1984 Bitter SC

The SC is powered by either a fuel-injected Opel 3.0-liter in-line six making 177hp or a 3.9-liter version of the same engine making 209hp. In 1981, a convertible version of the SC was introduced, and four-wheel-drive became an optional extra.

Finished in metallic brown, this SC has an exterior that appears to be free of major damage. Beginning at the front of the car, the front bumper is in good shape apart from the chin at the bottom which to have slightly warped and may be showing some minor discoloration from the rest of the car. The bumper itself likely hasn’t seen any impacts, and the fog light on the driver’s side of the car is dirty. It is unclear to us if the hood has issues shutting or if it was left open during the photoshoot. Behind the driver’s front wheel, there are several bubbles in the paint on the corresponding front quarter panel. The trim going down the driver’s side of the car has a small chip in it on the rear quarter panel. Moving to the rear of the car, everything appears in order aside from the ‘BITTER’ badge on the trunk. The paint around the badge is experiencing a decent amount of discoloration and some of the discoloration seems to have leaked down from the badge on the trunk lid. Beneath the ‘BITTER’ badge. On the passenger side of the car, there is a decent amount of bubbling on the rear quarter panel behind the rear wheel, and a small paint chip in the passenger door. Glass around the car is in good condition. Overall, this SC has a clean exterior. One wheel has some curb rash, and there are two areas with bubbling that should be investigated. As far as obvious damage goes, this SC needs very little work outside.

This Bitter SC sports a light tan interior complemented by sparsely placed faux-wooden inlays. Condition inside the car is solid, but not particularly perfect. The leather front seats look just barely overstuffed for maximum comfort and show no major damage such as holes or tears. The leather steering wheel has been nicely preserved although it does have several minor stains, and the Bitter logo in the center of the wheel has been scratched in multiple areas. The dashboard is clean with both gauges being easily readable, but just to the right, the center console is having a much tougher go of things. The faux wood has not aged well. Pretty much every piece of "wood" in the interior is suffering from one form of damage or another, and the chief method of deterioration appears to be cracking. The clock should probably be replaced unless the winner decides the glass is salvageable. Further down the console is an Audiovox stereo, who’s black plastic housing seems to have faded over the years. At the bottom by the shifter, the faux wood is at its worse, heavily faded and suffering from big cracks. Carpets in the vehicle do have some stains that could likely be corrected via a deep cleaning, and aside from that they show no major damage and lay flat in their respective positions. The rubber trim seems to be falling off of its mount on the passenger door. The headliner looks to be free of stains and hangs tightly in place unlike the sunshades, which appear to be missing. In the trunk we have identified a spare wheel, fan, black carpet inserts, and at least one of the sunshades. Overall, the interior needs no work to be a functional interior, but the winner should certainly consider replacing the faux wood as soon as possible.

Under the hood, the engine bay is in fair condition, all components are in their proper locations aside from the battery, and there is no obvious major damage.

Documentation on the car is brief, but we do have a shipping document that tells us a few things. The commercial invoice tells us that the Bitter was purchased in Washington, DC, and shipped to the seller out of Baltimore, Maryland in March 1999. The seller likely took ownership of the vehicle in the months following.

The Bitter SC was a fantastic car in concept. At first glance, a German engineered vehicle with Italian styling is a match made in heaven. Unfortunately, Bitter ran into several issues trying to expand the company and increase production speeds. These efforts were ultimately thwarted and led to Bitter aggressively slowing production by 1985. Today’s example has a clean exterior apart from some bubbling, and a solid interior aside from faux wood. The car has several areas that deserve touching up, but otherwise the car is ready to go as a driver.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for several years and we have no history available beyond that shown in the photography section.

We have not started or driven this vehicle so we cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. The vehicle will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Due to California emissions laws, please note that this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.

Buyers should expect the title within 30 business days following the sale; however, please note that for reasons beyond Bonhams/The Market control, including any delays in lien releases by lien holder and/or delays by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) in certain states, there are instances where the Buyer may not receive the title within 30 business days and, in those circumstances, Bonhams/The Market will work to provide the titles to the Buyer as soon as possible.

If a Lot is rendered “Title in Transit”, it is unlikely that the Buyers will receive the title in the mail within 30 business days following the auction/sale; however, Bonhams/The Market will work to provide the titles to the Buyer as soon as possible.

The Buyer acknowledges that delays in transferring titles including, due to delays at government Motor Vehicle departments, happen from time-to-time and, the Buyer will hold both Bonhams/Market and the Consignor harmless from any allegations of damages arising out of government or other delays.

Please note it is the responsibility of the Buyer to transfer ownership in compliance with their jurisdictional rules and regulations.