The Bitter SC was a luxurious, limited-production grand tourer built by Bitter GmbH, a small German manufacturer founded by Erich Bitter. Produced from 1979 to 1989, the SC was available in coupe, convertible, and later sedan forms. It’s best known for combining elegant Italian-inspired design with reliable German mechanicals.
The Bitter SC exterior was inspired by the Ferrari 400i and Maserati Kyalami, with a long, elegant hood; wedge-shaped profile. Rare and often overlooked, the Bitter SC blends Italian-inspired design with German engineering.
Interiors were hand-finished with premium leather upholstery, real wood trim, digital clock, electric windows, power seats, air conditioning, and other premium features were standard with optional Recaro seats.
High build quality, blending European style with GM parts availability. Drivetrain parts (engine, transmission, suspension) are shared with Opel/GM – relatively accessible. Bitter SC were sold in Europe and limited numbers in the U.S. via grey market or Bitter’s short-lived U.S. distribution.
Only 488 SC’s produced in total: 461 Coupés, 22 Convertibles (coachbuilt, based on coupe shell) and the Sedan (SC Sedan): 5 built in 1984 onward
Body Styles
- Coupe (1979–1989) – Most common version
- Convertible (1981–1986) – Very rare
- Sedan (1984–1989) – Extremely rare
Bitter SC (1979–1989)
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Bitter GmbH (Germany) |
Designer | Erich Bitter (styled in-house) |
Assembly | Built by Steyr-Daimler-Puch (Austria) |
Platform | Opel Senator A1/A2 |
Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) |
Class | Grand Tourer (GT) |
Production | ~488 total units |
Years Built | 1979–1989 |
Mechanical Specs
Component | Specs |
---|---|
Engines | 3.0L or 3.9L Opel inline-6 |
Fuel System | Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection |
Transmission | 5-speed manual or 3-speed GM automatic |
Power Output | 177–207 hp depending on engine |
Top Speed | ~135 mph (217 km/h) |
0–60 mph | ~8.5–9.0 seconds |
Brakes | 4-wheel disc brakes |
Suspension | MacPherson strut front / Independent rear |
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