Rides from the Readers: 1979 Porsche 911SC

Hagerty readers and Hagerty Drivers Club members share their cherished collector and enthusiast vehicles with us via our contact email, tips@hagerty.com. We’re showcasing some of our favorite stories among these submissions. To have your car featured, send complete photography and your story of ownership to the above email address.

Today’s featured car is a 1979 Porsche 911SC coupe. These air-cooled 3.0-liter cars hit the market in 1978, and though they were far from perfect, they did away with the problem-child 2.7 engine found in U.S. spec 911 between 1975 and ’77. Thanks to a more durable motor and a galvanized body, these 911SC were more reliable and longer-lasting than their forbearers—if you updated the timing chain tensioner and the tiny valve that discouraged the airbox from exploding under a backfire. Despite the mechanical quirks, these 911SCs are surprisingly affordable and have initiated many an enthusiast into classic Porsche ownership.

This particular 911SC, owned by Justin Roeser, wears a particularly special shade of purple called Lilac, or—as it was more commonly known at the time—Moonstone. “It was the only year you could order a Lilac 911,” Roeser writes of his ’79. “I spent three years looking for a Moonstone Porsche.” Little did Justin know that within a year he’d discover not one, but two Moonstone machines from Stuttgart: a 924 and the 911SC featured here. (We particularly dig the 924’s Pasha interior combined with the Lilac paint.)

Here’s to more stories of successful car hunting!