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Car Tales: Super Sport, Porsche Carrera Turbo-look

In the early 1980s the Porsche team in Stuttgart noticed that customers increasingly were inspired for their 911 to be given a custom job by such companies as Gemballa, Strosek and Rinspeed. What many owners were after was the wide-body look exemplified by the Turbo. And there were even glass fibre kits available at a fraction of the price.
1986 Porsche Carrera Super Sport Cabriolet Turbo-Look M491 Right-Hand-Drive for sale
Unsurprisingly this had come to the attention of Peter Schultz, since 1981 the new, extremely marketing-minded Porsche boss. Although his predecessor had been keen to phase out the 911, the data-driven Schultz was eager to retain the model. His reasoning? Quite simple: that whilst the sales of Porsche 924 and 928 were slipping, the 911 continued to enjoy steady financial success.

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Schultz correctly sniffed the zeitgeist: for during the 1980s the classic Porsche 911 would become very much a desired symbol of the decade’s selective consumerism.
1986 Porsche Carrera Super Sport Cabriolet Turbo-Look M491 Right-Hand-Drive side view
To remarket the model, the ‘Carrera’ moniker was reintroduced for the 1984 edition, which was launched in September 1983. And it came with a 3.2 liter engine, which incorporated a redesigned engine inlet and exhaust system.
And in 1984 Porsche put option M491 on the market: Carreras could be ordered optionally with the Turbo Coupe body-shell, becoming a regular model from September 1985. The specification included the Turbo’s flared front and rear wheel wings, tea-tray wing, and front spoiler extension.
The Turbo’s suspension and brakes, including perforated discs and 917-type calipers, were used without change, as were 7J/9J front and rear wheels.
Officially designated ‘SSE’, for ‘Super Sport Equipment’, but more commonly known as ‘the Turbo-Look’, the sports car was aimed largely at the US where stringent new emission rules had led to the 911 Turbo not being on sale. But, less likely to explode with power, didn’t it also save its owners from the consequent risk of accidents, these yuppy executives who were Porsche’s new market?
1986 Porsche Carrera Super Sport Cabriolet Turbo-Look M491 Right-Hand-Drive rear view
Cornering was improved with the wider track, stiffer rear torsion bars, and a softer rear anti-roll bar. Ride height dropped from 108 millimeters to 94 millimeters. It was a look that became extremely popular, notably in the USA, part of its purpose. Essentially it was a Turbo without a Turbo engine.
At first available only in Coupe form, the option became available on Targa and Cabriolet models from 1986.
1986 Porsche Carrera Super Sport Cabriolet Turbo-Look M491 Right-Hand-Drive interior
Although sales were by no means huge, Porsche had hit upon a lasting style.
And it looked really great. In the UK, the Turbo-Look model was known as the Carrera with Sport Equipment (SE) for the 1986 model year and the Carrera Super Sport from September 1986.
At the moment we have one of these beauties at Beverly Hills Car Club, an exceptionally rare 1986 Porsche Carrera Super Sport Cabriolet M491 ‘Turbo-Look’ Right-Hand-Drive featured with matching numbers and 28,400 miles on the odometer. Equipped with the coveted M491 option package, this Carrera stands out with its Super Sport model designation, the ‘Turbo-Look’.
It comes finished in its factory color Silver complemented with a sleek Black interior. This particular Porsche Super Sport Cabriolet M491 is a standout among its peers, as it is one of only 26 ever produced. The rarity of this vehicle is further highlighted by the breakdown of Right-Hand-Drive models produced, with 34 Coupes, 26 Cabriolets, and 15 Targas, making this example truly special and sought after by enthusiasts.
The car is equipped with a sought-after Super Sport package, 5-speed manual transaxle, air-cooled 3.2-liter flat-six, single exhaust outlet, four-wheel disc brakes, Bosch-branded front fog lights, VDO instrumentation, 4-spoke steering wheel, rear rubber bumperettes, rear spoiler, 16-inch Fuchs-style wheels, tool roll, jack, and a spare tire fitted in the front trunk.
1986 Porsche Carrera Super Sport Cabriolet Turbo-Look M491 Right-Hand-Drive engine
Step inside the luxurious cabin of this Porsche Carrera and you’ll be greeted by a wealth of premium features included in the sport equipment interior package. Additional convenience features include power windows, dual rearview mirrors, Kenwood radio, glove compartment and sun visors with a vanity mirror on the passenger side.
Additionally, receipt copies totaling over $15,000 showcase the investment that has been put into maintaining this classic Porsche. With only 26 units ever produced worldwide, this rare gem is a true collector’s item that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire such an exclusive Super Sport Cabriolet that is mechanically sound.
As I said, a Turbo without a Turbo engine. And an absolute beauty.
-Alex Manos, Owner
1986 Porsche Carrera Super Sport Cabriolet buyer Alex Manos

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