1979 Porsche 911

3.0

9119210542

Clear

Fully Sorted Driver: 1979 Porsche 911SC Targa! Porsche's early 911s, built between 1965 and 1973, are legendary. They're pure, brutal, loud, and demanding: perfect automotive exercise machines and Sunday toys! For daily use, however, these cars might be less suited. The same applies to their successors: Porsches built between 1974 and 1977 were equipped with the trouble-prone 2.7-liter magnesium engine and are not especially coveted by knowledgeable enthusiasts. Things finally changed for the better with the introduction of the 3.0-liter 911SC. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) 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. Among its 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 1979 Porsche 911SC Targa presented here, VIN *9119210542*, one of just 1,965 U.S. Targas manufactured for the model year, has been a California resident since it was sold new, 34 years ago. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Consequently, the car wears its 1979-vintage, 6-digit, California blue-and-gold license plates like badges of honor. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view For the past fourteen years, it has been under the care and protection of a local Santa Barbara gentleman who loved spirited driving and made sure that his Porsche always performed exactly as the folks in Zuffenhausen intended. To this end, the car's engine and transmission were completely rebuilt, in a cost-is-no-object manner, also known as "open checkbook policy." Records totalling exactly $22,516.72 are shown above for your perusal. Yes, it can cost almost twenty Grand to completely rebuild a 3-liter Porsche engine! Due to all this TLC, this 911SC runs like a Swiss watch and drives marvelously. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Let's now inspect the Porsche in more detail, starting up front, with the trunk. Gray felt trunk carpeting appears very nice, trunk light works, the two slender struts actually hold the hood open -- all very promising signs! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Stripped luggage compartment shows no tell-tales of previous damage, nor any rust spots. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Date-coded spare is unused, battery is like new, battery box rust free. Factory tool roll is included, too! Undercarriage presents itself dry and clean, virtually of reference quality. All the original finishes are intact, there's no spray can artistry of any kind to note. 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. Make sure you enlarge them to XXL-size. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Even the wheel wells are super clean on this life-long Californian. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Rediscovering 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! Click on any of the above images for a full-size view The Targa top itself is in very nice condition, the headliner included. No rips or tears are to be found anywhere. Best of all, it takes but seconds to remove it and store it in the trunk compartment. Suddenly, open air motoring takes on a whole new dimension! A neat, protective black vinyl cover is also included. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The car's body is well preserved. There is not the tiniest bit of corrosion to be found, anywhere, equally due to the benevolent California climate and the factory's rigorous use of zinc plated outer body panels since 1976. A minor repair to the right front fender area and passenger door was performed, years ago; consequently, the paint is not of uniform quality. There's also a myriad of small imperfections from 34 years of road use. Since the car's long-time owner was much more of a driver than a showman (though he is the proprietor of a local paint & body emporium), the car's charming scruffiness was left intact. Continue to enjoy her au naturel, or treat her to a straightforward repaint down the line; it's your personal choice! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The original, iconic FUCHS light alloy wheels are a "must" on any classic Porsche. Here, they are 7x16s up front and 8x16s out back, in superb condition. Let's have a look inside now. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Timeless. Elegant. Ergonomically correct. Not much has changed since 1965 when it comes to the 911's interior. It's hard to improve upon perfection. The instrument cluster sporting five big VDO gauges still bears similarities to the first-generation 911. The dominant tach features a 6,300rpm redline. All gauges work, except for the clock. Dash top has been reupholstered in leather, is free of cracks or damage. Note the original steering wheel. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Porsches' famous throne seats, covered in chocolate leather, present themselves in an amazing state of preservation. The leather is still supple, after all these years! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Close-up of seats. Wonderful! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Rear compartment has not seen much use. Fold down the seat backs and you'll gain additional luggage space. 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 before we leave, let's check out the engine bay. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Super clean engine compartment bears mute witness to the excellent mechanical attention this SC has always received. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) 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." The fully rebuilt motor is in perfect tune and runs strong, with excellent oil pressure, no leaks, and absolutely no untoward mechanical noises, just beautiful music flowing from its exhaust tip. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Monday, April 8th, turned out to be a beautiful Spring day here in our quaint mission town, and we were looking forward to an exciting test drive. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) 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 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, powerful, and sounds ferocious. Handling and (power-assisted) braking capabilities are immense, as the chassis was engineered to withstand the 930 Turbo's 300 horsepower 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) Returning home, we are very happy with the charming Targa's road manners. And, what's not to love about this true, blue-plate California survivor that was the recipient of so much love and attention under the hood? 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 'Butzi' Porsche's classically pure design, the 911SC model is well on its way to an exalted position among collectible PORSCHE automobiles. Get yours now while it's still affordable. 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. This Porsche is sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. We ship worldwide. 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