1983 Porsche 911 – The Introduction of the Cabriolet

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Overview

The 1983 Porsche 911 marked a significant moment in the model’s history with the introduction of the first-ever 911 Cabriolet. This addition to the lineup, alongside the continued refinement of the Super Carrera (SC) and 911 Turbo (930), made 1983 a standout year in Porsche’s evolution.

Available Models

For 1983, Porsche offered the following 911 variants:

• 911 SC: Featuring a 3.0L flat-six producing 180 HP, available in Coupe, Targa, and Cabriolet.
• 911 Turbo (930): Equipped with a 3.3L turbocharged engine producing 300 HP.

Development & History

The introduction of the 911 Cabriolet marked Porsche’s first factory-produced full convertible 911, which was met with strong demand. Meanwhile, the SC continued as the core 911 model, with steady refinements to emissions compliance, drivability, and durability.

Engine & Performance

The 1983 Porsche 911 maintained its established air-cooled flat-six engines, offering a balance of power and efficiency.

• Engine: 3.0L Flat-6 (911 SC), 3.3L Turbo Flat-6 (911 Turbo)
• Horsepower: 180 HP (911 SC), 300 HP (911 Turbo)
• Fuel System: Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection
• Transmission: 5-speed manual (911 SC), 4-speed manual (911 Turbo)
• Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
• 0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds (911 SC), 5.0 seconds (911 Turbo)
• Top Speed: 140 mph (911 SC), 165 mph (911 Turbo)

Design & Features

The 1983 Porsche 911 retained its signature G-Series design while introducing the Cabriolet body style, adding an open-top driving experience to the lineup.

• Body Style: Coupe, Targa, Cabriolet
• Seating Capacity: 4
• Weight: 2670 lbs (911 SC), 2850 lbs (911 Turbo)
• Chassis Code: 911
• Wheelbase: 89.4 inches
• Notable Features: First factory 911 Cabriolet, refined fuel injection, improved emissions compliance

Production & Rarity

The 1983 Porsche 911 marked an important year with the launch of the Cabriolet, making it a desirable collector’s model.

• Production Start: 1983
• Factory of Origin: Stuttgart, Germany

FAQs

What makes the 1983 Porsche 911 special?

It was the first model year to introduce the 911 Cabriolet, adding a factory-produced convertible to the lineup.

How many 1983 Porsche 911s were produced?

Porsche produced approximately 15,000 units across all variants.

What is the value of a 1983 Porsche 911 today?

Standard models range from $40,000 to $120,000, while 911 Turbo models can exceed $250,000.