Porsche’s 901 model was publicly shown in 1963 at the Frankfurt Motor Show to instant acclaim and legal threats. Peugeot had for decades produced cars with a zero in their designations (203, 402 etc) and was giving no ground to a German interloper.
Production versions of the Porsche when released for sale in 1965 would therefore be designated 911 (six cylinder) and 912 (four-cylinder) and retain their identities for more than half a century.
Early 911s with 2.0-litre engines delivered just 97kW and relied on a responsive chassis and robust design to achieve success in top level competition. Results included consecutive Monte Carlo victories from 1968-70, and a first-up win at Le Mans in 1966 where it won the GT 2.0-litre Class.
Larger engines would arrive throughout the 1970s, accompanied by a longer wheelbase, wider track and bigger wheels. The 3.0-litre flat six which had been available to Carrera buyers since 1975 was for 1978 standardised across the 911 range in a version called the 911SC.
Due to emission controls, the 50 percent engine capacity increase had minimal effect on performance, generating just a 22kW boost in output over the original 2.0-litre 911S.
Those needing performance to hound Lamborghini’s Countach out of autobahn fast-lanes could opt for a 911 Turbo version with its 260km/h top speed and 0-100km/h acceleration in a mind-boggling 5.4 seconds.
Most Australian-delivered SCs were coupes with the five-speed manual transmission. Versions with lift-out Targa roof panels were available as well and from 1982-83 Porsche added a 911SC Cabriolet.
Despite improvements to the 911’s performance, Porsche maintained its commitment to durability. The flat floor-pan allowed high speeds to be sustained over rough roads and dents to the underside didn’t do any serious harm. In 1976 the 911 become the world’s first high-performance car to be built from galvanised steel, helping prevent minor damage in instances where perforated paint might otherwise promote rust.
The shape which had barely changed in more than a decade also began to evolve. Impact-absorbing bumpers were fitted to all versions and wheelarch flares became more pronounced. The ‘whale-tail’ rear spoiler introduced to help tame 911 Turbo handling had by 1978 become optional on other models in the 911 range.
The SC was Porsche’s most successful variation on the 911 theme. Almost 60,000 of the cars were built from 1977-83 and they are the 911 you are most likely to find in today’s second-hand market.
Values since the Covid-19 Pandemic have surged, pushing the price of some outstanding cars past $170,000. They don’t all cost that much though; coupes needing cosmetics and showing 250-300,000 kilometres are still available at less than $100,000.
Despite galvanising, rust can appear around window apertures and wheel arches
Have a specialist check for poorly executed repairs
Valve train noise due to failing timing chain adjusters
Corroded heat exchangers
Torn grease boots on driveshafts
Sagging front suspension
Damaged or leaking Targa roof seals
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