We will conclude what has become Targa month with an example that reaches back to the beginning of the 911SC model run and a car that reaches back to my own personal history with the 911. Here we have a Black on Black 1978 Porsche 911SC Targa, located in Pennsylvania, with 50,833 miles on it. My dad owned a 911 quite similar to this, differing only in that it was from 1979, and in many ways the aspects of the 911 Targa that appeal to me surely stem from many of those early experiences. I have begun to really enjoy the Targa in lighter shades as I’ve seen more of them, but a basic black on black model still ticks all the right boxes and, frankly, looks really nice. The 911SC wasn’t the first Targa produced, as they had been made available beginning in 1967, but during these early years of 911SC production the Targa was the only open-top option available. They were perhaps a peculiar design, but spoke to Porsche’s desire to meld performance with a driving experience that was both less confined while also meeting basic safety standards for roll-over protection.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1978 Porsche 911SC Targa on eBay
Year: 1978
Model: 911SC Targa
Engine: 3.0 liter flat-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 50,833 mi
Price: $39,900 Buy It Now
1978 PORSCHE 911 SC TARGA BLACK OVER BLACK LEATHER INTERIOR
!!DOCUMENTED SERVICE HISTORY!!
!!911 SC TARGA…5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION…RARE ORIGINAL TURBO FUCH WHEELS (7″ WIDE IN FRONT / 8″ WIDE IN REAR)…KONI SHOCKS AND SPRINGS…CUSTOM CENTER OUTLET EXHAUST…TOOL KIT!!
!!ORIGINAL OWNERS MANUAL AND BROCHURE!!
!2 KEYS!
!ALL 4 TIRES ARE NEW!
!!THIS PORSCHE 911SC INCLUDES A RECENT DOCUMENTED SERVICE HISTORY. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
40,719 Miles – New Clutch
46,460 Miles – New Tie Rod Assembly
48,526 Miles – New Alternator
49,853 Miles – New Fuel Sender / Fuel Pump Relay
– New Fuses
-New Washer Fluid Pump50,642 Miles – New Clutch Cable
This PORSCHE HAS BEEN REVIEWED by an independent certified mechanic in accordance with PA state inspection regulations. IT PASSED WITHOUT ISSUE.
CALL (610) 738-6902
We have supplied many detailed photos to give you an accurate sense of the condition of this CLASSIC AIR COOLED 911.
We photograph our cars outdoors in natural light. Hence, there maybe shadows cast on the vehicle due to the conditions in which the photos were taken. If you are unclear of anything please contact us!
Inside we found a CLEAN and spacious cockpit. We noted that the driver side lock for the targa top is broken.
The 5 SPEED MANUAL transmission shifts flawlessly and the 3.0L 6 cylinder engine offers smooth power when called upon.
!!PLEASE CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM AT (610) 738-6902 WITH ANY QUESTIONS!!
Like many air-cooled 911s the asking price here is extremely optimistic, but it is especially so given the modifications, which I admit raise a few flags. Of greatest concern is the deplorable center exhaust, but thankfully it does not appear any modifications to the bodywork were necessary in order to fit it so ideally it can be removed and replaced with a proper unit without too much hassle. I’m not sure why the tachometer is on its side. Things like this scream out for a thorough PPI so buyers would do well to proceed with caution, but otherwise this 911SC looks in pretty good shape and a low-mileage SC is becoming more and more rare. Low-mileage examples of the 911SC have begun to show very well on the market so with a little work this could end up being a nice option once the asking price is sorted out.
-Rob
My dad had a track-prepped 1980 targa sc, the tach on his was rotated so the redline was at the top of the gauge so it would be more visible while driving hard. I’ve seen it on a few other cars as well..
Matt is correct. In the ’80s a lot of PCA guys rotated the tach either to make it easier to see when they were on the track or make it look like they spent a lot of time on the track. This car shows a lot of typical ’80s era changes: Euro headlights, 7/8×16 wheels, unusual speaker arrangement and a big, clunky alarm system. I’m a bit surprised it doesn’t have the Euro amber/red taillight lenses.
The rear valence was cut to accommodate the center exit exhaust, so a prospective buyer would need to factor that in if they wished to return the car to stock. The front luggage compartment lid appears to have been repainted, but that is not at all unusual for a 911 of any age and almost expected of one this old.
In all, it’s a very nice looking example, but the asking price seems to be very optimistic for a modified SC. I will be interested in seeing how this one goes.
^^ what he said… and it’s a Targa, which traditionally bring a somewhat lower dollar than a coupe would. The car presents “OK” but not great, the value appears to be in the low mileage, and 911 speedos of that era are notoriously fragile and easy to tamper with. However, the service receipts may bear out the mileage claim. Broken parts (targa top lock) are inexcusable in a car with this asking price, though. And of course a PPI is essential – the seller’s claim that the car passed a PA safety inspection is borderline insulting. Safety certs never look at engine or transmission and we all know of cars that “passed safety” but are really lashed-up sheds on wheels…
“Turbo Fuchs” were not an option in 1978. The seller states they are 7″ and 8″ wheels. They are actually 6″ and 7″ which was an option in 78. Bad description on his part but the wheels are likely to be original. Proper spec at a bare minimum.