This 1979 Porsche 911SC is listed by the seller as a ROW model, or “Rest of the World” example that wasn’t originally indended for the US market. Found near the well-known Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot, the seller says it has a German military base tag likely indicating it was purchased overseas and then shipped home. It’s certainly an interesting car and looks to be worth saving. Find it here on eBay with an opening bid of $18,500.
You’d assume a Euro-market car would have the hotter motor, less emissions equipment and none of the heavy safety gear US cars are outfitted with. But the seller spotted emissions equipment in the engine bay and the speedometer is in MPH, so it was likely federalized when it was brought stateside – which is a bit deflating, unless the military connection makes this one more interesting. The whale tail should be removed immediately and the engine lid repainted.
Inside, the passenger seat is in rough condition; the seller will include a set of bucket seats in better condition with the sale. The next owner will also have to remedy a solitary crack in the dash. The seller notes the headliner and carpets are in good shape but will need cleaning. Overall, the car is said to be solid aside from rust in the battery tray, but the seller is including the necessary pan replacement kits for the next owner. Some other areas of rough paint are present but no other rot-through has been spotted.
Overall, this 911SC is an intriguing example for someone looking to build an air-cooled either as a restoration project or daily driver that’s a little rough around the edges. The possible gray-market connections are intriguing but perhaps not worth getting too excited about given the car largely shows as a US-spec example, but it’s still a good story nonetheless. The motor doesn’t run currently, but does turn freely by hand – so if the bidding stays reasonable, this could be one of the better 911 buys in recent memory. Don’t hold your breath on that last part, though.
In all likelihood, this “military import” came from the factory with all required U.S. emissions and safety equipment, and was not “federalized” later. It would have been the same as a “European Delivery” car, which means the required parts and compliance stickers were/are in place.
Nice 911SC, but nothing special.
It is conceivable that this car was purchased stateside, then sent to Germany when the military owner was transferred. Then, of course, back to the States with the owner.
A seriously neglected SC. From the look of the deck lid and engine compartment I’d say there was a fire, and it’s been sitting ever since. Looks like it needs almost everything (Fuchs apprear to be okay). 18.5 is a bit high.
My first thought, and after reading all the comments, could this also be, a paper trail nightmare. Trying to get documentation for title etc, unless that is all in place.
As a friend of mine said once — the most expensive car I ever bought was the cheap Porsche I bought. The car is worth saving – but it needs everything so starting out at 18.5 for it? Nope – needs to me more like $12,000 or less.
I hate people that don’t even bother to take a car off a trailer for their for sale photo’s . and just because of that lack of respect I don’t want it anymore
EU cars had smaller rear bumper biscuits and this car has them. It has E stickers where a US car would have something else.I think it is a ROW car. They had a bit more power. I see the flaking paint on the rear lid and some cracked wiring or smog air hose. Maybe.it was hot. the rest of the engine parts do not look so bad. The rust would be a negative, but also for other bidders. I don’t think it is so bad. The seat is ugly. Mileage is very low. That car is a bargain at $12-14k.
What is a bumper biscuit? Can you tell that I know very little about Porsches?
The big black molded rubber impact absorber on a US spec car is about twice as wide as that on a ROW/ Euro spec car. Actually they were small on 1974 cars. sometime later the US ones got wider. 1975, maybe. Can you tell I don’t know it all either?
I know more about 64-68 SWB cars. My baby is a 1967 912. Badly smashed, so I have come to know more that I hoped, in learning to fix it.
Thank you Alan. So a bumper guard is now called a biscuit? Okay, I learned something today.
Porsche parts classified ad slang. I swear I didn’t make it up. Glad to be of service.They ARE absorbers. and hence different standards for crash damage avoidance. Biscuit is a word that made sense to me when I read it. I do own an identical spec car,(albeit a white Targa), so over the years I have learned to overcome my feeling of inadequate biscuits by learning a line of BS. Great car, tho, in spite of its thin biscuits.
Yep….trailer pics – and look at that tow vehicle !
I’m a little surprised at your statement re the tow vehicle. Is it s good or a bad tow vehicle? It’s a lot better than mine. This guy is obviously a flipper and a contractor 5 days a week. Good for him. I know this venue is not Sotheby’s or Barrett Jackson somewhere, but this is where the bargains are. To a guy that intends to buy a restorable car, is sitting on a trailer a negative? Not very much if you ask me. The fact of his contractor’s truck is quite assuring because I know he’s not a scammer.
Another person selling a Porsche that thinks it’s a MILLION $ FIND!!!
GIVE ME A BREAK!!!
I got my math old school. 1950’s to be exact. But, methinks $18,500 is a bit shy of a million. Sorta bout 1/60th.
Now if this found its way onto your trailer in your driveway, would you be the one offering it for free to the guy with the best essay?
Whatever something sells for is what it is worth. To one person and nearly to two. Personally, I don’t think this car is worth that much. but it is a ROW 3 liter 911. If this doesn’t mean as much to you, fine. Everybody is entitled to not understand.
If you think these are expensive, look at the price of old Lancias. Aurelias. Old Ferraris. Bugattis, anything hand built.
One does not need to buy expensive stuff to have fun, but don’t be surprised when rich people run up the price at auctions.
Alan, I liked your points in above writings…. on a related point, I smashed up my 2006 bmw just five miles into a planned top down trip to see my brother in Clearwater… sun got in my eye, and the back lowest bumper of a semi trailer came in under my wheel well for a few hundred feet; I was lucky to get it free. From that side to the middle of the passenger door… almost tears! I’ll be learning some things on that car this winter when folks don’t want me painting their homes. Good Day from the 60’s generation
Whale tails (even the 930 type one on this car and my former SC) were a factory option. It should stay.
Really? I’ve never seen a 930 style whale tail on a non-turbo car, except for maybe the “turbo-look” cars of the late 80s. Looks weird without the fender flares.