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Porsche 911 SC Targa

Porsche 911 SC Targa

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Porsche 911 SC TargaPorsche 911 SC TargaPorsche 911 SC TargaPorsche 911 SC TargaPorsche 911 SC Targa
Porsche 911 SC TargaPorsche 911 SC TargaPorsche 911 SC TargaPorsche 911 SC TargaPorsche 911 SC Targa
Porsche 911 SC TargaPorsche 911 SC TargaPorsche 911 SC TargaPorsche 911 SC TargaPorsche 911 SC Targa
Porsche 911 SC TargaPorsche 911 SC TargaPorsche 911 SC TargaPorsche 911 SC Targa
Lot number 144
Hammer value £27,000
Description Porsche 911 SC Targa
Registration OWT126V
Year 1980
Colour Grand Prix White
Engine size 2,993 cc
Chassis No. 91A0133518
Engine No. 6303297
Documents V5C; MOT October 2016; service invoices; handbook; Porsche Certificate of Authenticity; US Certificate of Title

By the mid-1970s the 911 had already been on sale for 15 years and Porsche had decided that a replacement model was long overdue.

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Show in September 1977, the 911SC was thus seen by the Stuttgart firm as the swansong of this iconic rear-engined, air-cooled sportscar before it was replaced by the radically different 928 with its front-mounted, water-cooled V8. How wrong they turned out to be.

Available in either Coupe or Targa forms, the new 911 proved such a success and so reignited Porsche’s enthusiasm for their howling flat-six that it has remained in production to this day – although the modern water-cooled versions are in many ways a far cry from the air-cooled warriors of old.

Essentially the new 911SC was very similar to the previous Carrera 3.0 with the same basic specifications, styling, and features, sharing the same 2,993cc engine as the brutal Turbo model but with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and no turbocharger. Power was up slightly from the previous 2.7 model, and a flatter torque curve made the car much easier to drive.

In 1980 the SC's engine received modifications increasing the power to 188bhp while improving fuel economy by 10 percent. Driving through a 5-speed manual gearbox, the 1979 SC could sprint to 60 in just six seconds on its way to a top speed of 142mph with a fabulous mechanical wail from the flat-six engine. Further improvements in 1981 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 today.

This particular 911SC looks like one of the good ones. A 1980 European spec left-hand drive Targa model, it appears to have spent most (if not all) of its life in America, a sticker inside the door stating that it was imported by John Dare of Orlando, Florida, and giving the date of manufacture as January 1980 (but no date of import). It was brought to the UK from Cleveland, Ohio, just a few weeks ago. Looking sharp in Grand Prix White with a matching leather interior, it comes with a bulging history file back to 1997 which shows that it has been loved and pampered regardless.

Although there is insufficient early history to warrant the indicated mileage of 59,800, the overall condition of the car would tend to support it and a ramp inspection shows a very sound underbody. The maintenance record is too detailed to list in full here but highlights include a body refurb and full repaint in 2000 at a cost of over $8,000; Targa top refurbished in 2001 at a cost of $1,800; wheels refurbished and a new clutch kit fitted in 2003; engine overhauled with new head studs (the one weak spot of the SC), timing chains, piston rings, valve guides etc. in 2009 at a cost of some $10,000; high torque starter motor, short-shift kit and lightweight flywheel fitted at around the same time; new front shock absorbers, turbo tie rod upgrade and full service in April 2014 at 59,151 miles.

Complete with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, an owner's handbook and the aforementioned service history, it has a V5C and an MOT until October 2016. Driving beautifully on a short test run, this has all the hallmarks of a well-preserved air-cooled 911. Given the way that values of this model have rocketed in recent times (with early cars now well into six figures), it could yet prove a shrewd buy at the sensible guide price suggested.

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