plant City, Florida.
Now, the worst part about all of this is that this may, in fact, be an obsessively well-maintained 911 that just has some peeling clear coat. But without information about details ranging from regular fluid changes to engine seals to the condition of the suspension, we’re left to wonder if this 911 is a total basketcase that hasn’t seen the inside of a specialist’s shop in 10 years or more. The wheels are aftermarket and clearly maxing out the available real estate in the generous wheel arches. The 911 also sports an aftermarket spoiler/whale tail, which fits the aftermarket nose job. I don’t know fender depth by sight well enough to tell if these are Turbo-spec rear arches, but they do look quite wide.
The interior features more aftermarket components, including deeply-bolstered seats that may be cheap knock-offs or could be period-correct racing buckets. I really can’t tell, but I think I’m leaning toward the former. They don’t look like Scheels or Recaros, but fresh upholstery and stuffing could be throwing me off. Regardless, it’s another detail that may turn off the purists, or could otherwise excite someone looking for a vintage track car. The three-spoke steering wheel at least appears to be a period-correct Momo. It’s hard to say when exactly this 911 was put together and what the intent was; eye-catching street car or weekend track warrior?
Now, there could be some good news under the rear engine lid. The seller vaguely refers to the engine as having 100K miles, but that it’s a “…total rebuild.” Does that mean despite the car’s otherwise ratty appearance, someone has spent their time and money on the drivetrain? I can live with that, and it makes the 911 even more appealing as a potential track rat. The one wildcard for me is the slant nose: these conversions can sometimes hide rust if the body shop responsible for the nose job does sloppy work. Aside from that, the lack of details is the only thing that would spook me about this modified 911; hopefully, a phone call with the owner will put those fears to rest.
If the front fenders are steel, and they look to be, taking care of the rust should be easy as they unbolt without a big hassle. This conversion design did have a whale tail rear spoiler but not this style. Not a great color for a car of this type.
What, a Copper Brown Metallic 930 is one of my all time favorite car colors, and many would agree!
I always thought these looked better without the slant nose
conversion.
There is a reason you don’t see many cars painted brown.
All UPS vehicles are painted brown. Even the drivers wear brown.
I cannot stand slant nose 911s. Pop up lights were big in the 70s, and every time I see a 911 like this, I think some guy was like “let’s make the 911 modern!” Why do this? No matter what, to me they look like cheap kit cars. It could be perfectly executed, or even factory. But the car lost its face. I’m not happy to see it, and the car’s not happy to see me.
And based on the looks of the car, I can’t even say that whoever did this had more money than taste, because it screams “what’s the cheapest thing I could add to this car to make it look like RAD….”
Absolutely horrid after market wheels, and other nasty boy racer bolt on aftermarket bits…..but it is a Porsche, and a Slantnose/Flachbau to boot.
That being said, $55k is strong money for this one. Porsche did recently bring back Cocoa Brown, but the negatives far outweigh the positives here….complete inspection and vetting, with a realistic seller, and a low price of ~ $25 to $30k, and someone might step up to the plate, who loves a challenge and Porsche.
Then hit the next open track day….
Wishing the new owner all the best to recommission this one! 👍🤓
I would return it to stock and a more attractive factory color. But I’d only be interested at a much lower price.
Modified Porsches are always less valuable. This one is not worth what they’re asking for it.
I had 1980, and they’re kind of slow. The transmission is terrible, and they really need coil overs. But, if you put in the g50 transmission and “spring” (get it?) for some coil overs, you can drive it forever.
Well, I was lucky enough to have owned a 911S Targa for 5 years while stationed in Germany and loved every minute it. I always dreamed of the 930 Slantnose but my bank account wasn’t ready for that. Unlike some commenting here I loved the 930 front end but I wouldn’t ever have considered doing a 930 conversion to the 911 I owned, just leave a great car alone. The one thing I will agree with is the comments on the brown color they used, it is ugly. I also agree with the folks that think the price may be a bit high. I can’t see anyone walking in the door and slamming 55K down on this car.
amen, amen, amen.
Such a confusing ad.
Says there is 100K on motor, total rebuild. Does it mean it was rebuilt or it needs one?
The slant nose was never appreciated from Poorsch enthusiasts
but today they are rare. The rear spoiler and the seats dont fit
to this model as the oversized wheels (BBS cross spokes?)
With the maintenance demanding boxer engine and runned
just 170’000KM, i would estimate its value to fair 17’500
because the F-models like to over steer.