It’s rare to see a listing wherein the seller discusses the fuel economy of a vintage Porsche, but according to the listing for this 1976 Porsche 912 with one-year-only factory fuel injection, you can see upwards of 450 miles on one tank. I suppose that makes the potential for taking an air-cooled Porsche on a road trip more appealing, and bidders seem to be responding well with the auction reaching over $21,000 as of this writing. Aside from its MPGs, this also just looks like a very honest 912, and it’s listed here on eBay in sunny Las Vegas, Nevada.
The seller describes this 912 as an ideal candidate for a rolling restoration, but personally, I’d just roll – this is not car I’d go overboard on the cosmetic rejuvenation of. The drivetrain sounds like it’s fairly strong as the engine was rebuilt in 2015 and the seller reports it passes California’s stringent smog testing without issue. The 912 is said to be a solid highway cruiser, able to plow along at 70 miles per hour with no hesitation or shaking from the steering wheel. The bodywork looks good from this side of the monitor, and it’s presumably lived in California and Nevada for the past few years. The listing notes the center reflector is new, along with the taillight seals.
The 912 was ordered with factory sport seats when purchased by the original owner, which is a hugely desirable feature for anyone chasing a long-hood 911. It’s somewhat rare (in my opinion) to see them in a 912, as this feature is one I always associate with the more sporting Porsche, the 911. The seller notes the seats have been refurbished and they appear to be in excellent shape. No other real feedback is offered aside from the seller going into excruciating detail about the keys and how many are included – is this a big concern about air-cooled owners?
While the engine may have been rebuilt, it certainly doesn’t look factory fresh. It’s not that I question the mechanical integrity; it’s more than the presentation is a bit disappointing. The seller also reports the reason for suggesting a body restoration is due to rust bubbling under the windshield wipers on the tray beneath the windshield. He notes that the previous owner bought the car in 2007 and the rust was present then and that the area of concern has not grown or spread. You can certainly live with some corrosion indefinitely, but you won’t lose your money fixing the rust on a classic air-cooled Porsche. Would you fill this 912 up and take off on a 400 mile drive?
Did that very thing, Jeff. New in ’76. Actual designation is 912E with the fuel injection you mentioned. Porsche was completely out of the carb business at that time and the engines put out more HP because of it.Sports seats have been an option forever from Porsche. We didn’t get them because my 5″ wife couldn’t get in and out without pushing the seat back and forth. Both seat types are very comfortable. The ’76s were the first cars to have rust protection on the pans and door bottoms. they went to full galvanize dipping with introduction of the SCs. Also note that the steering wheel is an upgrade from the flat,wide standard wheel. We ordered that, AC, and the 911’s 15 inch Fuch wheels vs. the standard for the 912Es 14 inch units.
Note. Agree that this car needs a pressure washer used on the engine compartment and underside. Might get a few bucks more that way.
“because my 5″ wife”
OK. That would make her really short don’t you think?
VW motor. I don’t get the prices on these. There is one in a very pretty blue on the PCA website listed for stupid money.
Wow, a ’76 912 that isn’t brown or yellow.
Watch that. Mine was yellow. Actually there were more red and black 912Es than other colors.
The earlier ones with a carb are better because most people can fix them, not a trained expert. Better hobby car.
The “Es” never had carbs and the ’66 through ’69s had dual carbs. The fuel injected engines were pretty durable as the system wasn’t near as complicated as today’s lap top tuned systems. Had three high mileage engines and never had fuel injection problems. Our 2021 Chrysler van had to have it’s system “reprogramed” at 3,400 miles.
Russell said he has a 5″ wife ?
Is that a pocket-wife ?
My Dad has a orange 912 Targa,with an automatic.
Wish I had kept that car!
Wish I had the coin. The fact that it passes our astringent emissions standards indicates good pressure in all 4 cylinders.
Those emissions standards are caustic, all right.
Bosch fuel injection systems of this vintage were a bit tricky, I think this variety is L. Uses mass airflow meter and oxy sensor. The cis that came later was much easier to diagnose. Regardless, about all there is to know about it has already been learned. This looks like a nice little car, but hardly a Volkswagen engine imo. Yes, they did use them in the 4 series.
Bidding ended. Maybe that high mileage scared others off?
What a car! Nothing “excruciating” about his description and who cares if he mixed up ” vs ‘. Wish I had found this sooner that is for sure. I would save this engine and put in a nice turbo charged 4. Maybe then faster then a 911 of the same vintage?