1989 Porsche 911 Targa

Porsche revived the 'Carrera' name for use on the top-of-the-range 911 'homologation special' in 1973. The company had previously applied the name to some elite versions of the preceding 356 range. The name continued until 1977 when it became dormant for several years, being revised in 1984 with the introduction of the 3.2-liter engine. It remained an air-cooled 'flat six' but was 80% new. The 3,164cc displacement was achieved by using the 95mm bore from the previous SC model and the 74.4mm-stroke crankshaft from the 1978 3.3-liter Turbo. Along with an increase in the compression ratio, it had new induction and exhaust systems. A long running perennial 911 shortcoming was addressed with a cam chain tensioner and associated lubrication system. For the first time on a 911, a Bosch LE-Jetronic ECU controlled the fuel and ignition systems, improving horsepower and fuel economy. The result was a 27 horsepower increase over its predecessor. Zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 5.3 seconds and had a top speed of 152 mph. The existing Type 915 five-speed was carried over from the SC series, and then in 1987, the Carrera received a new five-speed Getrag 'box (the G50) and a hydraulically operated clutch.

The M491 option on the Carrera 3.2 was officially called the 'Supersport' but commonly known as the 'Turbo Look.' It was introduced in 1984 and had styling that resembled the Type 930 911 Turbo. It had flared wheel arches, deeper front spoiler, and large rear wing. Mechanical modifications included the Turbo's suspension, wider wheels, and better brakes.

This particular example is a M491 option Carrera 3.2 Targa. The car was special ordered in September of 1988 by a Sioux Falls, SD based enthusiast from Metropolitan Porsche of St. Paul, MN. It was ordered with black leather interior with white piping, luggage compartment in black velour, radio with CD player, rear windshield wiper, and the $14,218 M491 'Turbo Look' option. The special-order color was Minerva Blue Metallic, identical to the original owner's 1977 Targa.

The new Porsche was built during the winter of 1988/89, and finally delivered in April of 1989. It would remain with the first owner until 2016, by which time it had been driven 7,300 miles. It is currently in well-preserved condition wearing its original paint.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2018