www.QV500.com - Porsche 911 (1978 - '83) Part 1: 911 SC K & L-series

During the second half of the seventies, Porsche's 2.7 and 3-litre 911's had been consistently strong sellers, production averaging around 10,000 units every year. These normally aspirated 911's were available in Targa and Coupe body styles whilst a turbocharged version satisfied those buyers wanting supercar levels of performance. There was indeed a 911 for every occasion. For the 1978 to '83 model year's, Porsche offered four basic variants; a more potent 3.3-litre Turbo Coupe, normally aspirated 3-litre 911 SC's in Coupe and Targa body styles, plus for the last year of production, an SC Cabriolet.

It was the firm's intention for these to be legal in any world market, however, the big difference between what was permitted in terms of safety and emissions in the US and Europe meant the German manufacturer were forced to provide uprated Euro versions mid-way through production. For the 1978 model year (production of which began in August 1977), Porsche produced just one normally aspirated 911, the three-litre K-series SC. There was a brake servo for the first time, Porsche's Hydrovac system substantially reducing the effort required by the driver, especially when the brakes were cold. ATS Cookie Cutter wheels were fitted as standard, the sportier Fuchs forged alloys shod with Pirelli P7's being available only as an option. The SC featured a slightly de-tuned version of the 3-litre engine used since mid 1975, its Typ 930/03 motor unfortunately dropping 20bhp, much to the dismay of many customers. However, whilst the old 2.7-litre engines had been developed as far as they realistically could, the 3-litre motor (a normally aspirated version of the engine used in the Turbo), offered plenty of scope for the future. Displacement was unchanged at 2994cc (thanks to a bore and stroke of 95 x 70.4mm respectively), output dipping to 180bhp at 5500rpm.

The bodyshell, available in either Coupe or Targa configurations, was by now fully galvanised. Just minor changes were made, the most obvious having been the adoption of subtly flared rear wings that were previously found only on the 3-litre Carrera. Less easy to spot, SC Targa's no longer featured opening front-quarter lights. Inside, the cockpit was changed little too, the same dash, instrument binnacle, three-spoke steering wheel and transmission tunnel being found. Porsche's distinctive high-backed seats were also retained and these could be upholstered in either pinstripe or tartan velour with matching door trim. A wide variety of options were available and many importers offered their own specific packages. For example, the Sport option in the UK consisted of the whale tail rear wing, a deep front spoiler, Bilstein gas-filled dampers, forged 16-inch Fuchs alloy wheels, low-profile Pirelli P7 tyres and more heavily bolstered sports seats. Full leather interiors and a range of stereos could also be specified along with authentic Martini decals aping the works 935 racers. Production started in August 1977 for the 1978 model year, 5178 Coupe's and 4308 Targa's being completed in this K-series format. They were replaced for the 1979 model year by the L-series 911 (production of which began in August 1978). No major changes were made, 5705 Coupe's and 5284 Targa's being built.