Is the Carrera M491 wide body option more desirable than standard ?

[AUS911SC3]

Looking to purchase an 86 - 89 Carrera to add to the garage. Every now and then I see genuine factory wide body examples, I think this was the M491, (appologise if this is incorrect). Question, were they mechanically any different to Std body ie suspension, underbelly etc or were they simply all flared body. Most importantly are they any more desirable on a enthusiast level? I know this is a subjective question but interested to hear opinions. Thanks

[zimmer266]

Different/improved rear suspension mounting points, significantly better brakes, room for bigger wheels with the flares, and slower top speed for the standard 3.2.

It seems to pull more cash when the vehicle changes hands as well. If you do racing or DE, then the wider tire options and the better brakes would offer an improvement.

[VaSteve]

The feature always seems to be mentioned when someone gets or sells one, so the enthusiast market seems to be well aware. I think one of the coolest ones I have ever seen here was a turbo look coupe with no tail. It was dark blue and the photo was taken from the rear. If I was in the market and one was available, I'd be all over it. Typically, what you seem to see for sale are TL cabs and sometimes a Targa. To me, Coupes seem to be rarer or don't trade hands as often.

[sc_rufctr]

They are definately more desirable and more $$$$ to some but...

Some see it as a wanna be type of car. Like its not really a turbo.
I for one love them. Turbo looks with naturally aspirated insurance and running costs.

Be a careful though there are a lot of owner converted cars. Some are so well done you can't tell them from a factory car.

[mystro]

Look of the turbo without the horrible turbo lag makes it a desirable car. The fact that it came from Porsche makes it every bit authentic as a 930.

[tmsautoart]

Look of the turbo without the horrible turbo lag makes it a desirable car. The fact that it came from Porsche makes it every bit authentic as a 930.

I could live with the lag. The turbo is a superior car IMO. But...if you want all the show without the go and lower running cost, I can see the desire.

[GaryR]

It's a turbo without the engine, it's limited quantity, turbo brakes, wider stance, more rubber, (I believe) stiffer suspension, and a 5 speed (Turbo was 4 speed up to 89). To me I would rather have a real 491 as a daily cruiser unless the turbo had a G50 crammed in it or the 4 speed was re-geared..

[canamfan]

Check out this registry, I'm sure I came across a couple of other ones that really put things in detailed perspective


Turbolook-Register - Facts - Carrera 3,2

[ivangene]

If I was in a better position or if one falls into my lap.....highly desirable FOR ME

its everything Turbo except the motor and cost of maintaining the motor.....

[jackb911]

I had one, I never would have sold it had it been a coupe. I had been looking for a '87-89 G50 coupe and discovered that most of the late M491's are cabs and Targas.

They handle nicely and the 930 brakes are noticeably better than the Carrera brakes, which are very good.

Maintenance/upkeep is pretty much the same as a regular Carrera.

They are plenty quick for the street.

The resale value of a well-kept low mileage M491 is unreal.

[VaSteve]

Case in point.....

1984 m491 widebody

$30K is a lot of money.

Personally, I'd pull the tail off. Never seen a TL w/ a duck. Wonder how that'd look?

[oh snap]

I love mine sheep in wolf's clothing or not.

I would have loved a 930 but the potential costs scared me a bit, especially for a car in my price range. I also would have gladly bought a narrow body if the right one came along. I found this one though and thought it was worth the premium, because it is a little rarer and maybe a little more interesting.

[megerian]

Totally agree - they are indeed more desirable, but stay away from a conversion.

Make sure that you use a VIN decoder and determine that it has a 491 option code.

[RichardNew]

They're a Turbo without the trouble of an actual Turbo. They look really neat and you'll have money for the family food budget.

Richard Newton
Newton's Laws

[Canada Kev]

Originally Posted by megerian

Make sure that you use a VIN decoder and determine that it has a 491 option code.

You don't need a VIN decoder, it will be printed right on the sticker under the hood. What's the code? Oh, yeah, 491...


A -491 car is the same as a turbo, but with the Carrera engine and trans. They have everything a turbo had (less the engine) such as brakes, suspension, wider fenders, blah, blah, blah. Same, except the engine.

They are certainly more valuable than a similar Carrera, and to some, more than a 930.