Advice on SC purchasing

[Holeshot]

Hi there.
New member and first time poster here. Nice to meet you all.
I'm thinking of looking for an SC. Probably an 81/82 as that's what my Dad had back in the day so have a sentimental attachment to this vintage/model.
I'd like a Targa as thats what he had. My questions are what main faults should I be looking for - the pros and cons. The things I should look for or avoid and of course what price I should expect to pay for one that's good to go with nothing to spend.
I would do very little mileage: probably 1000miles per year at most.
All advice gratefully received.

Cheers

 

[Michael drummond]

Hi there,

I just bought an SC a couple of weeks ago, i looked at 7 all different conditions and prices. Most suffer from the usual rust around the headlights and the door shuts.
Most of them have a fair ammount of history and i would say definately go for one with plenty, i went fro a 80 coupe rather than the targa which are notoriously noisy and all of them leak!!!!
Just as a guide, the cheapest one i saw was £6500 and was a total heap and the most expensive was £12000 and obviously was exceptional.
My one cost £9800 and has every piece of paperwork from day one, and most important had a full bare metal respray 4 years ago with all rubbers and seals replaced, and is needless to say like a 'new car'
Some will sat that its not a good idea to get a painted one. This was £8500 worth of work so i think well worth it.
Oil leaks are something to look for although i reckon most cars of this age probably lose a bit of oil.
Check out Ebay or auto trader as you'll see quite a few there for a guide to whats about.............be prepared to do a bit of travelling and remember that most sellers will 'forget' to tell you over the phone about that rust hole, leaky seal, knackered seat etc!!!!!!!
Good luck

regards Michael

 

[engleflick]

ORIGINAL: Michael drummond

the targa which are notoriously noisy and all of them leak!!!!

They don't have to leak - mine didn't before the I started restoring the bodywork and certainly will not after I have finished the restoration. Wind noise can also be rectified with replacement seals.

A targa is a different experience to a coupe - you have to decide which you would prefer, personally I love driving with the roof off and being able to hear the great flat six howl.

You must watch out for rust as people have been warning so far, it IS expensive to rectify (ask me how I know...) a good Targa or cab can be just as rewarding as a coupe it just depends on what you want to do with it.

Good luck with you search.

Cheers
Dan.

 

[chris.hevey]

My Targa doesn't leak, although it does whistle a bit once you get up to (ahem[]) autobahn speeds. This is due to the glass not sitting in the seals properly, which can be adjusted apparently. Maybe a little job for the winter!

Regardless of which model you get though, an absolute must-have is a dry garage. A lot of folks, in R10 anyway, never knowingly take their babies out in the wet, so the leak thing's a bit immaterial for them.

Another thing in the Targa's favour is the word Targa. Apart from the glamorous history of the Targa Florio etc., it just sounds special. Say it out loud: nine-eleven S C Targa. Yeah baby!

 

[engleflick]

ORIGINAL: chris.hevey

This is due to the glass not sitting in the seals properly, which can be adjusted apparently. Maybe a little job for the winter!

I have a pdf somewhere that is an genuine porsche technicians guide as to how to properly adjust the windows to make weather proof/ wind noise reduction - I will see if I can find it, and I can email it to you if you would like it.