As much as I hate to admit it, I really have become a Porsche 911 fan over the last few years. There was part of me that didn’t want to admit these cars were all they were made up to be, that its legacy was driven mostly by hype. But they really are pretty entertaining machines, from the sounds to the handling to the respectable construction for a niche vehicle. This 1980 Porsche 911 here on eBay is rubbing me the right way, as it looks like a gently used driver that is a gray market example owing to its headlight washers sticking out of the front bumper.
This is a 911 SC, which is considered one of the last genuine air-cooled bargains in existence. I use the term “bargain” loosely, as it’s more about the fact that the selling prices look downright reasonable compared to the run-up in prices the later air-cooled cars have experienced. This 911 SC also has the looks of an 80s sports car, with color-coordinated Fuchs wheels that give it that perfect 80s look. The stance is spot-on, perhaps because it rides at the lower Euro-spec height.
Though it’s a driver, the 911’s overall condition is quite respectable. The leather buckets are in good condition overall, and you certainly don’t need to run out and reupholster them. The simple three-spoke steering wheel and classic Porsche gauge cluster are familiar sights for anyone who has spent time around air-cooled 911s. The seller notes it has 71K miles and the condition seems to support that – just a little ratty around the edges but otherwise, quite nicely preserved.
The 911 is equipped with a desirable sunroof, but more importantly, the motor was freshened up with all steel head studs, which replaces the problematic Dilavar ones. The seller goes on, noting that the tensioners have been rebuilt with new collars and that the 911 benefits from a new clutch and throw-out bearing. People love drivers, as they usually have the problem areas sorted so they’re ready to be driven at a moment’s notice. This 911 SC certainly has that vibe, and with bids at $37,800 and no reserve, there’s potential yet for someone to win this for a reasonable price.
Headlights look like US spec?
Had to convert them to get it into the country. Me, like everyone else, put the Euro lights on our cars as soon as we could. Better looking, better lights. The SCs were some of the best cars Porsche ever built.
That was also the first thing I did when buying a 911. I was fortunate that the 76 already had the hard to get dual beam H4 H1 conversion. Liked it so much I did the same to the 84 I bought. Being able to see at night has always been first priority next to good tires.
I liked the looks of the SC, but have never liked the look of wheels that are painted the color of the car. Give me the matt-black Fuchs any day! There are some great looking 911s’ out there in some good colors, but there are way too many bad color combinations too. And don’t get me started on whale tails and other goofy appendages…
You’re looking at a full paint job after the body work is done. There is a horrible amount of bubbling behind the sunroof, and The crumpled license plate gets my imagination fired up. It makes me wonder what the floor pans look like.
I definitely would not buy this car without inspecting it before-hand.
Jeff, you and me both.
Actually, I’ve had a soft spot for the early 70’s 911 for a long time. But now, the time has passed when I can afford to ever own one.
This is Not a European model. Those headlights are the US Version.
A listing without even a single engine bay pic? Curious.
Why do you “hate to admit it” unless you are afraid of alienating someone?
I first “hated to admit it” in 2001because I thought my American iron friends would alienate me. Solution:Drive both.
Build quality and engineering are amazing.
Agree. What a strange opening statement. Completely devalues any of the upcoming content. Love the plethora of Porsche haters on social media.
Amused that someone would think 911 legacy could be hype. Overall winner of Le Mans, Targa Florio, Daytona, Sebring, Monte Carlo Rally, Paris-Dakar, Gt and sedan championship etc, it has a history no other vehicle comes close to.
Only ever 2nd on Safari Rally though…..
The SC came out in 78, the 3.0 motor was engineered for the upcoming 930 turbo designed to be a bit more robust to handle the additio al HP and boost.
As for this car offered, gray market cars went through a process at the Port to bring the vehicle up to DOT specs, and one big modification was the glass. All the glass had to be replaced with US stamped DOT rated glass, with that being said, look at the stamping on the glass, that will tell the true story.