The devil is in the details as it relates to well-preserved vehicles. In other words, the impression of how well-preserved a car is can change based on the level of original details you find present in a specimen such as this 1967 Porsche 912, listed here on eBay, which the seller claims has been in storage for 42 years. It still rides on its original, factory-installed Semperit tires and has supposedly never been in an accident. Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the find.
This 912 does appear to be incredibly straight, with bodywork that appears to be very tight and straight. The color listed in silver over black, which appears to be somewhat chalky in the pictures. The 912 sports what looks like a period-correct aftermarket muffler in surprisingly nice shape; I feel like many of these were damaged when new due to being located in a spot that was highly susceptible to being hit in traffic or backed into over a parking barrier. If this were my 912, I’d fit an OEM muffler immediately to ensure the car looked as bone-stock as possible.
One of my personal barometers for assessing just how well a car was maintained before being put away for decades is interior condition. If a cabin still looks like this after years of being essentially untouched, I find it to be an encouraging sign that the vehicle in question was kept up to a decent level while in active use. You can tell just by looking at this photo that this 912 hasn’t been messed with: the gauges are still clear, the dash is un-cracked, and factory carpets and floormats in excellent shape, and the seats in practically mint condition. This is a vibe many restored cars fail at ever re-creating, oftentimes looking too good once finished.
The engine bay further buoys the survivor-grade status of this 912, with lots of original details and no signs of major modifications or poorly-executed repairs. The seller notes it is fully numbers-matching and that the last recorded oil change occurred in 1980 with just over 64,000 miles on the clock. The 912 is presented in its as-found condition after being hidden away in a private garage for the last several decades, and it is offer fro $48,000 or best offer. Do you think that’s a fair ask for a well-preserved air-cooled Porsche like this?
Jeff… Good write up. One interesting thing, as a multiple Porsche owner during that period of time I can guarantee that at least 50% of the Porsches on the road had aftermarket. exhaust systems on them. Nice car here.
Porsche’s racing department makes racing exhausts on order. Very expensive (13 years back 5,000€ (polished tips another 500€) for a 911 and you have to wait ab. 6 months.
It’s a nice car though too much money for a ‘12 with this much visible rust. I wonder if the spare floor pan hints at what it really needs.
“I dare say, Genevieve, have you seen what those old 912 four bangers are going for? People have gone crazy!”
“Oh Charles, perhaps we should list that old thing? We haven’t driven it, since we went to the Newport Jazz festival, back in ’77.”
“Spot on, dear, I’ll list it immediately!”
Props to the seller for the thoroughness of the pictures. Its a 5 gauge so thats good. Being an East Coast car the tin worm has done it’s work. Its much more extensive than appears based on my experience. It’s amazing what people want for 4 bangers. The originality is a huge plus but when you get done with pulling it apart and repairing the rot, it will no longer be . Nice to see one with even the original tires….a road map to originality.
With 64k on the odo it’s doubtful that the tires are original
Question…why is the valve stem wired to the rim?
Thanks
Good catch Rick. Really an odd modification, for no apparent reason.
Actually that done because the valve leaks if it’s not tied up……kinda a cheapskate there but hey those tires are orginal !
Another very cool find, Jeff, you’re on fire!!
Perhaps $48k is a bit thick…..seller is being a bit cheeky.
A rising 911 tide lifts all Porsche ships….914 prices have also perked up nicely.
👍🤓
Way too much money for a very rust car….. Look at the top of the rockers….yikes…
**”Rusty”
I’d get it running well, put it on BaT, some rich fanatic will pay a fortune for it
Has the IMS been done?
Wait a minute. The car is 57 years old (or at best 56) and the tires have what appears to be quite a bit of tread, sat for 42 years they probably have some dry rot. Even if they are original tires, that’s one of the first repairs that I’d make.