The Bitter SC was produced from 1981 by an independent German Company called Bitter which was owned by a German racing driver called Erich Bitter. The forerunner to the Bitter SC was the Bitter CD coupe which was produced from 1971 to 1979. The Bitter SC saloon, coupe and cabriolet all have Italian styled bodies and the underlying mechanics of the cars are from the Senator 'A'.
Bitter SC 2-door coupe:
The Bitter SC 2-door coupe was produced from 1981-1986. The cars featured both the 2,968cc and 3,848cc engines. 421 vehicles were produced in all in both left hand drive and right drive.
Bitter SC 4-door saloon:
The Bitter SC 4-door Saloon was produced from 1984-1986. The cars featured both the 2,968cc and 3,848cc engines. Only 4 vehicles were produced, all were left hand drive.
Bitter SC 2-door cabriolet:
The Bitter SC 2-door coupe was produced from 1983-1986. The cars featured both the 2,968cc and 3,848cc engines. 25 vehicles were produced in all in both left hand drive and right drive.
Click on one of the following links to see information on the relevant section:
| Engine | Gearbox |
| Chassis | Steering |
| Brakes | Wheels |
| Tyres | Dimensions, Weights |
| Performance | Body |
| Rust Protection | Lighting |
| Instruments | Heating & Ventilation |
| Seats | Equipment |
Some of the following details may be incorrect, as specs become available, they will be corrected or completed.
| 3.0 litre (3.0E*) | 3.9 litre (3.9E*) |
| Six cylinder in-line 2968cc with Bosch
L-Jetronic fuel injection and contactless ignition. Hp (DIN) 180.0 @ 5800 rpm. Torque (Max) 182.9 lb/ft @ 4200 rpm. Compression ratio: 9.4:1 (4-star fuel) |
Six cylinder in-line 3848cc with Bosch
L-Jetronic fuel injection and contactless ignition. Hp (DIN) 210.0 @ 5100 rpm. Torque (Max) 263.0 lb/ft @ 3400 rpm. Compression ratio: 9.5:1 (4-star fuel) |
Automatic transmission (hydraulic three-element torque converter) and an automatic shifting three-speed planetary gear set with parking lock. Ratios: 1st gear 240:1, 2nd gear 1.48:1, 3rd gear 1.00:1, Reverse 1.92:1;
or
Fully synchronised five speed transmission, single plate dry disc clutch with diaphragm (Bellevue type) spring. Ratios: 1st gear 3.822, 2nd gear 2.223, 3rd gear 1.398, 4th gear 1.000, 5th gear 0.872, Reverse 3.705;
Final drive ratio: 3.45:1; Optional limited slip differential gear (40% locking ratio); Two piece tubular propeller shaft.
Front axle: Independent with McPherson strut, control arm with tension rod, torsion bar stabiliser
Rear axle: Independent with semi-trailing arms, double conical shaped miniblock coil springs with progressive rate - torsion bar stabiliser
Power steering, energy absorbing steering column with mesh section, telescoping steering shaft and tear-off support, height adjustable four spoke padded safety steering wheel: steering ratio 16.0:1
Hydraulic dual circuit 4 wheel brake booster - brake pressure regulator in rear circuit; 10.7in vented front discs, 11.0 discs rear power asst.
Light alloy sports wheel: Front 7J x 15, Rear 8J x 15
Pirelli low profile: Front 215/60 VR 15, Rear 235/55 VR 15
Length: 2 door: 193.3 in, 4 door: 199.0 in, Width 71.7 in, Height 53.1 in; Wheelbase 105.6 in; Track, front: 57.8 in; Track, rear: 59.4 in; Curb weight: 3417 lbs; Permissible gross weight: 4345 lbs; Turning circle diameter; 35.4 ft
3.0 litre engine: Max. speed: 133mph (manual), 130mph (automatic)
0-62mph: 8.5s (manual), 9.4s (automatic)
3.9 litre engine: Max. speed: 142mph (manual), 137mph (automatic)
0-62mph: 7.6s (manual), 8.5s (automatic)
All steel load-bearing body shell - 5 person seating capacity - front and rear zones computer programmed for controlled impact absorption - integrated roll-over bar - recessed safety door handles - laminated windscreen, rear heated screen - wide rubber side protection mouldings - noise insulated interior - integral rear towing hook - vertically stored spare wheel in side of boot.
Body surface cataphoresed as well as manually primer coated and painted - underbody protected by P.V.C. coating, including wheel arches and at sides of floor panels.
Four halogen headlamps with low/high beam, integrated direction indicators combined with warning lamps - variable intensity instrument lighting - door courtesy switch controlled interior lighting with additional switch on instrument panel; two additional lamps in the rear passenger compartment.
Upholstered instrument panel - instrument cluster - speedometer with trip distance recorder - tachometer - voltmeter - fuel gauge - coolant temperature gauge - oil pressure gauge - control lights for high beam - direction indicators - hazard warning flashers and handbrake (combined with clutch warning and brake system warning lights) - quartz clock. Switches for: heated rear window (with control lamp), and provisions for installation of switches for fog lamps, heated seat - combined switch for headlamps, instrument and interior lamps - switch for infinitely variable instrument lighting - illuminated switch group for fresh air and heating - pressure switch for hazard warning lights on steering column - combination lever on steering column for direction indicator, high beam, windscreen wiper and windscreen washer - starter switch combined with steering and ignition lock on steering column.
Multi-adjustable ventilation and heating systems (accurate temperature control through fresh air blending) with four speed radial blower and warm air outlets for windscreen and footwells. Two outlets (variable in direction and airflow) in upper part of instrument panel for ventilation of side windows and interior, as well as two adjustable fresh air compartment. Standard equipment: air conditioning.
Standard equipment: Half leather upholstery; Anatomically correct, fully reclining front seats with headrests (foam rubber with spring base) mounted on ball bearing runners, infinitely variable seat height adjuster, storage pockets on back of front seats - centre console with upholstery arm rest and storage box - storage pockets in the doors - folding centre rear seat armrest - three point seat belts front and rear.
Central door locking system, tachometer, electronic 2 speed windscreen wiper with interval wiping - windscreen washer electric pump and contact - cigar lighter and ashtray in middle of instrument panel - two adjustable upholstered sun visors - safety interior mirror with anti-glare position - remote control mirrors, right and left (electric) - large console on centre tunnel with storage space and upholstered arm rest - arm rests with integral grab handles on roof frame - colour co-ordinated velour headlining - velour carpet - boot compartment carpeted in velour - boot illumination - engine compartment illumination - heat absorbing tinted glass standard - electrically operated windows - light alloy wheels. Standard equipment: Cruise control; Philips Cassette/Radio with 4 speakers, automatic antenna, wooden panels for switch, and centre console. Option: Electric sun roof.