Over the years, I have owned more than 30 air-cooled Porsche 911s, everything from a 1967 911S to an RS America. That list even includes a 1973 Carrera RS. I say this not to brag but to back up my next statement: Of all the air-cooled 911s I have owned, my personal favorite remains the 1978-1983 911SC. I have owned three different examples, all of which had the great traits than make up the essence of the 911. Our Pick of the Day is this “unrestored” 1983 Porsche 911SC Cabriolet listed on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Greenwood Village, Colorado.
There are many interesting facts about the 1983 Porsche 911SC Cabriolet. It is the 911SC variant with the lowest production numbers: From 1978-83, Porsche built 31,941 coupes and 21,548 targas, but only 4,096 Cabriolets. Sure, it was built only for a single year, but those are low numbers for a standard production 911. Nevertheless, the cabriolet is still the best value of all 911SCs despite the fact that when new, it was the most expensive body style.
Another interesting fact is that not only was the 1983 911SC Cabriolet the first convertible 911, but it was also the first Porsche of any kind that was a true convertible since the 356C in 1965. Yes, the Targa was built from 1967 onwards, but a Targa is not a full convertible.
An additional fascinating fact about the 1983 911SC Cabriolet is that due to production changes, it is structurally stiffer than the 911SC Targa — and many say it is a better-handling car. This changed in 1984 with the introduction of the 911 Carrera 3.2, which adopted the body structure of the Cabriolet for Targa models.
This specific 911SC Cabriolet is finished in its original Ruby Red Metallic paint over the original tan interior. The car has only covered 43,976 miles from new, which explains its immaculate condition. An email I received from the owner states that the only changes from when this 911 was new are consumables such as wiper blades, brakes, and tires, as well as a new convertible top. One welcome additional change is the replacement of the factory radio with a brand-new retro-style Blaupunkt Frankfurt RCM 82 Bluetooth-enabled radio.
This car has an extensive service history. Recent updates include new rear brakes and new fuel system components, including the O-rings, Bosch fuel injectors, and fuel filter. This 911 also received a new ignition module (something the 911SC is known to have issues with) and Perma-Tune Capacitive Discharge Ignition unit.
The beauty of this 1983 911SC Cabriolet is that it is effectively a time capsule. Unlike a car with say 2,500 miles, this is one that you can actually put miles on and enjoy, without the worries of reducing its value. If you want to know what the 1983 911SC was like new, buying this one is the way to find out.
This is a car I would buy in a heartbeat. The Ruby Red Metallic paint is simply a perfect color for these cars — and exactly the same color of the 1984 Carrera I sold my friend David Wallens at Grassroots Motorsports. In fact, David still owns the 911 I sold him, which also has its original paint.
So if you want to drive and enjoy the best air-cooled 911 in the rare convertible body style and in a color you don’t see every day, I urge you to consider this 1983 911SC Cabriolet. I honestly don’t think you will ever regret it. With an asking price of only $67,500 or best offer, it is the best deal on an all-original SC I have seen in a long time. If you get it, you will be hard-pressed to ever want to replace it with something else.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
