This 1979 Porsche 911 SC Targa looks like a solid project with just some minor fire damage to attend to. I’m not sure fire damage can ever be considered minor, but in the case of the seller’s car, it certainly doesn’t look nearly as bad as it could have been. The 911 has some other issues, most of which are cosmetic, and the seller claims the damage from engine fire isn’t terminal. The flames erupted as he was starting the car and a fuel line failed near the fuel filter. If we’re really just talking about a case of replacing the singed engine lid, this could be a relatively affordable entry to air-cooled 911 ownership. Find the Porsche here on eBay where bidding is already over $17,000 with the reserve unmet.
Fire damage always looks so awful, and it’s hard not to assume the worst when you see an engine lid like this. Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of burnt-out 911s on sites like Copart, and even just in our personal lives on the side of the road. The 911 isn’t exactly prone to fires, but it certainly seems to be more likely in one of these than, say, a C4 Corvette from the same era. I’m sure a 911 expert can chime in with the variety of ways an air-cooled Porsche is more prone to erupting than other models, and certainly, fuel lines on any vehicle of this age can have a tendency to fail at the wrong time. I’m sure the seller was just planning to warm the car up; boy, did he get more than he bargained for.
The interior is decent, with a crack-dash and some split seams on the upholstery being the greatest flaws we can see from this side of the monitor. The seller notes that the air pump, A/C unit, and all the “dockings and hardware” are included with the sale, but evidently removed at the moment. The 911 retains the familiar factory steering wheel and standard-issue non-sport bucket seats. Mileage is listed as being 221,000, so this SC Targa is no spring chicken; she’s been around the block once or twice. The car has been off the road for a while, last registered in 2013 and still wearing the old-school California license plates.
To the seller’s credit, the engine bay doesn’t appear to be in significantly worst cosmetic conditions following the engine fire. It looks clean, but certainly not restored. It’s a shame that the fire happened right when the seller was attempting to fire it up, as it seems likely that he had just gotten it sorted out enough that it would fire up and maybe even let him take a quick sunset cruise around the clock. That didn’t happen, and I suspect he’s thrown his hands up and is done with this 911 and the heartburn it has caused. The light blue paint is attractive, and even better is the black interior it’s paired to. Once it’s been brought back to life, this slightly smokey 911 SC Targa will be an item for sure.
When you consider the fuel filter and incoming lines are right over the left side spark plugs and connected to the engine with rubber hoses, periodic replacement of all the rubber on a regular basis should be done regardless of the age of the vehicle. I’d have bet that starting that engine up in a dark garage at night would produce a light show from the spark plug wires and connectors that would brighten up the whole neighborhood. Add a little leak or two from the rubber hoses and “foof” !. At least it looks repairable.
Nice color on a 911. Engine fires are not to common with any 911 that receives good maintenance. Early ones with carbs were more likely to leak fuel especially when sitting for a long time. The CIS cars have an extensive amount of fuel carrying hoses which when neglected will create a fire hazard. This one doesn’t look too bad to repair.
Located in:
Turlock, California