Accordingly, as much as Fuhrmann had been reluctant to prolong the life of the 911, so the data-driven Schutz 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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Peter Schutz desired to expand the market for Porsches beyond the customers who had been the marque’s traditional enthusiasts. He had correctly sniffed the zeitgeist. The 1980s were to bring in an era of stylish taste, with exclusive brand names as their shoulder-padded apex. And the Porsche 911 would become very much a desired symbol of this age of selective consumerism.

And to the standard Carrera model was added the Turbo’s wide-body, upgraded suspension components, four-piston fixed calipers (larger versions of the A-type cast-iron calipers), spoilers, 16-inch forged alloy rims (‘telephone dials’, as they were facetiously known, for anyone old enough to recall dialing phone numbers) and tires. As well as the 930 Turbo’s wide fenders and a significant whale tail wing at the rear, this 911 variant came fitted with superb Turbo brakes. And it looked really great.

The Turbo Look, as it became designated, was aimed largely at the United States where emission rules had led to the 911 Turbo not being on sale. But didn’t it also save its owners from the colossal turbo power release and the consequent risk of accidents for the thrusting yuppy executives who were Porsche’s new market?

Right now we have one of these beauties at Beverly Hills Car Club, a rare limited production 1985 Porsche Carrera Coupe Turbo Look M491 featured with matching numbers and 29,182 miles on the odometer is available in its factory color code #700 black with a black interior. The vehicle comes equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, Flat 6 Cylinder 3.2-liter engine, air conditioning, automatic speed control, limited-slip differential, central locking system, steering wheel with raised hub, sports seats, power windows, sunroof, 4-wheel disc brakes, Fuchs wheels, and spare tire.

In total 3,572 units of all models of the Porsche Carrera Coupe Turbo Look M491 were produced, 633 in 1985 alone – 314 Coupes, 79 Targas, and 240 Cabriolets. Its extremely torquey engine was capable of taking the coupe to 152 mph – fun on those German autobahns with no speed restriction whatsoever – and it could hit 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Quite handy for slipping out to pick up some groceries.

The development of the Turbo Look led to improvements across the Porsche range. Side-impact beams were included in all Porsche cars built from 1985 onwards; to engage more resolutely with the higher forces derived from the turbo suspension, the Targa and Cabriolet models were given greater body reinforcement.

If you are seeking an antique Porsche, the Porsche Carrera Coupe Turbo Look M491 is precisely what you need. It takes you to the source of all the 911 variations built since 1965, the very essence of these superb cars. But it also feels like a car that is utterly in touch with the 21st century, ever ready for the romance of the road.

It is a real Porsche winner. And a tribute to Peter Schutz.

-Alex Manos, Owner