1983 Porsche 911SC Cabriolet

In 1978 Porsche introduced their latest iteration of the 911, the Super Carrera, or SC as it is badged, as a worthy successor to the 911 Carrera. The recipe remained very familiar, utilising the evocative 3.0-litre, flat-six aluminium engine with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, mated to a five-speed, 915 manual transmission. The move from magnesium to aluminium engines was purely done for reliability reasons. While the SC engine remained at 3-litres, the power output increased with time, starting at 180 bhp from 1978-79, increasing to 188 bhp for 1980 only, then from 1981-1983 a good 204 bhp was on offer, only 6 less than the legendary 2.7RS from 1973.

1979 was the year that Porsche had envisioned that their new 928 would be a worthy replacement for the 911, however, demand and sales of the 911 remained so strong that Porsche thankfully decided to inject new life into their core model. In late 1982, they released the first Porsche cabriolet to the public since the 356 of the 1960s, and the first ever cabriolet 911. The concept they displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show also included a four-wheel drive system, although this never made it to the production line. Despite its premium price tag, over 4,000 cabriolets were sold in its first year, marking the beginning of the 911 Cabriolet range we’ve seen grow over the years.

This pretty, final year of production, 1983 SC Cabriolet was bought by our vendor back in 1986, making him just its second owner from new. It's presented in lovely, useable condition having covered a warranted 73,000 miles from new which equates to less than 2,000 miles a year. This is a well optioned car, finished in its original Ruby Red (Rubinrot) Metallic with a burgundy and cream two-tone leatherette interior enhanced by burgundy and cream 'pin-stripe' details. It's fitted with a five-speed 915 manual gearbox and black-centred/chrome rimmed Fuchs alloys which look particularly good on this Cabriolet. Coming from cherished, long-term ownership, this 911 has been lucky enough to live its life in our vendor's garage which might explain why the original bodywork, paintwork, hood, and interior remain in such good order. The history file is good, and any necessary work has been undertaken as soon as required. In 2021 the car was serviced with new fluids and filters, new callipers and a new fuel tank fitted.

Late 911 SCs are becoming more and more sought after, with collectors and enthusiasts agreeing that they possess more of the 911 magic and ‘feel’ than the later Carrera 3.2. It's very rare to find such a great, original 911 in just the right condition, perfect for the arrival of summer.