Price: SOLD
Mileage: 64,900 Miles (TMU)
Engine: 3.0-Liter Engine
Exterior color: Silver Metallic Exterior (936)
Interior: Black Leather Interior
Additional features:
915 5-Speed Gearbox
3.2L Timing Chain Tensioner Upgrade
CIS Pop Valve
Rebuilt Shifter Assembly
Porsche Short Shifter
Elephant Racing Oil Cooler
VPC Air Conditioning System
B-Pillar Stiffeners
Stainless Steel Fire Extinguisher
Re-Finished Targa Top
Bilstein Shocks
Manual Windows
H4 Headlights
930S Style Steering Wheel (original included)
Coco Floor Mats
Porsche 986 Boxster Front Brake Upgrade
16” Fuchs Wheels
BF Goodrich G-Force Sport Comp 2 Tires
VIN: 911821185
The 911SC (1978 to 1983 911), SC stands for Super Carrera, which was the second to last in the evolution of the traditional 911 lineage—an arc that spanned some thirty-five years. The SC played an important role in the 911’s history, because shortly after its release, Porsche had planned on discontinuing the 911 in favor of the 928, but the SC’s popularity changed that. The story goes that it was so well received that the 911’s future was drawn off the whiteboard onto the wall! The SC not only saved the 911, but also cemented its future. That’s because the SC was utterly fantastic! Incremental evolutions from the previous Carrera 2.7 and Carrera 3.0 resulted in a wider-body design powered by an aluminum block 3.0-liter engine good for 180 horsepower in early US models. Like all traditional 911s, weight—or lack thereof—was a key design component, meaning those horses only had to move roughly 2700 pounds, making it fast and composed in the corners. Collectors overlooked the 911SC for years until recently, but even with its recent appreciation, it is still one of the best buys in the classic 911 market.
This 1978 is a repeat visitor to Glen Shelly, coming back to us on consignment from one of our regular customers. He enjoyed it for just over a year, sparingly putting miles on it, leaving it in nearly identical condition to when we sold it to him. Its previous history is vague, but it has clearly lived a good life. I purchased it from a collector friend who claimed to have purchased it from a Google executive who was also a collector. The only documentation it came with was a Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche and an invoice from a tune up that my friend had done. There is a Prestige Porsche sticker on the rear window, so it likely crossed that showroom at some point. A cursory inspection reveals all of the signs of proper ownership. It is wearing a second coat of Silver Metallic paint that, aside from some of the typical paint chips, is in very good condition. My friend had the Targa top reconditioned by a Porsche specialist. It is riding on very presentable Fuchs wheels, H4 headlights, Porsche 986 Boxster front brakes and Bilstein shocks. The interior is also in very good condition with clean soft leather and carpet, a 930S Style Steering Wheel (the original is included), Coco floor mats, B-pillar stiffeners, a stainless steel fire extinguisher mounted behind the passenger seat, and a Porsche rear seat mat.
Then I drove it; oh man, is it fast! The only visual clues that the motor is not stock are upgraded oil-fed 3.2 Carrera timing chain tensioners, the CIS pop valve, and faint pinging under full throttle which was remedied by higher octane fuel—but I suspect there is more than meets the eye. Based on other 911SCs we’ve had I would reckon at least 964 cams and high compression pistons. The last time it was in our hands we had a compression test performed and verified the timing was correct. We also replaced the air pump, air pump drive belt, gulp valve, and ignition coil. It came back with a clean bill of health and compression numbers of 140 to 150 psi (add 20% to that for Colorado altitude correction) across the board. From there we rebuilt the shifter bushings and added a Porsche short shifter, replaced the front brake pads, and mounted fresh BF Goodrich Sport Comp 2 tires. It is just imperfect enough to enjoy without guilt, but it still turns heads on every drive—especially your own when you walk away from it in a parking lot. This is the perfect 911for the first-time buyer, or the new addition to your collection that you can actually use and enjoy.
The Silver Metallic paint is in excellent condition. The finish is brilliant and presents fantastically, although close scrutiny does reveal minor imperfections. It has been repainted at some point in its history, and presents very well. The front bumper and leading edge of the hood both have minor pitting and rock chips. There is a small scuff on the passenger side corner of the front bumper. There is a slight dent directly underneath the passenger side headlight. The headlight, indicator and taillight lenses are clear. There is light pitting in the headlight lenses. The driver’s front side marker has a minor crack, as well as the passenger rear turn signal lens, although both remain presentable. The windshield glass is clear with minor pitting and a couple of small chips, but nothing glaring. The Fuchs wheels have no scuffs are curb rash, but some slight paint lifting around the lugs from a past refinish. The BFGoodrich G-Force tires are fresh, with 90% tread.
Open the door and you are greeted with that lovely air-cooled 911 smell—part leather, part engine. There are no odors and it has never been smoked in. The carpet is free of stains thanks to Coco floor mats that are in great condition. The driver’s door card leather is lifting slightly on the map pocket, but it is presentable. The driver’s carpet has some wear where the driver’s feet rest, but remains presentable. The door cards are not separating at the handle. The seat leather is soft and there is no significant wear on the bolsters. The standard seats are fully manual and all adjustments work. The dashboard leather is soft and crack-free, although there is some splitting of the leather around the glove box and the VPC air conditioning vents. The air conditioning vents have some cracked fins. The 930S style steering wheel and short shifter are fantastic, and the stock steering wheel is also in excellent shape. The instrument cluster shows no warning lights, the speedometer and odometer work, and the cluster needles are not UV faded. It has manual windows and manual side mirror adjustment. The heat blows warm and the VPC air conditioning engages, but I wouldn’t describe it as cold. The spare tire and an aftermarket air compressor are present; there is only one key.
There are few driving experiences that can match a well-sorted air-cooled 911. The 3.0 engine fires on command, idles smoothly, and pulls strongly to redline. There are no oil leaks or drips; the cylinder heads, timing chain covers, and oil return tubes are dry. The clutch does not slip, the take-up is correct, and the shifter is crisp. The 915 takes finesse to shift smoothly, but mastering that is one of the most rewarding aspects of the classic 911 driving experience. There are no driveline, transaxle, or wheel bearing vibrations. The suspension is firm, yet compliant with the Bilstein shocks. The brakes are strong, the 986 Boxster front brakes being a great upgrade. As it sits, this is a great turn-key SC Targa ready to be enjoyed by its new owner. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive it across country. We would like to find a buyer who will continue to care for it and appreciate it for years to come.
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