early 911 or 79 SC

[Pat S]

I've only recently started looking for a 911. I wan't something fun to drive that I can use to attend some DEs/SCCA Solo and use to really learn how to performance drive in. Not a daily driver, but a nice fun car. My plan was to find decent 73 or earlier 911T. I'm quite capable of working on cars and have all the non specialty tools but I don't particularly care for body work.
In my looking I found a 79 SC Targa for around $11K with about 80K miles. Seems to be in good shape, no visible rust, a few door dings no PPI yet.
So the price seems right (pending PPI), and I'd have a lot less body work to deal with than if I got an early 911. I'm assuming maintence/parts between the two would be similar in cost but not sure about that. My main question is, for the purposes I outlined above, should I keep looking for an early 911, or go get the PPI and jump on this deal?

Pat

[nostatic]

For what you describe I would think that a non-sunroof coupe would be the first choice, followed by a sunroof coupe. The targa will present downsides with regards to chassis stiffness, but you have to balance what is fun...track or sun.

I think an SC is an ideal 1st 911, and they are pretty bombproof. Finding a rust-free early car is a bit of a challenge, and if it is a stsock T you might not have as much power as you'd like.

[HarryD]

Personally, I am tired of all these SC snobs here.

Join us fellows with the "real" Porsches. Like before they added flairs, low end torque and comfort. Nothing quite like the ride in in Long hood Porsche.

79 SC (schweet car)

[MarkP]

You didn't say if you will use this as a daily driver. With Denver's winters I would go for the SC. If this wil be a fair weather car only, the early car may be a good choice.

I have both and they are, well, different. The early car is light and you can throw it around, with the S spec engine in my 68 it FEELS plenty fast.

But, I think the 85 is actually much faster. The 85 feels heavier, the power is more refined feeling. In my case it is quieter due to stock exhaust.

As nostatic said, a T might not have enough power. While an E or S would cost more, the service, parts and restoration cost would be similar to a T. Personally I wouldn't buy a T only because I'd want more power.

Either car would be prefectly capable for DE and Autox - second thought - you can maybe get in a bit more trouble on the track with the early car, the back end can come around quicker with the earlier suspensions. Just something you have to learn to manage.

[MarkP]

Dang Mark, that thing is sweet! Has anyone told you about the understated modesty bylaws in the NW?? You know Bill Gates still drives himself to work everyday - no limos, no flashy rides up here! hahaha

[Garyo4]

One of these? Ensure you get a PPI regardless of which vehicle you choose,
Regards,
Gary

[Mike Kast]

79SC baby! Galvanized, bigger motor...hmmmmmmm... for 11,000 it sounds too good. Or maybe I paid too much? No regrets either way

[rdane]

My '79 SC started out box stock 9 months ago. I liked it the first day I drove it. And I like it even more now! Fun factor is some where around Mach 10 currently.

[al lkosmal]

Mark,
I still remember seeing Bill gate's Testarossa off the road (405 -canyon park area) a while back during one of our snow storms. Looked very flashy in the ditch!!

[jluetjen]

If you said that you wanted a daily driver, I'd have recommended the SC (Yes SCWDP, you heard right! ), for all of the usual reasons, less noise, reliable CIS, creature comforts, refinement, etc. (Yawn)

But you said "I want something fun to drive that I can use to attend some DEs/SCCA Solo and use to really learn how to performance drive in." My goodness man - then get a long hood. The Noise is a virtue (you don't need to buy a stereo!). For fun driving, there is nothing like roaring up to redline (7000+ in and E or S, let's see an SC do that!) while as Harry said, the light weight of the longhood cars makes them nimble and chuckable. What are you going to learn about 911 engines working on an SC -- they never break! (Nod to the SCWDP). Besides, was Steve McQueen driving a comfy GT car in LeMans -- NO. Only a balls-out full S would fit the role.

If this is going to be an optional car that you want to have fun with, and you can stretch a little over $10K, you should be able to get yourself a fairly nice E with MFI and 7000+ RPM engine. You could even get a slightly nicer T, but IMO the price premium asked for E's is much less then the performance improvement that you'll get over a T. So I think that they're a great deal.

The SC's may have their World Domination Plot (SCWDP), but once you've owned a long hood -- you'll be a Zealot.

Good luck with whatever you chose and we look forward to seeing more of you.

[thrown_hammer]

Yeah don't get a "T". Mine is SO slow...

[Jim Richards]

I'm sure you'd enjoy either car, but you'd probably enjoy the early car a lot more. And just think of the funky colors you'll get to choose from.

[Jim Richards]

But seriously, I just attended a PCA High Performance Driving Clinic last month in our 73E...it was a blast. The car was like a big go-kart...so much fun to toss around the track. Good luck with whichever way you go with this.

[Pat S]

Ahhh!
So many good things about both chioces. Thanks to all of you for the many great comments and reccomendations. Unfourtunately I'm even more confused now

[RichMason]

I have a 69 E Targa that I drive every day. The MFI is a little quirky (mine needs some TLC so I don't claim it is indicative of the breed) and it is certainly not the cleanest burning car in the world. However, like someone else mentionned, there is nothing like that 5000-7000 rpm rush of noise and power in an E or, I would assume, an S. I bought an E for the extra power and resale in that order and I'm alrady saving for the 3.2 upgrade. If you know that you will want to put alot of money into speed and handling, then you could start with a T. Otherwise, in my opinion, shop around for an E or S. As for the early vs SC decision, I wanted chrome - enough said. If you don't care how it looks, an SC would be the way to go, just for the galvanized body and 3.0 liter. You didn't mention 74-7? cars, the 2.7s. I imagine that these are similar cars mechnically to the SCs with the exception of the engines. Again, if you are going to build a track car with a larger engine, the downsides of the 2.7 won't matter. Also, I would imagine at this point that most of the 2.7s that are left have been rebuilt with proper updates.

Targa vs hardtop. I have zero regrets about buying a Targa but I haven't spent anytime on the track. On the street, I find the handling to be very predictable and the car is as tossable as my 914. Maybe you can attend a local Porsche function or find some Pelicans and take a few test drives before you make a decision. If you live near me, you are welcome to come take a spin in my car.

If you don't care how it looks, an SC would be the way to go

Yup, I agree. SC's are like an ugly child that you have to love in spite of their looks.

[RichMason]

Not to be too sensitive, but I didn't mean to imply that SCs were unattractive (I really like that weird pale mint green that they came in). I was only referring to the lack of chrome bumpers and such. Sorry Dr. Wilson!

[Jim Richards]

Well, the ducktail looks nice

Great looking short-hood, Mark.

Rich, I was only funnin with ya. I love the early car looks as well. Here was my first.