***Vendor supplied images***
Highlights
- A well presented example that looks to be exceedingly original
- Dependable and straightforward Opel underpinnings
- Fabulous styling
The Appeal
While there’s a time and a place for quad-cam V12 engines, when you’re at the petrol pump or garage, it’s lighter on the wallet when your exclusive ‘80s GT is based upon the dependable and straightforward Opel Senator…
That’s where the Bitter SC comes in. With bodywork often compared to that of the Pininfarina designed Ferrari 400 and a cosseting leather interior boasting all the refinement and luxury available at the time, the SC looked and felt every bit the ‘80s supercar. The result, we think, is rather wonderful and we’re delighted to offer this 1983 example.
Presented in very smart, original condition, this SC continues to turn heads wherever it goes and in spite of its powertrain’s humble origins, the 3.0-litre straight-six is no slouch.
The History and Paperwork
- French ‘Certificate of Conformity’ present
- Complete with registration documentation
- Retains its original service book and owner’s manual
- Located in France
- The five figure odometer indicates 17,421 kilometres, although it has likely covered at least 117,421
The Interior
- Opulent ruched blue leather
- Highly figured veneer inlays
- Seemingly very original and unrestored
The first thing that strikes you upon climbing aboard is how special this Bitter feels to be in. Just about everything you see and touch is trimmed in blue ruched leather, or else, adorned in swathes of highly figured veneers. As soon as you sink into those broad, heavily padded seats, you feel as though you could cover great distances with ease.
Everything has weathered very gracefully over the years with some gentle patination starting to occur to the leather, consisting of some light creasing. There’s no excessive wear or any damage so far as we could see. The same goes for the wooden dashboard and door cappings which now exhibit a few small hairline cracks and some general signs of age related deterioration. There’s not much wear evident to the steering wheel and pedals. The same can be said for the carpeting and the headlining - with its curious corduroy-like ribbed texture.
Overall, this interior presents exceedingly well for its age and has a great original feel.
The Exterior
- Smart silver paintwork
- Pop-up quad headlamps
- Fabulous styling
- Appears very sound underneath
It’s no wonder the Bitter SC was known as ‘the German Ferrari 400’. It bears more than just a passing resemblance to its Maranello doppelganger and we love its unashamedly geometric styling.
The paintwork presents really well overall, with just a few marks and scratches here and there. We noticed a dent in the nearside front, just behind the bumper, but this does not appear to have broken the paint. There are a few other small scars in places, but nothing significant and the body looks to be remarkably straight overall. All the trim looks in reasonable shape for its age, with some patination as you’d expect to see. Underneath, all looks well, the vendor doesn’t report any issues and we couldn’t see any obvious signs of structural corrosion.
It sits upon those magnificent five-spoke alloy wheels and who can forget those incredibly groovy pop-up quad headlamps?
The Mechanics
- 3.0-litre straight-six
- Automatic gearbox
Under the bonnet, you’ll find the running gear from a slightly more humble yet eminently capable Opel Senator. A delightful burble emanates from the straight-six and it relaxed, torquey character coupled with the automatic gearbox makes this Bitter a great GT.
All appears in good order under the bonnet and the vendor does not report any issues or untoward noises.
Summary
There’s a lot to love about a Bitter SC. They look fantastic, they’re rare, comfortable and comparatively simple to maintain.
If you’re looking for a classic that’s a bit out of the ordinary, this Bitter SC is certainly one to consider.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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