Reviving the Carrera nameplate after a seven-year hiatus, the Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera, manufactured from 1984 to 1989, represented an evolution of its predecessor, the SC, and marked the pinnacle of the classic 911 lineage dating back to 1963. The new Carrera boasted a 3.2-liter flat-six, which included electronic fuel injection, oil-pressure-fed timing chain tensioners for improved reliability, and a coveted Getrag G50 five-speed transaxle with a hydraulically operated clutch for smoother shifts. Testing a Carrera 3.2 on the 25th anniversary of the 911 model in 1988, MotorWeek enthused, “it’s not hard to understand why this car is still around. In raw numbers, some cars are better, but the 911 Carrera offers sensations no other car can, or ever will match.”

Delivered in April 1989, this Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera Targa was ordered new by a Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based enthusiast via authorized Porsche dealer Metropolitan Imported Autos in St. Paul, Minnesota. It is believed to be one of as few as approximately 15 Targa examples built by the factory with the US-specification M491 Turbo-Look option for the model year. First introduced in 1984, the M491 package endowed the naturally aspirated Carrera with nearly all the features of the 930, sans the actual turbocharger, including its enlarged fenders, wraparound chin spoiler, distinctive whale tail, and wider Fuchs alloy wheels. Beyond aesthetics, M491-equipped cars received the 930’s upgraded suspension and larger brakes with 285 mm cross-drilled discs and four-piston aluminum calipers.

Specified in paint-to-sample Minerva Blue Metallic, this vibrant, electric blue is named for the Roman goddess Minerva, the patroness of artists, intellectuals, and soldiers. This uncommonly found hue was selected to match the first owner’s 1977 Porsche 911 Targa, with extensive correspondence exchanged with Porsche in Germany over several months to perfect the color and details during production.

Additional options on this Targa included a black leather interior with white piping, steering wheel with raised hub, luggage compartment in black velour, heavy-duty windshield washer, headlamp washers, rear window wiper, and a radio with CD player. Its original window sticker shows a total suggested retail price of $73,307.

This Targa remained with its original custodian until 2016, passing through two additional owners before being acquired by the consignor. With less than 8,000 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloguing, this Targa presents in impeccable condition throughout, complete with its books, tools, spare wheel, accessories, and an extensive history file containing correspondence and original sales paperwork. As one of the rarest Turbo-Look body styles, this almost certainly singular Targa offers an exceptional opportunity for discerning collectors.