1983 Porsche 911 SC Cabriolet

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. When launched, these cars 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. 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. 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.

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!

The SC 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. It was a true convertible, and Porsche's first cabriolet since the 356 of the mid-sixties and proved very popular with 4,214 sold in its introductory year, despite its premium price relative to the open-top Targa.

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.

Here we have a very attractive UK-supplied RHD, 1983 SC Cabriolet in Guards Red with special option black leather seats piped in red. Sold new by Howells of Cardiff on the 22nd March 1983, it comes with a comprehensive history file, including a fully stamped service book, many previous MoT certificates, old tax discs and numerous invoices for work / maintenance carried out. This work has been done by both main dealers and Porsche specialists, including Autofarm, IntaPorsche, Jota and JGC (this being a major service on 03/10/14 at 110,242 miles - the car has covered just 553 miles since). The car is supplied with a set of original keys and is fitted with an operational Tracker device, a quality alarm and an SSI stainless steel exhaust. It is MoT'd until 15/04/16.

The car is said to drive very well, coming from a very thorough vendor, who sought a full vehicle appraisal by a marque specialist before purchasing it in 2006. From this report, the vendor was equipped to maintain the car where needed, hence ensuring its fine condition today.

With SC prices on the rise, this car represents good value for a classic 911 and a model now ready to take its place in the Porsche hall of fame.