IN THE GARAGE: 1983 Porsche 911SC Targa

Classic original

CAN CAN DO! In what was supposed to be the swan song of the venerable 911 in favor of Porsche’s front engined water-cooled models like the 928 and 924 Turbo, Porsche engineers created what was—and for many still is—the best production 911 to date. Despite being in its 14th year at its introduction in 1978, the SC combined reliability, durability and performance that has yet to be surpassed, not just by Porsche but by any marque. As such, the popularity of the 911 and its resulting sales were stronger than ever, outselling its V8 sibling. It’s not hard to see why. They were quick, nimble, reliable and efficient. Nothing that Porsche—or anyone else at the time—could come close to. The car presented here is a perfect example of those attributes. It’s been enjoyed to the limit but well maintained and nicely preserved to keep the car in close to 100% original condition. While all 911s can be considered special, this one is just a little more so for its classic Zermatt Silver paint over very rare Can Can Red leather (perhaps being a $3,500 option added to its rarity). The car is very close to original inside and out. It has all the right stuff including books, tools, records, compressor (albeit aftermarket), all keys, belts, etc. It’s as good as it gets for history: PCA (Porsche Club of America) ownership spanning Colorado and Florida for for all but a few years. As such, it has no concept of rust, yet saw mild enough weather to have been kept properly exercised.

OVERALL CONDITION
The first thing we notice about the car is the its striking color combination. The Zermatt Silver paint, while far from perfect, is perfectly original. There are spider webs and crazing patterns in the clearcoat, which is not uncommon for silver metallic paints. With a fresh polish and wax, as it is now, it’s not too noticeable. There is some minor blistering from having worn a black vinyl bra too long and a few rock chips from when it did not. There are minor scuffs and scrapes, with only one noticeable beyond a couple meters (on the top of the passenger side fender near the antenna, pictured below). The bügel (targa bar) wears its original black anodization where others have long faded away or been reanodized. Rubber is like new all around and was clearly kept out of heat and dryness. Inside, we find the gorgeous and rae Can Can Red leather interior that shows very little wear. Controls and instruments all work properly. The targa top is stain-fee and has none of the tears or runs that are often found in the headliner as a result of multiple foldings. The motor, like any 3.0, is a beautiful piece of machinery but one with less than 100,000 miles is exceptionally beautiful. Tires are near-new with excellent (90+% tread). This is a very nice and well preserved example of a classic 911.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
I’ve said it before. 911s are made to be driven. By today’s standards, 172 horsepower is ho-hum, but put it over the rear wheels of a 3,000 lb. car with a low center of gravity and a set of fat tires and just try not to smile. What’s more, this one is equipped with an aftermarket oil cooler that gives the impression of driving a RoW-spec (204 bhp) car (original parking light has been preserved if new owner chooses to restore to 100% original). Like any 911, it’s loads of fun to drive. Put your foot in it and its seats will hug you. Show it a twisty road and it will dance with you. If you’re feeling a little racy, that’s fine too. The 3.0 liter is considered by many to be the ideal combination of sports and Grand Touring (where later 911s became a little too heavy and cushy for their tastes). Here again, this car demonstrates that well. Everything on it it silky and tight. The motor fires up and pulls strong. Shifting is typical 915: crisp and smooth but requiring some practice to match revs. Steering is very responsive and the road feel is excellent through a tight suspension and excellent tires. Braking is firm and solid. It’s the joy of motoring in a relatively simple form—with Targa top in or out for added wind-in-your-hair exhilaration. This is a car that feels classic but completely fresh and relevant.