They’re Only Original Once: 21k-Mile 1981 Porsche 911SC Targa
- March 10, 2021
- Renowned Air-Cooled Porsche 911 Variant
- Great Guards Red w/ Black Leather Combination
- Just 21k Seller-Stated Original Miles
- 180hp 3.0L Air-Cooled ‘Flat-6’ Engine
- 5-Speed Manual Transmission
- Just Out of Long-Term Storage Since Early 2000s
- Includes Books, Manuals & Records from New
Following introduction at Frankfurt in September 1963, Porsche’s 6-cylinder 911 ushered in an entirely new era. Thanks to relentless development, the 911 went on to become the cornerstone of Porsche’s racing program by the early 1970s and remained in production long after company management’s most optimistic projections. Today’s Porsche drivers and enthusiasts have their favorite variations of the 911 series, with many now gravitating to the 911SC produced from 1978-1983. Powered by an enlarged, 3.0L flat-six engine fortified with 930 Turbo technologies, the ‘SC’ delivers 140-mph performance and improved drivability with the unlikely benefit of lowered emissions. All while so many competing cars faltered with the many emissions, safety, and fuel-efficiency demands of the late 1970s. Flared Carrera-style rear fenders house 15-inch wheels and ‘V’ speed-rated tires were standard, with 16-inch wheels and tires now optional for the first time.
Featuring scrumptious Guards Red paint over Black leather, this 1981 Porsche 911SC Targa is one of only 1,407 examples produced for the US market, and it marks a fabulous find with only 21k original miles. A virtual time capsule “garage-find,” this high-spec Porsche was apparently last registered in the early 2000s and remains exceptionally original. It even comes with amazing paperwork, including books/manuals and records since new. As the seller advises, the car does need to be reviewed and its various vital systems gone through prior to its return to the road.
As already mentioned, the 911SC is one of the finest air-cooled 911 models ever produced. Today, marque enthusiasts and collectors are waking up to the many virtues of the model – especially their uncluttered purity and wonderful driving experience. Sure, there are more powerful air-cooled 911s, but that’s not what the Porsche mystique is all about. In fact, we bet you’ll have more fun with this car (once it’s back on the road) than many hotter sounding 911 models, and its dual-purpose Targa body style will ensure all-weather enjoyment as desired. Hagerty values the 1981 Porsche 911SC Targa from $31k for a good #3 car, $42k for an excellent #2, and $70k for an as-new, concours-quality specimen, and we’ve seen a couple nice (but higher mileage) examples recently sell in the $45k+ range at auction. In our opinion, only a detailed pre-purchase inspection and solid estimates on the cost of detailing and recommissioning the car will tell the value tale in this circumstance. If the condition is as good as we think and the costs to return the car to roadworthy status are not too high, this 911SC Targa could very well leave some room for a favorable sale in the future, compelling us to place this very desirable Porsche into the fair market category at this time.
