The Ultimate G-Series Finale: Rare M491 Wide-Body with G50 Manual

The 1989 911 Speedster was Porsche's high-style farewell to the 1980s. Emerging after a 30-year hiatus of the "Speedster" nameplate, this model was designed to be a raw, low-profile, open-air variant of the Carrera 3.2. Its silhouette is unmistakable, characterized by a raked-back, cut-down windshield (shortened by 3 inches) and the iconic fiberglass "double-bubble" rear tonneau cover that conceals the manual folding top. It stripped away the traditional 911 greenhouse in favor of a sleek, aerodynamic look that remains one of the boldest designs in Zuffenhausen history.

Under the hood of Chassis #173074 is the final evolution of the legendary 3.2-liter air-cooled flat-six. By 1989, this engine had reached its peak of reliability and performance, producing 217 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque for the US market. Crucially, as an '89 model, it is equipped with the G50 5-speed manual transmission featuring Borg-Warner synchronizers. The G50 is the "Holy Grail" gearbox for G-Series enthusiasts, offering a much stronger, smoother, and more modern shifting experience than the earlier 915 units.

While a handful of "narrow-body" Speedsters were built for the European market, nearly all North American Speedsters—including this example—featured the M491 "Turbo-Look" wide-body. This gave the Speedster the aggressive, flared fenders, heavy-duty suspension, and massive 4-piston brakes of the 911 Turbo. Rolling on staggered 16-inch Fuchs alloy wheels, the 1989 Speedster possesses a low, wide, and menacing stance that perfectly complements its "hair-in-the-wind" philosophy.