1981 Porsche 911 SC

The arrival of the 3.0-litre 911 SC in the 1978 model line up brought some semblance of order to the Porsche range after the mid-seventies. The middle of this decade was a period epitomised by the once maligned "impact or big bumper' models, and when launched, the SC looked modern, clean and fresh in comparison to the dated overall appearance of the original 911, now over a decade old. With new and innovative design features like the reflective red strip between the tail-lights with PORSCHE capitalised across it, the '78 cars looked altogether sharper.

With an engine based on that of the 930 Turbo, the SC was a real gem with a strong reliable drivetrain. The 2994cc engine produced 180bhp at launch, rising to 188bhp in 1979 and then, just one year later, to 204bhp - only 6hp shy of the output of the legendary 1973 Carrera RS! It used the same strong 5-speed 915-series gearbox as its predecessors but was the first 911 to feature servo-assisted brakes. The SC was offered as a coupé, Targa and, in late 1982 (for the '83 model year), as a cabriolet.

The 911SC was a very capable car, accelerating from 0-60mph in around six seconds and reaching a top speed of close to 150mph and was offered with several options, including the classic Fuchs alloy wheels. However, as time passed and the 911 evolved further, these models started to be less desirable, resulting in them becoming an accessible route into first time Porsche ownership and were not necessarily looked after properly by their impecunious new owners. Today, with the benefit of hindsight, they are seen as being properly engineered sports cars that drive well with the classic look and feel of an era that is now rightly back in fashion.

This 1981, 911 SC Coupé, is an original UK-supplied car finished in Light Blue Metallic with a Blue leatherette and cloth interior and has been fitted with a Sun Roof, and a Turbo spoiler and wheel arches which really suit the car. Owned by our vendor for the last 23 years, it was driven regularly from the time of his purchase in August 1993 until 2003 when it was laid up in a dry garage until this year. It has recently been completely refreshed by a well known firm of Porsche specialists who replaced the head studs (will require tightening in 1,000 miles), fitted new tyres and carried out a number of jobs required to return this car to the road. There is an itemised invoice totalling £7,845 for this work in the file.

The vendor describes his car as “Overall in good condition for its age. Bodywork sound, paintwork in generally good condition apart from a few small scuffs and chips and a couple of small bubbles”.

Overall mileage is around 80,000 (unwarranted) as the current reading is 54,492 and we understand that the speedo head was changed at 24,574, and the car is freshly MOT'd (valid until 21/07/2017 with no advisories). There are a number of old MOTs and sundry invoices in the history file which all relate to post 1993.

This is an attractive SC in a super colour, and with its Fuchs alloys, Turbo-look bodywork and very sensible guide, is certain to appeal to fans of these iconic eighties 911s.