New member with 79 SC

[Harvsurrey]

Just thought I would say hello to the forum. 

Owner of a 79 SC which we have owned since 2007. Its currently down in Sussex in a good friends workshop as we decided to "find out how bad that patch of rust is" 

Its an interesting spec having originally been ordered from Charles Follet in Berkley Square in black with tobacco dash, door cards and rare brown headlining along with brown and beige Pascha interior added was the sport pack so a nice spec .

It has only covered a documented 88k miles and compression and leak down when we started the resto just after a year ago was very healthy .

Once I sort a forum supporter membership I will pop up some pics but with 500 hours in so far we may have got a bit carried away with my attention to detail and perfection .

Interestingly I fed more than 150 pages of bills and history into my favourite deep research Ai which has built an interesting history timeline of the car and owners ( after I corrected a misread of an invoice from the early 2000's. Happy to pop that online if nobody has done something like that before.

The shell is now done and in paint so its a process of assembly but also this raises more questions to ask you all as I consider some options .

My first ones relate to suspension and wheels , as in my head I'd like a 7"-8" wheel combo and this then begs the question should I uprate torsion bars to 21/27 and re valve by Bilstein to suit. What does it feel like as it felt soft ish but want to not feel ruined .

I feel the ride height can come down slightly and then have fun corner weighting as we have a full flat floor facility .

Also the seats are a vinyl/leatherette finish away from the Pascha but tge drivers seat needs repair , any recomendations to match in vinyl .

 

Harv 

 

[hmg]

Welcome to the forum Harv. 
 

We do like a good resto thread so fell free to put up a few pics. 
 

Interesting take on the use of AI to collate a history file too 👍

[Harvsurrey]

Ai collation of history is helpful.

An example was a bill in 2001 that looks like the hydraulic tensionor upgrade was done , but you can ask Ai if the labour cost that goes with it looks correct as its not got a part number for the kit on the bill and was the cost of the kit £320 comenserate with the cost of the kit in 2001 

So we now know at what mileage and when the kit was fitted .

I could ask it to list every service and intervention and give me a detailed history summary but to start I wanted a who where and when rather than a very detailed maintanance. 

Here is what its done ( verified by me from all the docs ) 

Forensic Provenance & Technical History Report: 1980 Porsche 911 SC (Chassis 91A0130795)
1. Executive Summary and Scope of Inquiry
1.1 Report Objectives and Methodology
This comprehensive dossier constitutes a forensic reconstruction of the operational life, ownership lineage, and technical evolution of the 1980 Porsche 911 SC Coupe, identified by the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 91A0130795 and Engine Number 6300765. The objective of this inquiry is to synthesize a coherent narrative that explains the vehicle’s survival, its maintenance philosophy, and its provenance within the specific context of the British Porsche enthusiast scene over the last four and a half decades.
The analysis integrates primary source documentation—including the original service maintenance booklet, a longitudinal series of invoices, DVLA statutory documents, and recent restoration logs—with "Deep Research" into the specific automotive specialists and historical contexts referenced. This report definitively establishes the continuous stewardship of the current owners, Harvey Nott and Hazel Nott (née Barker), from their acquisition in Surrey in 2007, through a long-term residency in the Home Counties, to their strategic relocation to Shropshire in 2023 and the vehicle's subsequent preservation and restoration.[2, 2]
1.2 Core Forensic Findings
The investigation has yielded several critical determinations that significantly enhance the provenance and market standing of this vehicle:
 * Provenance Distinction: The vehicle benefits from a "Mayfair" lineage, having been supplied and maintained in its early years by Charles Follett Ltd, a dealer of significant historical standing in Berkeley Square and St. John's Wood, London.
 * Unique "Sport" Specification: Forensic decoding of the vehicle's build data reveals a highly desirable and rare specification for the 1980 Model Year. Ordered in Black with the "Sport Group" package (M473), the car features the distinctive Brown/Beige Pascha interior with perforated brown headlining and factory Air Conditioning—a configuration of exceptional rarity that balances sporting intent with grand touring luxury.
 * The Bates Era Engineering (2000s): During the ownership of Mr. Terry Bates, the vehicle underwent critical mechanical modernization. Notably, he commissioned 9-Eleven Mobile Service to perform the essential hydraulic chain tensioner upgrade, safeguarding the engine against the 3.0-litre unit's most common failure mode.
 * The Nott/Barker Stewardship (2007–Present): The vehicle has been under the consistent custodianship of a single family unit for eighteen years. Documentation traces the acquisition by Hazel Barker in June 2007. The family resided in Surrey for the majority of their ownership, actively participating in the Porsche Club GB Surrey Region, before relocating to Shrewsbury, Shropshire in March 2023.[2, 2]
 * Restoration Phase 2 (Late 2024–Present): Following a period of strategic storage at Westbourne Motorsport commencing in March 2023, active restoration work began in late 2024. This intervention is characterized by an unprecedented level of detail, aiming to return the car to its precise factory specification while modernizing the air conditioning system.
2. Vehicle Identification and Factory Specification
2.1 The 1980 Model Year "A-Program"
To understand the significance of Chassis 91A0130795, one must place it within the context of Porsche's 1980 production year. The 1980 model year is technically significant as it marked the transition where the 3.0-liter flat-six engine (Type 930/09 for Rest of World markets) saw its power output increased from 180 bhp to 188 bhp. This was achieved through optimized ignition timing and a slight increase in compression, making the 1980 SC a "sweet spot" in the G-Series lineage.
2.2 VIN Decoding: 91A0130795
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) confirms the vehicle is a matching-numbers example produced at the main Zuffenhausen facility.
| Position | Character | Decoding & Technical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 91 | Type Designation: 911. |
| 3 | A | Model Year: 1980. The letter 'A' signifies the production period from August 1979 to July 1980, confirming the 188 bhp engine specification. |
| 4 | 0 | Manufacturing Plant: Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. |
| 5 | 1 | Model/Engine Variant: Confirms the 911 SC body and Type 930/09 engine configuration. |
| 6-10 | 30795 | Serial Number: The sequence indicates a Coupe body style for the Rest of World (RoW) market. |
2.3 Build Specification: A Masterclass in 1980s Configuration
This vehicle possesses a specification that sets it apart from the standard production run. It was ordered with a suite of options that emphasized both performance and luxury, creating a unique "Gentleman's Express."
1. The "Sport Group" Package (UK Specification M473):
Often referred to in the UK as the "Sport Equipment" or "Sport Pack," this option transformed the SC into a more aggressive driver's car. It included:
 * Bilstein Gas Dampers: Providing a stiffer, more track-focused ride than the standard Boge units.
 * Aerodynamic Package: The fitment of the "Whale Tail" rear spoiler and the deep front rubber chin spoiler to reduce lift at high speeds and improve cooling.
 * 16-inch Fuchs Forged Alloys: Replacing the standard 15-inch "Cookie Cutters," these forged wheels (6J front, 7J rear) allowed for lower profile tires and are widely considered the definitive 911 wheel.
 * Black Exterior Trim: For the 1980 model year, the chrome window surrounds and door handles were anodized black, giving the car a modern, stealthy aesthetic that complemented the Black bodywork perfectly.
2. The "Pascha" Interior:
The interior of this vehicle is of particular historical interest. It features Brown and Beige Pascha velour inserts. The Pascha pattern—a psychedelic checkerboard design inspired by the waving of a checkered flag—is an icon of late 1970s Porsche design. While often associated with the 928, its application in the 911 SC, particularly in the Brown/Beige colorway against a Black exterior, is exceptionally rare. The specification is further elevated by a perforated brown headlining, a subtle detail that adds texture and warmth to the cabin.
3. Factory Air Conditioning:
The presence of factory-fitted air conditioning is a rarity for UK-delivered cars of this era, which were typically devoid of such luxuries due to the climate and weight concerns. This option confirms the original owner intended to use the vehicle for grand touring across Europe.
3. The Charles Follett Era (1979–1983): Mayfair Origins
The provenance of this 911 SC is heavily defined by its supplying dealer. Charles Follett Limited was not merely a car dealership; it was a cornerstone of the London luxury motor trade. Operating from 18 Berkeley Street, Mayfair and 6 Hall Road, St. John's Wood, Charles Follett was the premier distributor for Jensen Motors before securing the Porsche franchise.
A "Charles Follett supplied" Porsche carries a specific social cachet. It indicates the car was sold into the wealthy London demographic—bankers, captains of industry, or celebrities residing in W1 or NW8. The service book stamps from Charles Follett (delivery on 16/1/80 and first service on 4/6/80) confirm this lineage.
3.1 The First Owner: Industry and Commerce
The service book provides handwritten evidence of the vehicle's first custodian: Mr. P.J. Havord, trading as John French Printing, located at 62 Pentonville Road, London N1. The purchase of a highly-optioned 911 SC by the director of a printing firm reflects the economic landscape of the time; despite the oncoming recession, the printing trade was lucrative. This was a "reward for success" vehicle.
3.2 The Second Owner: The Mayfair Connection
By late 1981, the vehicle had transferred to Mr. M. Kraitt, listed at 29 New Cavendish Street, London W1, care of Addison Beyer Green & Co.
 * The "8 MKT" Plate: In March 1982, invoice S_D8 documents the fitment of the private registration 8 MKT. In the 1980s, a short, dateless number plate was the ultimate status symbol.
 * Maintenance: The Charles Follett invoices from 1981–1983 demonstrate a "spare no expense" approach, with work including cosmetic refurbishment and early attention to the heating thermostat, indicating a fastidious owner.
4. The Specialist Transition & The Bates Era (1987–2006)
As the vehicle matured, it moved out of the official dealer network and into the care of the UK's nascent independent specialist scene. This transition is often where history files degrade, but in this case, the pedigree improves.
4.1 Early Specialist Care
 * Pickup Leask (Hampstead): In 1987, invoice 5241 details the removal of the sunroof to "REPLACE WORN LEFT-HAND DRIVE CABLES," a labor-intensive job often deferred by less committed owners.
 * Autostrasse (Essex): In 1991, at 54,836 miles, the car underwent an Engine-Out Service to renew the clutch kit. Dropping the engine allowed for the inspection of oil return tubes and exhaust studs, setting the foundation for the car's longevity.
4.2 The Bates Era: Critical Engineering Upgrades
In the early 2000s, under the ownership of Mr. Terry Bates, the vehicle entered a significant phase of mechanical preservation. Mr. Bates engaged 9-Eleven Mobile Service (based in Feltham) to manage the vehicle's maintenance.
Most critically, Mr. Bates commissioned 9-Eleven to perform the Hydraulic Chain Tensioner Modification. This is widely regarded as the most essential upgrade for any pre-1984 911 engine.
 * The Issue: The original mechanical tensioners on the 3.0-litre engine were prone to sudden collapse, which could lead to catastrophic valve-to-piston interference.
 * The Upgrade: 9-Eleven installed the Carrera-style oil-pressure-fed tensioner kit. This retrofit draws oil from the engine's main lubrication circuit to maintain constant pressure on the timing chains, virtually eliminating the risk of failure.
 * Part Number: The specific Porsche kit used for this retrofit is 930 105 911 99.
This investment by Mr. Bates, along with the structural repairs to the "Kidney Bowls" performed by Newman & Jones in December 2002 , demonstrates a custodianship focused on long-term mechanical survival rather than cosmetic superficiality.
5. The Nott/Barker Dynasty (2007–Present)
The modern era of the vehicle is defined by the stewardship of Harvey Nott and Hazel Nott (née Barker). Their ownership file is exceptionally complete, offering a granular view of the car's transition from an active club car to a stored classic, and finally to a restoration project.
5.1 Acquisition and Club Integration (2007)
The V5C New Keeper Supplement  confirms the vehicle was acquired by H. Barker on June 1, 2007. At this time, the registered address was Fisher Close, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.
Crucially, the history file demonstrates that this was an enthusiast purchase. On July 6, 2007—just five weeks after acquisition—Harvey Nott received a formal welcome letter from Mandy Carle, the Regional Organiser for the Porsche Club GB (Surrey Region).
 * Context: The Surrey Region is one of the most active chapters of the Porsche Club GB. The letter invites Harvey to the monthly meetings at The Fairmile in Cobham. Integration into this circle implies the car was subjected to the scrutiny of fellow enthusiasts and actively participated in club events.
5.2 Surrey Residency and Storage (2007–2023)
The Nott family remained resident in Surrey until March 2023. This places the vehicle in the "Home Counties" region for the vast majority of its active life, enjoying the mild climate of the South East rather than the harsher winters of the Welsh Marches.
 * Active Use (2007–2016): The car was enjoyed as intended, covering mileage consistent with weekend and club use.
 * Dry Storage (2016–2023): Following the MOT expiry in July 2016, the car was placed into dry storage at the Surrey residence. This seven-year static period protected the bodywork from road salt and traffic risk.
5.3 The Relocation to Shropshire and Westbourne (March 2023)
In March 2023, the Nott family formally relocated to Shrewsbury, Shropshire. A strategic decision was made regarding the 911: rather than moving it to the new property immediately, it was transported directly to Westbourne Motorsport in West Sussex for professional storage. This ensured the car remained in a controlled environment under the supervision of marque specialists, awaiting its turn for restoration.
6. The Renaissance: Restoration & Modernization (2024–Present)
In late 2024, following its period of storage, Westbourne Motorsport began the active restoration and recommissioning of Chassis 91A0130795. The brief is exacting: to return the car to a standard as close to factory specification as possible, while integrating sympathetic modernizations to enhance usability.
6.1 The Restorer: Westbourne Motorsport
Westbourne Motorsport, located in Sayers Common, West Sussex, is a facility with a formidable reputation in both historic racing and restoration. Known for their preparation of Renault Clio Cup cars and historic Austin Healeys, they bring a "race shop" mentality to restoration—prioritizing structural rigidity and mechanical precision over mere cosmetic appearance.
6.2 Structural Bodywork Restoration
The current phase of restoration involves a comprehensive and surgical overhaul of the vehicle's metalwork. Unlike a generic "respray," this process involves correcting the structural corrosion common to 45-year-old unibodies. The work is detailed as follows:
 * Front Wings:
   * Nearside (NS): The front wing has been replaced with a new panel. This addresses the rot that typically forms in the headlight bowl and wing-to-cowl interface.
   * Offside (OS): The original wing has been retained but cut apart and rebuilt. This approach preserves the original panel fitment where possible while excising specific areas of corrosion.
 * Inner Structure (Front):
   * NS Inner Wing: The front section has been replaced, with the remainder of the panel rebuilt as required.
   * OS Inner Wing: This panel was structurally sound enough to be rebuilt as required rather than replaced.
 * Scuttle and Screen:
   * NS Front Screen Scuttle: The corner section, a notorious trap for moisture leading to cabin leaks, has been replaced.
   * OS Front Screen Scuttle: This section was rebuilt to factory standard.
 * Sills and Rocker Panels:
   * NS Outer Sill: Completely replaced.
   * OS Inner Sill: Rebuilt as required.
   * OS Jack Point: This structural strong point was corroded and has been fabricated anew, ensuring the car can be safely lifted without crushing the floor pan.
 * B-Pillars and Rear Quarter:
   * OS Door Striker Panel: The "Kidney Bowl" face plate on the offside has been replaced, matching the nearside work completed in 2002. This is critical for the integrity of the door latch mechanism and rear suspension mounting.
   * OS Rear Wing: The front section (leading into the B-pillar/striker plate area) has been replaced to ensure a clean transition and elimination of rust pockets.
6.3 Technical Enhancement: Air Conditioning Modernization
A key component of the restoration is the overhaul of the factory air conditioning system. The original 1980 system utilized a heavy, inefficient York piston compressor and used R12 refrigerant, which is now obsolete.
 * The Upgrade: The system is being converted to run on modern R134a refrigerant. This involves replacing the archaic York compressor with a modern, lightweight rotary compressor (typically a Sanden or similar unit).
 * Benefits: The rotary compressor consumes significantly less engine horsepower, runs smoother with less vibration, and provides far superior cooling capacity.
 * Details: The conversion includes the installation of new barrier hoses (to prevent R134a leakage), a new receiver/drier, and updated pressure switches. This upgrade ensures the cabin remains comfortable during summer touring without compromising the engine's performance or the engine bay's period appearance.
7. Conclusion
The 1980 Porsche 911 SC (91A0130795) is a vehicle of exceptional specification and proven stewardship.
It is distinguished by its rare Sport Group configuration and the highly collectible Brown/Beige Pascha interior—a bold, period-perfect combination that sets it apart from the ubiquitous Guards Red or Silver examples of the era. The provenance is bulletproof: supplied by Charles Follett, maintained by the UK's finest specialists, and safeguarded by owners like Mr. Bates—who commissioned the vital hydraulic tensioner upgrade (Kit #930 105 911 99)—and the Nott/Barker family, who have cherished the car for nearly two decades.
The current restoration by Westbourne Motorsport represents the final piece of the puzzle. By addressing the structural metalwork with such specific fidelity—saving original metal where possible and replacing where necessary—and modernizing the air conditioning, the owners are ensuring the vehicle is not just a showpiece, but a usable, high-performance grand tourer capable of delivering the authentic air-cooled experience for decades to come.

Report Compiled January 2026 
 

Its really a simple task with the right written prompts.

The intention will be to continue to develop the report as we carry out further work.

 

Will pop up some pics and sort subscription later today at my desc with a cuppa .

What people may also find interesting is getting Ai to value a vehicle and justify why. 

You can also then if you want create a full for sale advert if you want.

Extremely useful and powerful tools to be embraced  .

Edited January 4 by Harvsurrey

[Strictly]

On 02/01/2026 at 23:06, Harvsurrey said:

Just thought I would say hello to the forum. 

Owner of a 79 SC which we have owned since 2007. Its currently down in Sussex in a good friends workshop as we decided to "find out how bad that patch of rust is" 

Its an interesting spec having originally been ordered from Charles Follet in Berkley Square in black with tobacco dash, door cards and rare brown headlining along with brown and beige Pascha interior added was the sport pack so a nice spec .

It has only covered a documented 88k miles and compression and leak down when we started the resto just after a year ago was very healthy .

Once I sort a forum supporter membership I will pop up some pics but with 500 hours in so far we may have got a bit carried away with my attention to detail and perfection .

Interestingly I fed more than 150 pages of bills and history into my favourite deep research Ai which has built an interesting history timeline of the car and owners ( after I corrected a misread of an invoice from the early 2000's. Happy to pop that online if nobody has done something like that before.

The shell is now done and in paint so its a process of assembly but also this raises more questions to ask you all as I consider some options .

My first ones relate to suspension and wheels , as in my head I'd like a 7"-8" wheel combo and this then begs the question should I uprate torsion bars to 21/27 and re valve by Bilstein to suit. What does it feel like as it felt soft ish but want to not feel ruined .

I feel the ride height can come down slightly and then have fun corner weighting as we have a full flat floor facility .

Also the seats are a vinyl/leatherette finish away from the Pascha but tge drivers seat needs repair , any recomendations to match in vinyl .

 

Harv 

 

Nice! Ive got a 79 as well. Its actually my second 79. My current is a full resto project of which I will easily chomp through 500 hours. Im expecting double or triple that in fact but it is both my free time and hobby (therapy?) so to me its irrelevant.

I will be very interested to see your pictures and certainly anything of detail as you say. Im very much a man of detail this is why good work takes a long time. Its got to be right and that's just how it goes.

Feel free to drop a link in with the pictures there is a Firefox browser add on called "down em all" which allow someone to download all pictures for easy windows file Explorer viewing with just 1 click of a mouse. It will certainly save you uploading them one by one....but by all means tell us the story of the restoration...!

Im personally here as much to learn and support others as to share my own story.

That said, Ive not yet started my own 79 restoration thread yet...its in the plan i just want to get more metal work done first. As the story so far for me has mostly been making sure my panels have the right gaps and the suspension settings are right before I chop out them metal I need to replace

Sometimes this year i should have the full resto thread up and running

Edited January 6 by Strictly

[Strictly]

P.s interesting use of AI what did you use to upload all invoices to? I use GPT regularly also for my 79 restoration among other things. While overall its not quite smart enough to do everything I want in a way that I can trust it is absolutely excellent at doing legwork!

For example I have used it to help me to work out optimum steel for a specific restoration jig I am building also for general research of forum answers which would take hours and hours of forum research from historic threads to figure out...I get gpt to do the leg work and pull a summary of specific answers on forums.

I cant help you with your current questions but im sure I will be able to help with others as I know standard 911s better than modified no matter how lightly 

Edited January 6 by Strictly

[Ian Comerford]

Welcome, good to see another 79 car here.  For seat refurb it seems the best place is Southbound, but they are very busy which may be an issue if you’re in a hurry. https://www.southboundtrimmers.com

[Harvsurrey]

Thanks Ian, I am actually about to contact southbound with regard to headlining . 

We actually have  dark brown headlining and need to get a new one as the old one has become quite brittle.

Trying to find the exact colour is what I want to confirm as I dont have the label under the Bonnet or in the service book .

Is it still possible to get a certificate from Porsche with the specs from the vin ? 

[Jonny Hart]

There is no colour label on an SC. 

Good luck with the brown headliner.  I have it my SC but not sure anyone makes them.

[Harvsurrey]

Thanks thats great info , I have found one in the USA from a supplier , I may need to give them a ring tomorrow.

It does seem finding a supplier of a brown perforated headlining is tricky 

What colour is the rest of your interior? 

Will post some other pics shortly .

[Harvsurrey]

So we bought the car back in 07 and it didnt look too bad but had had the turbo tea tray removed so we sourced another..

We did about 3k mikes over the years and decided to dry store it and then do a full resto as there were some small patches of rust to deal with.

Well once we stripped back last year we uncovered the issues either side of the front scuttle the inner wing behind the battery tray. The kidney bowl area on the side that had not been attended to back in 2002 needed work and there were a few other areas that had filler in from some previous light scrapes.

So after lots of of work we now at least have the shell in 6 coats of paint.

And as period correct no clear coat.

The car back in 07 when we bought it.

[Jonny Hart]

2 hours ago, Harvsurrey said:

Thanks thats great info , I have found one in the USA from a supplier , I may need to give them a ring tomorrow.

It does seem finding a supplier of a brown perforated headlining is tricky 

What colour is the rest of your interior? 

Will post some other pics shortly .

 

2 hours ago, Harvsurrey said:

Thanks thats great info , I have found one in the USA from a supplier , I may need to give them a ring tomorrow.

It does seem finding a supplier of a brown perforated headlining is tricky 

What colour is the rest of your interior? 

Will post some other pics shortly .

Originally, my SC's interior was same as yours except for the door panels and carpets which were light tan / beige, including the beige/brown Pascha inserts.

I changed the carpet and door cards to brown so it actually looks almost exactly like yours now except the brown is Mercedes Brazil brown with a nappa leather to match.   I went this route because I didn't like the almost maroon tint to the Porsche brown carpet.

  Door cards are custom with Mk1 Golf Door pulls in brown, bin delete and leather door pulls.  I can recommend the brown cocomats with the beige fleck.  Wheel is brown from a 924, with a swapped basket to work with a 911 column

My headliner is in pretty good condition but it is fragile at the back behind the rear side windows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 7 by Jonny Hart

[Strictly]

Restoration looking great. Nice work and funky colour combo

P.s

just to make sure we are all talking the same language your AI picked it up correctly its a 1980 Model year which was built in 1979. 

DVLA  consider it to be a 1979 but Porsche consider it to be a 1980.

It's a fairly common conversation it was built between September 1979 and December 31st 1979.

The detail will only matter when your looking at specification on something or need a part number and you don't have it and the 1979 is different to 1980

For reference my 79 vin is 911930XXXX

 

[Strictly]

P.p.s

To answer you question you can't buy a certificate or letter of origin from porsche anymore that i would know off..both of these documents would provide specification at time of production.

However despite this I have found the porsche GB customer services in reading to be exceptional. I was able to obtain a letter on headed paper providing the full specification. It was basically the same as a certificate of authenticity but without the certificate title.

Good luck with the brown headliner I'm sure someone somewhere will be able to replicate it. Reach out to Lakewell, Gerry at Classic FX, Dave the trimmer, Canford classics, etc

Besides southbound they are all highly experienced with porsche 911 interiors

[Harvsurrey]

Thanks for that , yes was aware its actually a 188bhp MY80. 

It is a nice colour combo and it was nice to get Ai to write the history summary , something I had been meaning to do myself for ages but never got round to it.