BaT Auction Preview: Wonderful Entry-Level Targa with Matching Numbers and Recent Sachs Clutch.1978 Porsche 911SC TargaChassis No. – 9118211880Engine No. – 6581593Exterior Color – BlackInterior Color – Black leatherEngine – 3.0 Liter 6-cylinder air cooled with Bosch K-Jetronic injectionTransmission – 5-speed manual Current Miles – 127,000 milesCurrent Owner – purchased in 2015 with 116,000 milesMiles driven under current ownership – 11,000 milesHighlights for this carOriginal engine and gearbox per Porsche CoAOne of 2,579 US Targa models built in the debut year (1978)Rare California emissions equipped carAttractive driver cosmetics ready for enjoyable useGeneral HistoryIntroduced in 1978, the SC variant of the 911 referenced the former performance variant of the 356. Lacking a Carrera version of the 911SC the SC designation was assigned as “Super Carrera” and packed with the 3.0 liter Bosch injected engine and 915 5-speed manual transmission – a package that would prove to be among the most durable and iconic of the late series 911 models. As the concurrently developed 928 was intended to be the replacement for the 911, Porsche was poised on making an historically important decision – to remove the 911 from future production. Thankfully for decades of enthusiasts, the 911 remained in production in part because the 911 had evolved very well during this period, proven by sales which continued to increase well beyond company expectations. Among the most desirable configurations, the removable Targa body design was novel and desirable when released and today continues to be sought after by collectors who appreciate the debut year model for the 1978 911 that ultimately saved Porsche from financial ruin and protected the now iconic 911 from an early demise. General OverviewAccording to the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity accompanying the car, this first year 911SC Targa retains the original engine and gearbox. The car was factory optioned with California equipment, chrome parts in matte black finish, and headlight rings painted to match the gloss black finish. The interior was outfitted with partial black leather. Offered with records dating back to 1994, this Porsche has been cared for and enjoyed over the past 28 years by California owners including the current owner who purchased the car in 2015 with approximately 116,000 miles indicated. The car was driven approximately 11,000 miles during current ownership, passing smog tests in 2017, 2019, and 2021. Copies of service invoices accompanying the car include:January 2020 – Retro Sport new fuel pump and fuel filter.July 2019 – Retro Sport remove engine and install new Sachs Power Clutch, new OEM flywheel, 9 bolt crankshaft seal, engine valve cover gaskets, and an oil and filter change.May 2019 – Retro Sport replace front and rear brake pads with Pagid Orange pads and refurbish brake calipers.June 2017 – Transmission gear oil changed with Swepco 201. New spark plugs.March 2017 – Engine air filter and air filter house strap installed.March 2016 – Bridgestone tires purchased and installed. Owner oil and filter change with Liqui Moly 60W10May 2015 – Retro Sport new hood shocks, new engine mounts, new oil tank sending unit, adjust front wheel bearings, new axle boot and gaskets, fix interior lights, install sway bar link, flush brake system, oil and filter April 2015 – New leather front bucket seat covers (originals retained).Under previous ownership other major items include a new smog pump in 2011, new oil return tubes, chain tensioner, master cylinder, new brake hoses, all new shocks in 2006. The current owner has enjoyed the car primarily as a street car along with two track visits with the PCA Golden State Region. General ConditionToday with 127,000 miles showing, this 911SC Targa offers driver level cosmetics including paint that has been well maintained showing good gloss throughout with just minor stone chip marks on the hood and lower valance. The matte black trim is in very good condition overall appearing original to the car. A set of mirror protectors are installed to prevent stone chips from damaging the body-colored mirrors. The lenses, lighting, bumpers, accordion rubbers, and various trim and script are all in very good condition contributing to the overall cohesive visual presentation. The panel gaps are consistent showing good closures and tight fit, even for both doors which have very good part lines. Outfitted with matching black insert Fuchs wheels, the rims are in excellent condition with no curb rash. The Targa roof is in very good condition with the Targa bar finished in matching matte black. The black leather seats have been recovered, while the overall interior presents as a nice driver level car with remaining interior surfaces appearing to be original. The door panels, carpeting, and side panels have a generally good quality feel to the finishes, though showing evidence of use. The dashboard is quite nice, featuring clean and nicely detailed instruments with nice color and contrast, black dash padding, and an aftermarket Momo steering wheel wrapped in black leather. The removable Targa roof is in very good condition with good headliner finish, while the black carpeting remains in very good condition protected by lightly faded floor mats. A Halon fire extinguisher is mounted under the forward passenger seat bolster.Under the hood, the engine bay delivers a correct presentation reflective of original specifications. The matching numbers engine is clean displaying mostly correct finishes reflective of Porsches from this era. The front storage compartment is clean and well-maintained with a correct and likely original collapsing spare tire, factory jack, and proper finishes consistent with original cars. The factory VIN is stamped in the correct location. The undercarriage is representative of an unrestored example with sound floor pans, correct suspension components, and correct gearbox with matching numbers to the Porsche CoA. In all, this is a very nicely prepared first year 911SC Targa ready for enjoyable use. Please note that during a pre-purchase inspection a broken head stud was identified, though engine operation remains good and compression readings were noted at 160-175.Items Included with the CarA Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, tool roll with tools, and tire jack, air compressor, battery tender, a Halon fire extinguisher, a protective front bra, the original seat covers, misc parts, and copies of service records dating back to 1994.