1980 Porsche 911

3.0

91A0142640

Clear

Porsche's Finest: 1980 911SC Targa! The Porsche 911SC model of 1978-'83 is very special, indeed. It corrected all the shortcomings of its much-maligned predecessor and is generally regarded as one of the finest 911s ever built in the model's long history. Its build quality is legendary, many examples lasting in excess of 300,000 miles without major repairs. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Among the main improvements were the new 3.0-liter aluminum engine block, the use of a catalytic converter instead of the dreaded thermal reactors, and the fitting of an auxiliary oil cooler under the right front fender on all models. Also introduced was a maintenance-free, breakerless ignition system. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The 1980 Porsche 911SC Targa presented here, VIN *91A0142640*, was sold new in California and is an excellent surviving example of Porsche's finest. Let's inspect the car closely now, beginning with the trunk. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Gray felt trunk mat looks immaculate, trunk light works, hood shocks are functional: small but important indices of a well-maintained 911! Click on any of the above images for a full-size view There's no sign of rust or accident damage in the spare tire compartment. In fact, the date-coded spare has never been used. Fully satisfied with our forensic findings so far, let's move on down, way down, to the car's underbelly! The undercarriage presents itself undisturbed, factory original, fantastically clean, rust free, and also free of any non-factory undercoating. Obviously, this Porsche was used as a sunny-day-only toy all its life and has always enjoyed the proper care and feeding. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Photos above show the undercarriage in more detail. If you are a true Porsche archaeologist, make sure to extend them to their full size by clicking directly on each image. Note stainless performance muffler and new BILSTEIN rear shocks. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Re-discovering the joys of topless driving has brought a renaissance to the 911 Targa. It's true, the Targa combines the advantages of a convertible's open air pleasures with those of a coupe's rigid body construction. The best of both worlds! Car's body appears free of any prior accident damage and, apart from three small dings on the deck lid's bottom lip and a scrape on the lower right valance, looks very nice for being thirty-three years old. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The Targa top itself is in excellent condition. No rips or tears are to be found anywhere. Best of all, it takes but seconds to remove it, fold it, and store it in the trunk compartment. Suddenly, open air motoring takes on a whole new dimension! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Ordered Pewter Metallic from the factory, the SC was repainted once, many moons ago, and still looks very nice, indeed. Of course, there are a few blems here and there due to age and use; this 911SC is definitely not a garage queen. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The iconic FUCHS light alloy wheels -- an extra-cost option in 1980 -- are in very fine original condition and wear a set of excellent BRIDGESTONE Potenza high-performance radial tires in the factory-prescribed size of 205/55-16 up front and 225/50-16 out back. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Timeless. Elegant. Ergonomically correct. When it comes to the 911's interior, it's hard to improve upon perfection. There are power windows and mirrors. Updated SONY sound system with CD. Despite its sensible evolution, the 911SC remained a true sporting driver's car. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The instrument cluster sporting five large, round VDO gauges bears many similarities to the first 911, presented in 1964. The dominant tach features a 6,300rpm redline. All gauges work, even the clock. Note fine red stitching on the black leather steering wheel. Dash top is free of hairline cracks. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Front seats feature Brick Red leather, still supple and free of cracks, after all these years. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Matching rear seats; note lap belts for the little passengers. Black carpeting features red piping, a nice touch. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Ready for a test drive? So are we, but let's check out the engine compartment first. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Wow! This is clean enough to be lickable! The healthy 3-liter 6-cylinder boxer motor delivers 180 lively horses, enough to allow the Porsche to sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds. The quarter mile dash takes just over 14 seconds, and top speed is claimed to be 149mph. That's fast, really fast, actually, even by today's elevated standards. Gasoline is sipped at a thrifty 25 miles per gallon; one of the many reasons the 911SC has been called the "sensible Porsche." Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) This 3.0 is in perfect tune and runs very strong, with excellent oil pressure, no smoking upon start-up or at any other time, and absolutely no untoward mechanical noises, just beautiful music flowing from its exhaust tip that reminds us of U2's It's a beautiful day, belted out by a pack of American Pit Bulls. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Since having to rebuild a Porsche 911 engine can be quite expensive, the power plant's condition is a major consideration when purchasing such a car. For that very reason, we generally perform a compression check as part of our PPI, despite the fact that the services of a baby octopus are needed to get at the spark plug holes. Measured on December 4, 2012, here are the results: Cylinder 1: 150 lbs. in2 Cylinder 2: 141 lbs. in2 Cylinder 3: 140 lbs. in2 Cylinder 4: 150 lbs. in2 Cylinder 5: 140 lbs. in2 Cylinder 6: 148 lbs. in2 This clearly indicates a very healthy engine that should provide years of faithful service without needing anything but the scheduled oil and filter changes. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Let's go for a drive now! The engine being stone cold, you turn the ignition key -- traditionally located on the dash, to the left of the steering wheel -- and the mighty Boxer instantly comes to life. Thanks to the state-of-the-art C.I.S. fuel injection, this happens in a rather unspectacular way. The motor just idles with the precise ticking of a mechanical Rolex watch, independent of ambient temperature and humidity, and reacts to your right foot's most subtle commands without hesitation. Ready to go? Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) It feels great to be behind the wheel of this 911SC Targa. The car is nimble, yet very powerful. Handling and (power-assisted) braking capabilities are immense, as the chassis was engineered to handle the 930 Turbo's 300 horses with ease. The car feels utterly safe at all legal -- and illegal -- highway speeds. No wonder, really, as no other car maker in the World can boast of a more successful racing history. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) It's the proverbial freeway flyer, gobbling up the miles in its own relaxed, fun fashion. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Unfazed by the machinations of the used-car marketplace, values of classic Porsches like this one are quickly rising, with no end in sight, since vehicles of this quality are not being built anymore, not even in Finland. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Being among the last and most-developed 911s without huge flares and spoilers, still evocative of the late 'Butzi' Porsche's classically pure design, the 911SC model occupies a special place among collectible PORSCHE automobiles. Good survivors are getting quite hard to find, as any well-sorted SC qualifies as a bona fide "keeper." You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, perform your due diligence before you bid. Please, note that this car is currently advertised on our Web site and on display in our Showroom. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time. Feel free to contact us via e-mail at bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551. TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require a $1,000 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title and, should it remain in the Golden State, a new Smog Certificate. It is sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. License plates shown for photographic purposes only. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! 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