Porsche 911 SC Targa

The mainstay of the Porsche range throughout the late Seventies, the 911 SC was unveiled at the Frankfurt Show in September 1977 and was available in either Coupe or Targa forms.

Essentially this new 911 was very similar to the previous Carrera 3.0 with the same basic specifications, styling, and features. Power was up slightly from the previous 2.7 model, and a flatter torque curve made the car much easier to drive. In 1979 the SC's engine received modifications increasing the power to 188bhp while improving fuel economy by 10 percent.

Further improvements in 1980 pushed the power up to 204bhp making it good for 145mph with the 0-60 dash coming up in 5.7 seconds. Simple, quick and bulletproof, the SC is widely regarded as one of the most user-friendly of all the 911 range and good ones are increasingly sought after.

This 1981 car has the versatile Targa top body style and comes in silver with a blue leather interior. Described as being “a very smart example”, it has covered some 125,000 miles with an excellent service history backed by a full set of 16 stamps in the service book plus invoices for subsequent maintenance as shown in the accompanying history file, being last serviced about 3,000 miles ago. It also comes with virtually every old MOT certificate.

The engine was overhauled by RSR Porsche specialists 21,000 miles ago when it also received a new clutch. The gearbox has the benefit of a short throw genuine Porsche gearchange. In 2011 the heat exchangers were replaced along with the cross over pipe and related items.

In 2012 the electric system was sorted out with the automatic heater returning to correct operational status and the front anti-roll bar rebushed, this work being carried out by the current owner, a retired classic car restorer. The smart presentation of this SC is complemented by the immaculately refurbished set of original Fuchs wheels and the snug fit of the Targa top.

MOT’d until September and taxed until August 2013, the car is said to drive beautifully and to use virtually no oil. Under-rated in recent years, the SC is now becoming increasingly appreciated as a classic 911 in its raw state without all the electronics of later models and without the astronomic price of the early cars. One to buy now while you can still afford to!