1989 Porsche 911 Targa

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys The Monterey Auction event, 13 - 15 August 2026.
Offered Without Reserve $250,000 - $350,000 USD

• Number 14 of just 15 911 Carrera 3.2 Targas delivered to the US for 1989 equipped with the M491 Turbo-Look option package
• The only US-delivered Turbo-Look Targa finished from the factory in Paint-to-Sample Minerva Blue Metallic and one of only two Turbo-Look 911s ever specified in this color worldwide
• Retained by the original owner for more than 27 years
• Displaying 7,944 miles at cataloguing time
• Accompanied by original window sticker and sales invoice, factory books, and correspondence from original owner

Porsche introduced a Turbo-Look option package, code M491, for the 1984 model year that offered the more aggressive styling and chassis upgrades of the type 930 911 Turbo on the non-turbocharged 911 Carrera 3.2. The package added wider fenders, a larger front spoiler with integrated fog lamps, and the whale tale rear spoiler, along with the 930 Turbos stiffer suspension, larger brakes, and wider wheels. Coveted by collectors and enthusiasts since inception, the M491 package was particularly popular in the United States, where the 930 Turbo was discontinued for model years 1980 through 1985 due to stricter emissions regulations. Initially offered only on the 911 Carrera 3.2 Coupe, the M491 package officially became available on cabriolets and targas starting with the 1985 model year.

This Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 is the 14th of just 15 targa models equipped with the M491 Turbo-Look option package for 1989. Even more remarkable, it is believed to be the only 1989 Turbo-Look Targa delivered to the United States finished in its unique exterior color of special-order Minerva Blue Metallic, and one of just two M491-equipped 911 models ever built in this hue. Correspondence on file from 1988 documents discussions between Porsche Cars North America and the original owner, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, sorting out the specifics of this rare Paint-to-Sample color, which he chose to match the finish of a 1977 911 Targa he owned.

After months of back and forth regarding the exterior color, the new Turbo-Look Targa was finally slated for production and delivered in April of 1989 to Metropolitan Imported Autos, the official Porsche dealer of St. Paul, Minnesota. In addition to the $2,134 special-order paint and $14,218 M491 package, the owner also specified supple leather seats in black with white piping, a leather-lined steering wheel with raised hub, headlight washers, rear window wiper, heavy-duty windshield washer, luggage compartment in black velour, and a radio with CD player all at extra cost. The original window sticker showing a suggested retail price of $73,307 is included in the accompanying history file.

The first owner cherished this Turbo-Look Targa for more than 27 years, driving it sparingly. In 2016, the car passed to its second owner and then through a couple of others before the consignor acquired it in 2024. Showing a mere 7,944 miles at cataloguing time and presenting in well-preserved condition, this remarkable 911 Targa Turbo-Look is an incredible find for the serious Porsche collector, given its rare specification and color, as well as its documented ownership from new. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo26/.