1986 911 Targa M491/M470

The M491 Package was introduced in 1984 as Porsche’s solution for markets like the United States where the 911 Turbo (930) was unavailable after 1979 due to emissions regulations. Initially offered in very limited numbers through Porsche’s Special Wishes (Sonderwunsch) program, demand was strong enough that it later became a regular option code. Far more than a cosmetic upgrade, M491 equipped a standard Carrera with Turbo-derived hardware, including wide front and rear fenders, the Turbo spoilers, heavy-duty suspension components, 930 brakes with larger cross-drilled rotors and four-piston calipers, and staggered 16-inch Fuchs wheels, delivering Turbo look and handling without forced induction.

This 1986 911 Carrera Targa came finished in Black over a Black partial leather interior, showed 97,000 miles, and was optioned with Porsche’s M491 Package along with the M470 “Spoiler Delete” Package. Previously converted to a Cabriolet, it was brought back to its original Targa Specification in 2024 as part of a comprehensive refurbishment by Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas as part of the Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge, where it won the national championship in the Preservation Class. Along with the return to Targa, the car received a reseal of its 3.2-liter flat-six, refresh of the fuel system, and replacement of the wheels, tires and dampers.

Overall, Carrera 3.2 Targas have averaged $77,189 over the past twelve months, with a low of $35,600 and a high of $200,000 for a 7,000-mile M491-equipped example. Our Spotlight car, showing 97k miles, came close to that top number, selling at a final bid of $184,444. Credit goes to the quality of the work completed, which clearly elevated this one into award-winning territory.

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