Air-cooled Porsche prices have reached the point where any affordable 911 immediately gets our attention. That is especially true when the car in question is a 1981 Porsche 911 SC Targa with a manual transmission, a 3.0-liter flat-six, and an asking price that seems low enough to make enthusiasts stop scrolling. This 911 is currently listed here on eBay in Tustin, California, with a Buy It Now price of $26,000.
The SC occupies an important place in Porsche 911 history. Built during an era when the company was refining the G-body 911 into a durable, usable sports car, the SC combined classic air-cooled character with everyday drivability. The 3.0-liter flat-six was known for its dependability, and when paired with a manual gearbox, it delivers an addictive mechanical driving experience.
According to the listing, this example is finished in Metallic Black paint with a partial leather black interior and shows just 8,000 miles. It is said to have a clean title and to have passed a California smog test in 2022. Those are all encouraging details, but they also raise questions. Low-mile air-cooled 911s rarely appear at bargain prices anymore, and any claim of extremely low mileage on a car from 1981 deserves careful documentation. The seller doesn’t mention if there are any documents to verify the claim, so it’s probably best to take it with a grain of salt until you can do more research.
From the upright headlights to the sloping rear deck and simple cabin layout, there is little mistaking an air-cooled Porsche for anything else. These cars have a presence that is hard to duplicate, and the appeal is obvious whether you are a long-time Porsche enthusiast or someone who has watched values climb from the sidelines.
That said, this is one of those finds where due diligence matters. With prices what they are these days, the price is attractive, but prospective buyers should verify the VIN, title, mileage claim, documents, engine number, transmission number, and underside condition before sending any money. It would also be wise to arrange an in-person inspection or a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified Porsche specialist. Rust, accident history, mechanical needs, and incorrect documentation can quickly turn an apparent bargain into a costly project.
If everything checks out, this 1981 Porsche 911 could represent a reasonable entry into air-cooled ownership. If not, it may be a reminder that the best deals require the most careful homework. Either way, it is the kind of listing that makes you look twice—and maybe a third time—before deciding whether to click Buy It Now. So, W]would you pursue this black 911 at $26,000, or does the price make you more suspicious than excited?
I’ve driven a Porsche 911, and ridden in them, and I frankly don’t get it. There are way better cars for the money.
Just curious. “There are way better cars for the money.”
Like what?
Like my 65 Imperial for $6000! That’s what! Or my 63 Riviera for 6K.
Let me help. Our ’81 911 SC Targa, which has been in the family since new, now has 330K on it. Seats are thrashed and the paint faded, but the engine has never ben rebuilt and all cylinders recently tested between 175 and 180. Insane. I ring this car’s neck and it just asks for more. Fishtailing out of the Starbucks parking lot? Yup, that’s me. Anyhow, this car is legend for many reasons.
Looking at what’s missing on this car, the bloom is fading from the rose. You can have it at a nice price but I have a feeling that to get this car right, the price won’t be so nice. It’s what we don’t see is what scares me.
Hmmm, a “Porch”, you say? You know, I realize a bit early for “Howards Early Morn Affirmation”, and probably the gloom inherited from my father, but something gratifying about seeing these high and mighty, high end cars as beaters. What I can’t understand, is how someone could let a FANtastic car like this rot? I too, have always questioned the prices on these, one ride would probably tell me why, but I’d have to think, if you could afford this, and subsequent rebuilding, what’s another $100 grand(?) for a nice one?
A $26,000 parts car. And lots of the parts are missing.
Searchers stumble on these things and ask outrageous prices. Don’t be a fool, and run away from this rolling pile of junk!
As you stated… more research is required. The listing says very little, and the photos are very limited. However, if things would check out reasonably this could result in a fun driver without worrying about degrading collector value. The 911 is a driver’s car and it takes a certain level of driver to appreciate it. Last one I drove was a European Spec Turbo which was a very memorable experience in the driver’s seat. Local people who are interested and qualified should be checking this one out. Make an offer, who knows what the final selling price will be.
Man, wish I knew more about Porsches. Don’t know the market for them nor am I familiar with the mechanical aspects of them but would be good to know if a “bargain” comes about. Hopefully this Porsche won’t end up being someone’s money pit.
Just looked and a car like this in nice shape is probably a $50,000-$60,000 car. But if you’re handy with Porsches, this might be something fun for you to tinker with but price sounds a little bit high, but who knows. If it’s mechanically fine and the seller has the missing parts of the exterior and interior it might not be that bad buy.
A bit rough for 26K. Even the seller says it needs a complete rebuilding and that isn’t going to be cheap. I’ve rebuilt and restored a lot of cars and I would probably stay away from this one at the present price.