34-Years-Owned 1978 Porsche 911SC Targa

Description

The 1978 Porsche 911SC marked a pivotal moment in Porsche’s history, debuting the rugged and torquey 3.0L flat‑six producing approximately 180 horsepower and 189 lb‑ft of torque. It was also the first model year to feature fully galvanized body panels, significantly improving corrosion resistance. A total of 8,283 SC models were built in 1978, with 3,564 of those featuring the iconic Targa body style—a removable roof with signature roll bar and wrap‑around rear glass.  

This US spec 1978 Porsche 911SC Targa is finished in Sienna Metallic (436) and was acquired by the seller in 1991 at 99,743 miles as the third registered owner while stationed in Germany at HQ USAFE Ramstein Air Force Base. In 1994, the car received an engine rebuild and repaint, and has been driven sparingly since.  It features a five-speed manual transmission and retains much of its factory equipment, including Cork leather upholstery and a removable Targa roof. Modifications include Alpine audio, a starter "kill" switch, cruise control, Bilstein suspension, and "cookie cutter" wheels. This Porsche was brought back to the US (Atlanta, GA) by the seller in August 1994.

It is now offered with a set of factory Fuchs alloy wheels, service records, factory accessories, and current Georgia registration in the seller’s name.

Factory Equipment 

• Sienna Metallic (436) over Cork leather upholstery

• 3.0L air-cooled flat-six engine  

• 5-speed manual transmission (Type 915) 

• Bosch CIS (Continuous Injection System) fuel injection 

• Galvanized steel body panels (first year for full-body galvanization) 

• Removable Targa roof panel with wraparound rear glass 

• Air conditioning and heating

• Four-wheel disc brakes 

• Analog VDO instrumentation 

• Quartz clock 

• Halogen headlights 

 Modifications 

• Repainted factory Sienna Metallic (436) in 1994 

• Bilstein suspension

• Aftermarket cruise control 

• “Cookie cutter” style 15” wheels 

• Alpine AM/FM/CD stereo and speakers 

• Replaced dashboard pad  

• Starter “kill” switch 

Servicing & Documentation  

• 1991-1993: Porsche Zentrum Wiesbaden; oil & service 

• June 1994: Peter Drux (Porsche Meister), Frankfurt, Germany; complete engine rebuild at 103,680 miles, calibrations, and tune-up (roughly 20,000 miles driven since)

• 1995-2005: Eurocar Marietta, GA; oil and service 

• 2006-2015: AutoAtlanta, Marietta, GA; oil and service, brake pads and rotors, tire rotations, polished wheels 

• 2016-2025: Goldcrest Motorsports, Kennesaw, GA; oil and service 

• December 2023:  

  • Tires replaced; Michelin 215/60/15  

  • New Targa top from Super Upholstery in Marietta, GA 

 Known Imperfections  

• Front seat bottoms worn with tears at seams  

• Some paint chips  

• Paint inconsistencies noted on doors and hood 

• Aged weatherstripping

• Two hazy gauge faces (shown in the photo gallery)

Ownership History 

This 1978 Porsche 911SC Targa was purchased by the seller in 1991 while stationed in Germany at HQ USAFE Ramstein Air Force Base. The car was reportedly purchased new in Kensington, Maryland in 1978, and exported to Europe by an Air Force colonel in 1981. The seller mentions memories of driving the car to various European countries and high-speed runs on the Autobahn and eventually shipping the car back to Atlanta, Georgia in 1994. The seller states that this 911 has had a repaint in its original color, an engine rebuild, and regular service at European certified shops under their ownership. This vehicle is offered with current Georgia registration and a bill of sale in the seller’s name. 

 Included Items 

• Service records 

• Factory Fuchs style 15” wheels 

• Floor mats 

• Fitted car cover 

• Factory tire inflation pump 

• Spare wheel and factory jack 

• Engine rebuild documentation (in German) 

• Factory owner’s manual 

• Factory key set 

Additional Information 

From the seller, “Totally my dream car...this 1978 Porsche was manufactured the year that I graduated from high school and to top that - it is a 911SC which are my initials!  I recall driving speeds up to 120 mph on the Autobahn and having a feeling of low-level flight!  What a thrill to take the Targa top off and take a drive to the Netherlands for the North Sea Jazz Festival each year in July.  There's nothing like a vintage Porsche 911 with engineered power and control all in your hands...you just have to experience it!”