A 911 SC from Porsche’s bedrock era

This ostensibly honest example of a matching-numbers SC from the final year of SC production is a sound example of an increasingly desirable model, deriving from the bedrock of 911 production history.

This Car’s Past

This smart 911 SC spent its first seven years in Texas, and has been garaged for at least 22 of its 33 years. During that time, three owners have clocked a total of 44,753 miles. The traditional 911 ‘concertina bumper’ coupe bodywork is finished in Guards Red, and the original first paint appears sound. The engine-bay stickers are present, and the cabin’s leather upholstery is fair to good, commensurate with mileage and use. Floor-mats are good, but door-rubbers need replacing. Original Blaupunkt radio and graphic equalizer are fitted, and the dash, dials and instrumentation are clean, and it sports the trademark SC three-spoke steering wheel. The speedometer is calibrated to 160mph, unlike most US import SCs that were calibrated to just 85mph. US models also had a warning light, between speedo and rev counter that illuminated when oxygen sensor replacement was due, 30,000 miles on. This SC runs on its original 16” Fuchs wheels – a cost option at the time - and the hallmark front driving lamps are present. Manuals, service record book and bills are with the car.

“In context, the SC is an affirmation that Porsche had got the 911 spec and redesign just about right with the short-lived 2.7- and 3.0-liter models that were in production from ’74 to ’77, and the SC introduced in 1978 was a consolidation of that specification. That the SC remained in production for six years reflects a period of stability, yet also smacks of bet hedging in an era when many people – including the management – thought that the front-engined models such as the 928 were the way forward. By 1982, though, the SC was outselling the 928 two-to-one, with a yearlong waiting list, and a regime change led by Peter Schutz prioritised the reinstatement of the 911 as top Porsche. This particular SC is a perfect example, and eminently usable.”
Johnny Tipler

History of the Model

The 911 SC “Sport Carrera” has fallen into the twilight zone between ‘classic’ and ‘modern’. Dating back to 1978, it does not belong to the early 1970s’ non-impact bumper ‘long-bonnet’ generation, yet the lack of hydraulic chain-tensioners and more efficient Motronic-managed flat-six engine distance it from the visually identical (driving lights excepted) 3.2 Carrera model built post-1984. Launched in 1978, the 911 SC was Porsche's first attempt at a car to suit world markets, and it replaced three models, the 911S, the 2.7 and the Carrera 3.0, although it was visually identical to the latter with its more bulbous rear wheel-arches. From 1978 to 1983, it was produced in just Coupe and Targa formats, with the Cabriolet drop-top arriving in 1983.
The SC’s 3.0-liter flat-six engine was based on the 930 Turbo unit as fitted in the Carrera 3, although the chief difference was the aluminium-alloy crankcase, as opposed to the earlier model's magnesium-alloy unit. The SC came with 6J x 5 and 7J x 5 ‘Cookie-Cutter’ wheels as standard, with 16” Fuchs alloys available as cost extras (as fitted on this particular car).
Whilst initially, exterior trim included certain polished aluminium and chromed items, from 1980 all such pieces were finished in black, with headlamp bezels colour-coded appropriately. The headlamp washers became almost flush with the bumper instead of projecting pertly from it.
911 SC production, including Coupe, Targa and Cabriolet, totalled 57,585 units.

Service History

There is no restoration evident other than repainting of the wheels. Overall condition indicates that the car has been very well looked after, including 22 years’ garaged.

Market Trends

As values of air-cooled 911s continue to escalate, the 3.0-liter flat-six powered SC range carries even more appeal, particularly now that prices for the more desirable 3.2 Carrera have increased substantially. As with the preceding 2.7-liter 911 and Carrera 3, condition and provenance are more important than specification with the SC models such as this one. Therefore SC prices can easily match those of the 2.7, Carrera 3 and 3.2 Carrera, given a level playing field.

Summary

This 911 SC represents an excellent route into ownership of a middle-aged, air-cooled Porsche; relatively low miles, yet not so unused as to be precious enough to mothball away in store, and therefore it is ideal for touring and club member use. Specification, color and condition are spot-on. With a reputation for being unburstable, with traditional 915 gearshift and torsion bar handling, the SC combines classic looks and driving traits with modern manners and modest maintenance costs.
Johnny Tipler, journalist, author, Porsche specialist