In the fall of 1982, a new version of the World's favorite sports car was introduced, at long last: for the first time ever, the legendary 911 was available as a true convertible.
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The 911SC Cabriolet of 1983 is a far cry from the hyper-complex, computer-dominated, heavyweight 4-seater offered up by Zuffenhausen today. Instead, the SC--essentially featuring the iconic 911 design introduced in 1963--is a user-friendly Porsche that can be worked on with hand tools, rather than plug-and-play computers.
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Only 2,406 of the sleek 911SC Cabs were built before production ended, 27 years ago. Not surprisingly, clean examples of the bullet proof three-liter Porsche have already made the smooth transition from admired supercar to highly sought-after collectible. That's true for Coupes, Targas, and especially the most desirable SC: the one-year-only Cabriolet!
Make mine red, please . . .
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The 1983 Porsche 911SC Cabrio presented here, VIN *WP0ZZZ91ZDS150122* is a European delivery car. It was privately imported, fully DOT and EPA certified, and spent all its life in sunny Southern California.
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The original EPA release, the owner's manual, as well as 22 maintenance records, totalling $7,570.93 and documenting mileage, ownership, and service history, accompany the car. There's also a 100% clean CARFAX report.
Having spent the past decade in the care of a prominent Southern California Porsche dealer as his personal sunny-day play toy, the Cabriolet covered just 4,400 miles annually, on average, its fabulous looks undiminished by the passage of time.
Let's now inspect this car in greater detail.
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When scrutinizing a vintage, air-cooled Porsche, starting with the luggage compartment is always a good idea, as neglect tends to manifest itself here first. We removed the factory felt trunk lining to examine every nook and cranny: everything appears factory fresh; there is no rust or accident damage.
And, yes, the trunk light works!
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Date-coded VREDESTEIN spare has never been used. Factory tool roll, tire jack, and air compressor to inflate spare are all included as well.
Inner body structure looks untouched, "as delivered."
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Turning our attention to the Porsche's sexy body, we are amazed by its excellent state of preservation. There are no dents, dings, scratches, bubbles, or any other signs of inappropriate use. Externally, the European specification 911 differs from the U.S. model by its continental blinkers, covered side marker lights, asymmetrical E-code H4 headlights, single rear fog light, and smaller bumper guards.
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Black canvas convertible top and tonneau cover are all original and in fabulous condition, free of any rips or tears. Thankfully, the early edition convertible top does not have the heavy and trouble-prone electric mechanism; it can be manually opened or closed within seconds.
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The iconic FUCHS wheels have retained their factory finish, are shod with exorbitantly expensive, close-to-new, B.F.GOODRICH G-Force tires of the correct sizes, 205/55-16 up front and 225/50-16 out back.
Check out the clean wheel wells!
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Original Porsche Guards Red (called "indischrot" in Germany) is every bit as sexy as Ferrari's Rosso Corsa ! The paint is in extraordinarily fine condition, smooth and glossy, and free of any kind of imperfection. Certainly, this Porsche has always been garaged!
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Inside, this superb 911SC doesn't disappoint, either. It came factory-equipped with the full leather option: dash, seat covers, door panels, side panels, package shelf . . . it's all genuine leather!
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Black cockpit features the classic Porsche layout. We've had the leather on the dash top replaced, at great expense. Since the windshield needs to be removed for this endeavor, we opted to install a new one--and a new windshield seal as well, of course. Note original, leather-covered steering wheel; it's in superb condition. A high-end KENWOOD CD/stereo with MP3 and iPod connector is a welcome upgrade.
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Instrument cluster, a classic Porsche design: everything works as it should, even the clock! Power windows and power mirrors operate smoothly, the heather creates heat waves, and the factory air conditioning blows cold.
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Porsche's pilot and front passenger can relax on these beautiful, factory special order Sport Seats. The black leather had become a bit stiff with age, a common malady of Porsches of the vintage, so we opted for a full re-trim.
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Closeups reveal quality material and expert workmanship. The original look and feel was authentically replicated, down to the correct perforation, stitching and--last but not least--the inimitable aroma of the fine European hides. Expensive? You bet!
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Occasional rear seats have never been used, look like new.
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Ready for a test drive?
So are we, but before we take off, let's check out the engine compartment and undercarriage, shall we?
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Toothbrush-clean engine bay houses the bullet-proof 3.0SC power plant # 63D1735 ; being the original European 930/10 version, it develops 204 hp, 24 more horses than its weaker, 180-hp American sibling.
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This motor runs very, very strong. It never needed any work beyond regular servicing. There are no annoying oil leaks, and there's no exhaust smoke on initial start-up. We've had our mechanic check the compression; it's 160psi on all six cylinders. The sound of a rear-engined Porsche is still the sexiest roar in the universe!
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The factory's enhanced corrosion-protection included liberal zinc-plating; even outside of California, this SC should conceivably last forever! Pristinely preserved undercarriage shows no hint of rust or damage, just factory finishes and German steel. Did you expect anything less from this fine California Cabriolet? |
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Detail shots for the true aficionado.
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Friday, October 1st, was another fine day in San Buenaventura and we headed for the hills.
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Piloting this 911 Carrera convertible is pure joy. The car starts easily and runs smoothly; the 5-speed can be shifted up and down through all gears without noise, hesitation or grinding. The strong Euro engine propels the Cab up to--and beyond--legal highway speeds in a jiffy. The big disc brakes all around anchor the car safely. Unusual for a convertible, there is no cowl shake, no rattling or shimmying: this Porsche is a premium quality automobile, Made in Western Germany!
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A red open-air Porsche always creates a stir, wherever you arrive. Its visual impact is almost overwhelming. On the highway, other motorists respectfully relinquish the fast lane when you approach. To call this nine-eleven a feel-good-car would be an understatement. It's heaven on wheels!
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Reflecting on the "perfect" sports car, a car that can be used for daily driving duties, delivers enough eye candy and originality to win at the local car show, and presents a solid investment with plenty of upside potential, we'd choose this one-year-only 911 Super Carrera Cabriolet as a prime example.
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Age-old wisdom tells us that buying a middle-of-the-road car and restoring it to the level of this one would be a losing proposition. Buy the best car you can find and afford, a car that shows pride of ownership and needs nothing, take care of it like the previous owners have for the past three decades, and enjoy driving one of the finest Porsches of its kind, without having to worry about impending issues.
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A California convertible featuring Guards Red paint and a full leather interior with sport seats. A car that performs as flawlessly as it looks. What more could one possibly ask for? It's a bona fide keeper . . .
Addendum:
We sold this beautiful Porsche in late 2010 to a customer in Germany.
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