1988 Porsche Carrera Cabriolet M491
HIGHLIGHTS
Exceptional 30,600 Mile Factory M491 “Turbo Look” Carrera
One of 109 Turbo Look Cabriolet Carreras built in 1988
Rare Original Factory Preserved Interior with Numerous Options
G50 5-Speed Manual Transmission, Books, Tools, CoA, and Window Sticker Concours Prepared
SPECIFICATIONS
VIN - WP0EB0913JS170922
Engine – 3.2L, Six Cylinder
Gearbox – 5 Speed Manual
Drivetrain - Rear engine, RWD
PRICING INFORMATION
Price - SOLD
OVERVIEW
If you had to pick a single iconic sports car from the 1980s, chances are it would be the Porsche 911. Built with impressive motorsports engineering and design improvements refined over the years, the air-cooled, manual shift era reached a pivotal point with the last of these great cars from this era. For those who wanted the lurid fenders, whale tail, and Turbo stance in a car that could be enjoyably used under most driving circumstances, the M491 “Turbo Look” option fit the bill perfectly. But buyers had to step up handsomely when ticking that option as the “Turbo Look” rang the bell at $13,432.00. A number that would limit sales to just 109 Cabriolets with the “Turbo Look” option in 1988. With this option, the 911 Cabriolet was transformed to a boldly designed performance vehicle yet remained enjoyably usable for a range of enthusiasts. The wide rear end, prominent rear spoiler, and Porsche performance delivered the looks and punch that would define the 1980s. Although the inspiring 930 Turbo was built in coupe form, the cabriolet version would arrive later, inviting Carrera Cabriolet buyers to set a new highwater mark for convertibles when ordered with the M491 “Turbo Look” option.
According to the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and further verified by the underside hood options sticker and warranty voucher booklet sticker, this car was delivered from the factory with the following highly desirable options:
C02 - US Standard Emissions
158 - Blaupunkt Radio ‘Reno’
220 - Limited Slip Differential
243 - Shorter Gear Shift Lever
437 – Comfort Seat Left
439 – Electric Cabriolet Top
454 – Automatic Speed Control
491 – Turbo Look
975 – Velour Carpet in Luggage Compartment
As stated on the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this car was completed on November 6, 1987, finished in Guards Red/G1 paint and trimmed with Black Partial Leather/LT. Beautifully finished with solid black Fuchs wheels and black convertible top, this rare Porsche was used sparingly throughout the years as evidenced by the accompanying documentation and recent Carfax showing uninterrupted mileage accumulating over the past 34 years with care given to every aspect of the car both cosmetically and mechanically, supported by documents for service and annual maintenance. With just two owners since new, the current owner purchased the car in 1994 with16,000 miles indicated.
In addition to being a highly desirable “Turbo Look” Carrera Cabriolet this car has remarkably retained the original black interior, the original engine, and G50 gearbox. The Guards Red paint has been digitally metered returning numbers that are consistent with original paint on the front fenders and driver’s door. Other areas have been painted to improve the overall appearance and visual presentation of the car. Given that most Porsches are often restored, in the case of this example, great care has been afforded to preserve the originality, the mechanical systems, and the cosmetic presentation. One need only admire the quality of the detailing on the underside of the car to appreciate the scope of concours-level care this car has regularly enjoyed. In addition to the superlative visual presentation, the mechanical features are just as satisfying as the car shows no oil leaks, exhibits no unpredictable noises, and no cowl shudder. The car starts, runs, shifts, and drives beautifully while dispensing cold air conditioning on hot days, and smooth convertible power top function for open-air motoring.
The vivid red paint is lustrous and glossy, showing excellent depth and fluid reflections. Factory shut lines are precisely aligned for the front storage compartment lid and engine lid. The doors shut with a crisp “Porsche Ping” that conveys the level of excellence these cars are known for. The black trim throughout the car is excellent including the unique accordion boots flanking the impact bumpers. The stance is perfectly positioned on correct and desirable Fuchs wheels (with original valve stem supports in place) wearing older Fuzion ZR1tires. The glass, lenses, and lights are in excellent condition and display factory codes and markings consistent with Porsche designations. The power convertible top is in beautiful condition fitting tightly to the windshield header, raising and lowering smoothly under power from the dash mounted switch. The rear plastic window is in excellent condition, clear and supple, surrounded by correct black canvas material retaining correct factory stitching as well as an excellent headliner.
The supple black leather interior is soft and void of any significant marks beguiling the many years of ownership. Both the previous and current owners have not only preserved this car but have been remarkably careful when using it. The interior has excellent continuity, preservation, and cleanliness. Every corner has been properly detailed and refined to a very high level. The rear seating area appears essentially new with no sun damage. Stored safely indoors, professionally detailed, and admired for its rarity, the condition has consistently remained at premier concours level. The center console houses the G50 factory 5-speed manual transmission, optioned with the desirable short lever gearshift, nested in a black leather shifter boot, surrounded by black floor mats, and matching black center console. The pristine dashboard displays black-dial instruments with vivid white nomenclature, and high contrast orange needles. The factory Porsche steering wheel and analog controls show virtually no evidence of use or long-term sun exposure, every bit of which is factory correct, even the Blaupunkt Reno radio is in place.
The engine compartment is original and unmodified, confirming yet another example of persistent owners that diligently maintained the originality. Given that so many examples have been altered over the years with performance exhaust, modified air intakes, or increased displacement engines, a truly correct and well-prepared car is all the more rewarding to find in such original condition. The engine and engine compartment are exceptionally clean and attractive, offering an authentic presentation including a beautifully maintained fan shroud and fan, nearly like new. Factory engine and emissions stickers, wiring, hoses, and rare factory details are all beautifully and properly presented – a superlative vehicle in every respect.
The front storage compartment is stock in appearance with excellent extra cost optioned velour carpeting lining the front storage area. The front tub houses a factory correct red rim space-saver spare tire, air compressor, factory paint sticker, and authentic original materials and finishes indicative of an original factory preserved Porsche of this vintage. Much like the rest of this car, the chassis is a marvel of detailing with high quality finishes that challenge even top-level Porsche experts to find flaw or error in the presentation. The various metal finishes, including the astonishingly fresh exhaust and various metal components are exceptional. Hardware, hoses, and clamps appear as fresh as when installed new. This Porsche is accompanied by the original and complete owners book set and pouch, air compressor, tools and tool roll, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, the original factory red spare tire, the factory window sticker, and selected service records.
Rarely found in such fine condition, this unique Porsche 911 Carrera factory “Turbo Look” M491 Cabriolet represents one of the best of this series. The incomparable air-cooled engine and G50 5-speed gearbox delivers fantastic performance and iconic Turbo looks. One of just 109 built, the rarity, concours level presentation, and jaw-dropping looks ensures lasting desirability as the Porsche market continues to appreciate on for remarkable rare, and iconic 911 Porsches.
Please contact Jason Harris at +1-206-355-7727 for more information on this 1988 Porsche 911Turbo Look Carrera Cabriolet (M491).
