BITTER SC Rust Free Runs Ferrari 400 Jensen Interceptor Detomaso Longchamps Iso

Description

Rare 1984 Bitter SC Coupe. Virtually rust free and very complete example. Styled like the Ferrari 400i and similar in concept to the De Tomaso Longchamps, Iso Rivolta, Jensen Interceptor, and Gordon Keeble. Stylish exterior with flip-up lights and a bespoke sumptuous leather interior.

Up for auction is our 1984 Bitter SC coupe #287. VIN # W09526219ESB09055.

It is a rare car with only 480 ever made by German racecar driver and entrepreneur Erich Bitter. About 250 out of the production run were imported to the USA and this is an original US car. The body and interiors were made in Italy and assembled in Germany using Opel GM underpinnings and mechanicals. It has a 3.0 liter straight six cylinder engine, mated to a 3-speed GM automatic transmission. New, Bitter SCs cost between $48,000 and $52,000. That made them more expensive than Porsche 911s and on par with Ferrari 308s and Mondials. Erich Bitter’s vision was that of a capable and exclusive GT, with understated yet stirring looks and sumptuous interiors. Inside, everything is covered in leather, including, for instance, the interior of the center console. The leather map pockets on the back of the front seats are even lined with cloth. The trunk is fully carpeted, including the underside of the trunk lid, and the trunk walls are covered with padded vinyl. The attention to detail in these cars is amazing, and at a time when most European cars did not offer air conditioning, this Bitter was equipped with both air conditioning and heated seats.

This Bitter SC is a very solid and well-preserved example. The body is in remarkably rust free condition. Many Bitters rust around the window seals and lower quarter panels. This car does not have such typical rust issues. The only two spots to report is one small bubble showing on the lower driver side fender and a perforation in the underside of that fender—see photos for close ups of this area.

The car has been repainted once in a color close to the original about 20 years ago, and that paint job is now failing on the roof. The rest of the body still shines up nicely, but the roof needs attention as it is both chequed and failing in the clear coat.

The body panels are beautifully straight and we detect only one area of prior repair: passenger front fender where now the paint shows a crack—again, see photos.

The body cladding/molding is good order and complete, as are the front and rear bumpers.

The window and doorframes are complete, but need repainting, and there where the stainless trim was incorrectly painted, it needs stripping and polishing.

The glass is in good condition with no cracks, major scratches, or significant nicks.

There are only two dings. One on the hood toward the driver side front and one on the passenger side door. No other dings, dents, or creases to report.

The cool flip-up headlights work well and move freely up and down.

One of the three left rear brake lenses (the assembly has three separate ones) has a crack. Most of these items were Opel/GM sourced so I expect this is a low cost replacement—see photo.

The original Ronal alloy wheels are straight and true. They show no curb rash.

The electrics work as they should and the windows move freely up and down. The odometer is showing 46,558 miles but on a 33 year-old car it is realistic to assume that this is 146,558 miles.

The frame is rust free and in great condition.

Mechanically, the car needs refreshing. It was stored inside for many years and had not been run regularly. Now, with fresh fluids, oil and fuel filters it starts up easily and runs freely, but there seems to be low power. That could improve, but I am not sure if it will. The brakes and the transmission are in good working condition. The muffler is noisy due to a hole and will need repair or replacement.

Here is a link to a video of the engine running and revving, as well as the car driving down the road.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kGRDA6BvCI

https://youtu.be/HraWTb0iXEA

https://youtu.be/8DJ7cG-QDC4

The car’s interior is complete and has no major rips, losses, or damage. The leather seats have been redyed once, which probably helped preserve them. They now need a proper cleaning, as does the rest of the interior. The headliner is in good condition, as are the carpets, door panels, and instruments. At some point a third brake light was added and has come loose. I would simply remove this. As mentioned above, this car has heated front seats, which was rare option, even on Bitters.

Many of the very limited Bitter SC production run are no longer on the road or are beyond repair due to rust. There is a strong club following in Germany and rust free examples like this one are regularly shipped back to Europe. Because of the Opel GM mechanicals and running gear, most of the Bitter’s parts can be cross-referenced with Opel part numbers, helping both availability and cost. Most of this information is readily available on enthusiasts’ sites.

The car has a clean Illinois title.

$750 non-refundable deposit due within 48 hours of winning bid. Vehicle available for pick-up by you or your shipper. Please ask all pertinent questions ahead of time.Sold as is. No warranty.