Bitter SC classic cars for sale

History of the Bitter SC

Erich Bitter, a former racing driver and automotive visionary, founded Bitter Automobil GmbH after his fruitful collaborations with Italian carmakers. Building on the success of the Bitter CD, his new flagship SC model debuted in 1980 as a safety car at the Monaco Grand Prix. The SC project began with a technical foundation from the Opel Senator A, owing to the end of the Opel Diplomat's production. Unlike its predecessor, the Bitter CD, which had active Opel backing, the SC relied solely on Opel’s technical components, making it a more independent project. Bitter’s approach combined an Italian-influenced silhouette with accessible, reliable mass-production technology. Development was financed by external investors, with manufacturing taking place first in Germany, and later on with Austrian partners.

Model history

The Bitter SC continued the lineage from the Bitter CD (1973–1979), adopting updated engineering and aesthetics. The SC was initially launched as a coupé in 1979, followed by a convertible unveiled at the 1981 Frankfurt Motor Show. In 1984, the four-door sedan variant was introduced. Across the lineup, the SC stood out for its advanced features and luxurious appointments. Production ran until late 1989, and all variants featured the robust Opel-based inline six-cylinder engines, with a stroke upgrade available later in production. The number of units produced ranges from roughly 400 to 488, confirming the SC’s exclusivity today.

Highlights of the Bitter SC

What sets the Bitter SC apart is its unique blend of coachbuilt exclusivity, luxurious equipment, and mechanical reliability. The body, reminiscent of the Ferrari 365’s Pininfarina design, features pop-up headlights, metallic paint, and refined wood interior accents. Key features include leather interior, heated seats, air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, alloy wheels, head restraints front and rear, central locking, Blaupunkt high-end radios, and optional all-wheel drive (Ferguson system). SC models often feature rare accessories like factory tow hooks and factory tinted glass.

Technical data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The Bitter SC coupe was the most produced body type. Only 22 convertibles were built, making them particularly sought after for their rarity. The four-door sedan introduced in 1985 is even less common, offering a more practical interpretation of the SC’s GT concept. Limited production, individual hand-assembly, and high customisation levels (such as rare interior materials or unique paint colours) contribute to the collectible status of certain models within the SC range.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The Bitter SC offers a refined grand touring experience, thanks to its Opel-derived six-cylinder engines paired with either automatic or manual transmissions. The later Mantzel-upgraded 3.9-litre engine provides strong torque and respectable top speed, making long-distance cruising effortless. Ride comfort is highlighted by well-tuned suspension and steering, and the inclusion of optional features like all-wheel drive (on some coupes) further enhances handling, especially in challenging conditions. The ventilated disc brakes deliver reliable stopping power, and modern conveniences like cruise control make motorway journeys more enjoyable. - SC Coupé 3.0: 177 hp Opel inline-six, classic rear-wheel-drive layout.

• SC Coupé 3.9: Enhanced Mantzel engine, 210 PS, 327 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 8.6 s.
• SC Cabriolet: Only 22 units built, based on coupe mechanicals, open-top luxury.
• SC Sedan: Limited production, distinctive four-door layout.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Designed under Erich Bitter’s direction, the SC’s styling is unmistakably inspired by Italian GT cars, yet crafted for German tastes. Hallmarks include pop-up headlights, a sleek, flowing profile, metallic finishes, and elegant proportions. Interiors boast high-quality leather upholstery, heated and power-accessorized seats, real wood veneers, Blaupunkt sound systems, and air conditioning—a rarity in this era. Factory options were extensive: buyers could specify custom paint shades, special metallic finishes, bespoke wood interior trims, and rare comfort features like armrests and central locking. Even the factory-fitted towbar and sunroof are collector curiosities today. Every element underlines the SC's elite, hand-assembled pedigree.

Other relevant features

With an H-registration available in Germany, the SC qualifies for vintage status. Modernisation potential includes retrofitting modern Blaupunkt audio or upgrading climate control, thanks to SC’s accessible Opel mechanical foundations. Owners benefit from reasonable running costs and serviceability, since most drivetrain parts cross-reference with Opel Senator/Monza donor vehicles.

Summary

Produced in extremely limited numbers between 1981 and 1989, the Bitter SC represents a remarkable achievement in coachbuilt grand touring. Its blend of striking Pininfarina-inspired design, luxurious interior, proven Opel technology, and rarity make the SC the defining car of the Bitter marque. The variety of coupe, convertible and sedan models, paired with modern and classic features, set the SC firmly among the era’s most distinct European GTs.