1988 Porsche 911 Carrera
$ 127,000
1988 Porsche 911 Carrera
VIN: WP0AB0914JS120576
EXTERIOR: Grand Prix White (code P5)
INTERIOR: Black (Leather seats)
OD MILES: 28,483 (TMU)
This 1988 911 Carrera has the special and very desirable option code M491 (1 of 37 coupes for 1988). The option code 491, known as Turbo Look or Super Sport Equipment SSE. In general it’s recognized for the wider body panels, yet there is much more to the option than just wide flares. (see more M491 details at the end of this post).
This car is in great condition with believed to be low miles. Clean CarFax and in very clean condition. The Grand Prix white paint is largely original factory paint and in very good condition with only minor blemishes from age. The factory wheels have been changed out for 17 inch replica Fuchs rims. The interior features white face gauges, power black leather seats (not original), radio delete. Factory Sport steering wheel with elevated hub.
The 1988 911 Carrera is also very sought after for the G50 5-speed manual transmission. The G50 transmission was introduces in 1987 as an improved transmission with greater strength, revised shifting, and modern usability with the hydraulically assisted clutch pedal.
The mechanical’s of this car are largely original. The naturally aspirated 3.2L engine runs strong. The engine is dry and still retains it’s factory protective coating (cosmoline). The transmission in this car shifts very easily and precisely with a smooth clutch release. A recent brake fluid change. The suspension has a good feel on the road, a testament to Porsche’s quality.
This car is not a concours car, yet it is a model that is very desirable for a number of reasons. To name a few; collectible, very drive-able and arguably the body style that has had the most to do with the history of the model. From the legendary race cars 934,935 as well as retaining the classic styling of the 911 origin. Everyone loves a G-series 911 model with the Turbo wide body styling, the robust and reliable 3.2L EFI engine with the G50 and the factory Brembo big brakes for the ultimate stopping power.
EXTERIOR
The Grand Prix White paint is in very good condition. Some minor blemishes, yet expected for it’s age. The glass is in excellent condition. The rubber trim is in good condition overall, with only minor blemishes. Upgrades: The 17 wheels are in near new condition, Porsche 993 aero door mirrors.
INTERIOR
The Black interior is very nice. Clean and in great condition. The comfort power seats were installed at some point in the car’s history. Factory Sport steering wheel with 30mm hub extension. White face gauges. Radio has been removed and a delete cover installed. A replacement radio could be installed.
Code M 491: The code goes way back to Porsche’s motorsports department when the M491 for the 1974 911 RS and RSR cars. In general for the wide body flares that was needed if larger/wider wheels are tires were to be fitted. The option code may have been offered the 1970’s and early 1980’s for Porsche’s special wishes programs and/or motorsports. In 1984 the option 491 was now offered to anyone buying street 911. Main reason for this was to please the demand in the North American market. North American buyers wanted the 911 Turbo, but at the time the Porsche 911 Turbo was not federalized. So Porsche gave buyers the choice to have the Turbo look. The option included many components from the 911 Turbo (930) chassis. Included were the wide 930 body panels, the front and rear spoiler, the same 930 suspension components and setup, the same larger 930 (911 Turbo) brakes, and the same wider Fuchs wheels. All of this for about $10,000 to the price of a standard 911 Carrera. Porsche classified the option as a Supersport equipped feature for the standard 911 Carrera. Initially the option sold well, yet in 1986 Porsche finally federalized the 911 Turbo to be sold in the US/North American market. Although orders dropped there was now a new found demand for a normally aspirated 911 with the appearance of a 911 Turbo and the extra performance gains from the suspension and brakes.
Production for the 1984-89 models was about 3,600 world wide for all coupes, Targas, and Cabriolets. Production data is somewhat questionable, yet still a rare model. For 1988 a total of only 240 (coupes, Targas and Cabs) were produced for the the US market, of which 37 were coupe.
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