1981 Porsche 911 SC review from UK and Ireland

Backfire on start-up split the air box - a simple £30 pop off valve would have prevented this.

Anti roll bar bushes replaced.

Brake started binding - had them overhauled.

Slight water leak in very bad weather - windscreen seals getting on a bit.

Small amount of rust bubbling around filler flap.

A stupendous car for the money - bought mine in Germany for £6500! It's worth £9000 over here. Look after it and you'll get back what you paid for it - perhaps more.

Built like a tank although after 23 years some of the rubbers and things are starting to show their age - cheap to replace though.

The motor is incredibly strong too. The recommendation is to red line it frequently when warmed up :) (Porsche calls it 'spirited driving') Has a dry sump - usually only seen on competition cars.

It's perhaps a little basic compared to some modern cars (no pas, loud etc) but that the fun of it. You find yourself driving around with the window open just to hear the wonderful flat six sound.

Considering it's age it's remarkably reliable. It's never let me down on a journey. It's simple enough to service yourself - there's a wealth of information on the web to help you too (pelicanparts technical forum).

Down side is that it urges you to drive faster all the time - once the revs are at 3500 you get such a kick in the back - it hard to resist. Sadly there aren't enough clear roads. Trips to Le Mans are fun though.

I can recommend a track day too. I went on a filthy wet day and was dreading the over-steer reputation. To my surprise I didn't spin once. I had excellent new tyres (Goodyear eagle F1) and didn't lift off mid corner. Kept it smooth and had a whale of a time drifting about - and had similar times to my friends in 20 year younger Elises and Evos. The racing driver who was with us said the car felt great too.

Take your time and find yourself a good one as engine rebuilds and major bodywork could be expensive. Look out for rust, oil leaks, smoke while driving (a little puff at start up is fine). The gearbox may be a bit tricky to put into first sometimes (pull toward second a little first and it should go in fine) gearboxes aren't great - but adequate.

Gets about 21mpg on average (with some spirited driving) 30mpg on motorways.

Classic car insurance is cheap - less than I pay for my old Golf!