Porsche’s 912 has steadily gained recognition as one of the best-kept secrets in the marque’s history, offering the same timeless looks as the 911 but with a lighter, more balanced driving character. This 1966 Porsche 912 Coupe, listed here on eBay, is a particularly compelling example. It’s an early “three-gauge” car, VIN 457880, built in March 1966 and still riding on its original set of 03/66-stamped 4.5-inch wheels.
The seller purchased this 912 in 2017 when it was nearly complete and went on to invest over 2,000 hours into its refurbishment across every major system. The result is a car that feels refreshed and dependable while proudly wearing its honest exterior. Finished in a mellowed yellow patina over a preserved interior, this 912 isn’t about concours perfection, it’s about pure driving enjoyment and freedom from trailer-queen worries.
Inside, the original vinyl seats and door cards remain, but the cabin has been extensively freshened with a new headliner, square weave carpet, dashboard, and parcel tray. The car retains its iconic batwing horn button and early three-gauge setup, adding to its vintage appeal. All systems were gone through, including rebuilt door locks and window assemblies, with new gaskets and seals ensuring a solid, weather-tight fit.
Power comes from a rebuilt 1720cc flat-four paired with its correct five-speed manual transmission. The engine features rebuilt Solex carburetors, generator, fuel pump, and heater components, while the fuel system benefits from a new tank, fresh lines, and proper fittings. The braking system was also comprehensively redone with new hard and soft lines, rebuilt calipers, and a dual-stage master cylinder. Suspension updates include Koni shocks, turbo tie rods, and new bushings, making this 912 ready to carve corners just as Ferry Porsche intended.
The seller describes the car as a “solid driver” that turns heads even among show-quality 911s. It doesn’t require bubble-wrap storage or “go-to-jail” speeds to deliver a thrill, just honest road time. With its structural metalwork sorted, matching wheels, rebuilt mechanicals, and preserved early features, this 912 represents a rare chance to own an authentic and enthusiast-focused classic Porsche that was built to be driven.
Would you keep this Porsche as a patina-rich driver, or take it to the next level with a full respray?
Nice cars deserve nice paint. Had a friend’s ’69Targa for a year that was a great driver and a good highway cruiser.
Looks to me as if the owner fainted dead away when they got estimates on a repaint. This thing looks like barn salvage. Should have (ain’t hindsight wonderful?) painted a bunch of parts while it was apart – – – and that interior Is way below even ‘driver’ quality. New interior was no more work to install as reinstalling that tired and sagging bunch of vinyl.
Ended at $35,500.
Reserve Not Met.