M491 Pricing

[CRJ-Driver]

What are the values of these cars these days? 1985, 90K miles, good condition, all stock except a 930 style steering wheel, Alpine radio and BBS mesh wheels. Paint is original, interior clean. Thanks

[the]

There is a cult following for those cars, they will pay top dollar, BUT most of the top dollar collectors are fairly fanatical about low miles and stock condition.

Values are tough, but for a 90K '85 missing its Fuchs, I'd say roughly $4-5K above a regular 85 with 90K miles.

[MOMO3.2]

CRJ-Driver:

In this market, I am not sure. "the" is probably right in the ballpark. I would have to say that relative values on the M491 will never go down. They are rare.

Some people have indicated that they do not like the M491's much. They point out that performance is no better than a narrow body car and that the huge Turbo wing makes the car a "poser".

I, however, think the M491's have a lot going for them. First, those flares are awsome. Scores of early car owners pay handsome prices to have their collectible "hotrod's" fenders flared. Then they have to pay for a repaint. Next, you can use wider 8" Fuchs up front with no rubbing issues. You could even go nuts and fit some wider 917 style wheels from Zuffenhaus boys ($$$)! Finally, the M491 has the Turbo's brakes. Those things are selling for a small fortune today (I would say enough to offset the extra cost over a standard Carrera in many cases).

I think an M491 Carrera fitted with a Ducktail (instead of the Turbo wing) that was trimmed down to about 2,400 lbs (easy to do) would be one hell of a car. Shoehorn a 3.6 motor in there and you would really have something special!

M491's are the schizzle!

Mike

[GaryR]

One just sold for $13K +/- on the FS forum... 84 Turbo Look, factory $13,900 or 85 Carrera

M491's have 930 brakes, 930 suspension, and the 930 widebody. They will definitely outperform a stock Carerra in everything but acceleration. That is easily addressed..

For wheels, you can run 11.5 in the rear and 9" in front (that's what I ran, from CCW on my 930)..

[CRJ-Driver]

I read about that one the problem is I've haven't had a car payment in over 15 years and I don't want one now. We grew up dealing with cash, something my Dad taught us... The 3.6 motor swap is more of what I have in mind, but it will be years down the road. Now I have to find the right car at the right price. Thanks for all the info and your help.

[mede8er]

The M491 with the 3.6 transplant would be perfect...

[RarlyL8]

The M491 with a turbo added would be better than a 930.
Think about that for a moment. All the 930 good stuff PLUS EFI.
These cars are going cheap like everything else. If you have cash now is your time!