This 1983 Porsche 911 SC is a desirable European-market example, otherwise known as a ROW trim – or, Rest of the World spec. This generally means beefier performance thanks to fewer restrictions typically placed on cars destined for the U.S. once they hit the production line. The seller notes this 911 comes with a documented history of a longtime owner who purchased the car in Germany and brought it back with him upon returning to the Utah. The description includes a reference to the engine sporting a custom build that elevates the performance above standard SC levels, and bidding ends soon here on eBay where it’s just over $36K with no reserve.
Details are a bit light in the listing, but this picture tells you pretty clearly that this 911 isn’t operating at stock specs. The dual exhaust and engine detail alone are dead giveaways, and the auction description does hit on some highlights: “3.0, naturally aspirated, spark ignition, 4 stroke racing engine, custom fully rebuilt and restored.” The details on the build stop there, other than the seller noting that the end result is a 911 that can run to 60 in 6.4 seconds and continue on to a top speed of 146 miles per hour. The seller notes they are the third owners of the 911 and that it has 163,000 miles.
Now, the performance is obviously helped by the fact that if this is a true Euro-spec model, it should have less restrictive exhaust and emissions equipment. It may even be lighter due to not having as many heavy-duty safety beams or crash bars in the doors, which were sometimes retrofitted to cars when imported from overseas. Many European market vehicles also skip the acres of leather that manufacturers deem necessary for U.S. customers, as you can see here with the cloth interior that this 911 wears. No word on whether it came with A/C, as many gray market examples do not.
Back to the odometer reading for a second: that mileage is nothing to sneeze at, and it may be the reason behind the engine rebuild. Regardless, it looks like this 911 has been loved, and the strong bidding seems to support that other potential buyers feel the same as I do. The bodywork looks laser straight and the paint appears to be nice and even down the sides. The seller doesn’t mention any accidents, but with that kind of mileage, it’s always possible. A well maintained 911 with higher miles is nothing to be scared of, especially if the engine has been recently rebuilt.
I like the way the seller took the time to drive it into a meadow of flowers. That’s certainly beat your average Craigslist photo.
In the seller’s description, under item specifics, he does indicate that air conditioning is included, along with power windows, and power door locks.
One of my favorite cars was a scruffy 1978 Targa that was deceptively quick, but not very pretty due to tired silver paint. I swapped out the rusty OEM exhaust for a “custom” glass pack and some creative tubing bends. It sounded awesome. Wouldn’t mind another one day!
Very nice looking example. I have never driven one. This would be the one I would like to start with.
Nice ride , but it’s no 356 lol.
Hmm 4 stroke racing engine, I suspect it has the Special Hanneling package and the High Performance floor mats also. Sorry couldn’t resist. Many adjectives with the description! Good luck and looker over well. Surprised to see it up to 36 large already; you guys think its worth the coin? By the same token look what piles of rust as asking(not selling). Stay safe.
Cheers
GPC
Came to think of it, never seen a 911 with 2 stroke and no spark ignition..
There was the uber rare GM two stroke diesel option.
Wide angle dark shots don’t instill any confidence this side of the keyboard. If one were to look closely, the dash pad is cracked, the paint looks suspect. I was going to bid on the car because I love the color, ROW, great engine upgrades. But looking at the pics closely, I suspect I would have been very grumpy after landing in Salt Lake for the pick up.
I am a Corvette guy. I detail cars professionally and back in 1990, a client hired me to detail his absolutely filthy black on black 1985 911 Targa. It took all day, but he loved the results. He told me to take it for a spin. Absolutely the highest, best handling car I had ever driven. And the sound coming from the back of the car, well it is 100,000 times better than today’s stupid boom tubes on a 30 year Honda. I still have a Corvette, but an air cooled 911 is on my bucket list.
Stupid auto correct. Meant to say tightest
Not a P Car fan, but this is beautiful to look at, that is for sure. I have heard these are a bear to take around a corner at speed, esp with a turbo one, is that true?
SOLD for $36,600.
And the ROW spec gets you decent halogen head lights,rather than wretched sealed beams