Years ago, when I was an idealistic man in my early 20s, I assumed that driver-quality ’60s 911s and 356s would always be within reach of the average middle class car hoarder. Well, we all know how that turned out. When the 912 followed suit, I fundamentally stopped looking at Porsches for sale; however, this one has brought back some of those old hopes and dreams.
I don’t know about you, but I tend to buy a mediocre car, spend more on it than its worth, and then never sell it. This 912 clearly needs a lot of work to return it to the road, but the finances might make sense if you’re smart about it. This picture seems to make the car look worse than it is; the seller claims that it’s straight and solid.
This floorpan is included with the sale of the car. I’ve never worked on a Porsche, but I have installed floorpans, and it looks like it would be a straightforward operation if the surrounding sheetmetal is as solid as it looks in the pictures.
The seller states that back rests are included, but not the bottom cushions; I assume that is referring to the front seats.
You might be able to get away with cleaning the headliner if you’re simply trying to get this 912 back on the road.
This car has been owned by the same person for over 25 years. A planned restoration never materialized, as is so often the case, and it is now being offered for sale with a clean Washington title. But now for the bad news.
The car does not come with an engine or transmission. If I were buying this car, my goal would be to get it back on the road as cheaply as possible, doing as much of the work as I could. Unfortunately, Porsche parts are Porsche parts, and I can’t imagine that procuring a driveline will be cheap or particularly easy.
If, however, you have a stash of Porsche parts sitting around, or know someone who does, this may be a fun rehab project. A red 912 in twenty-footer condition sounds like a blast to me. What would you do with this 912? It’s now for sale on eBay with no reserve and a current bid of $2550.
Good luck to buyer and seller, I have never owned a Porsche but I’ve junked cars that would have been a better starting point for project.
Since the engine is gone, I would install a souped-up VW engine. It would have more power than the original and would be a lot cheaper!
I agree. I built several hot VW motors back in the day. A few of the were way more powerful than a stock 912 motor. I owned a couple of 912’s which could have used the extra oomph, but never made the swap. I was once told that a VW transmission would fit, with minor modifications, as well. If I was younger and in search of a cool project, I’d seriously consider this one.
The VW transmissions will easily go in the 912. As for engines, you can build VW engines up to 200 hp these days and with the proper carbs it wouldn’t look any different than the original engine. Did that swap into a ’57 Porsche Cabriolet and nobody ever caught it.
Sure thing. Lest we forget, Porsche themselves mounted an actual Veedub engine in the one year only ’76 912E.
Well, technically that was the engine out of the 914.
…. which was the engine out of the late ’70s vans etc.
Interesting take JM, and probably not a bad idea. I am aware of someone who put a subaru engine in one. And of course there are the chevy conversions. Keeping it air cooled is in keeping the character of the car.
Subaru engine? That would certainly irritate the
purists at the next Porsche Parade.
Missing the entire floor = straight and solid. I never woulda thunk.
Both of my 912’s had replaced floor pans when I bought them. Fortunately, the work was done properly, and they held up well. Seems to be a common problem with these.
It’s an easy way to do a difficult job. Minimum welding, easy clean up.
Well done write-up Aaron, I appreciate how you structured what the car has and needs around pics, and your interesting but concise style.
I too plead guilty to the youthful optimism syndrome probably common way back when. I figured “someday” when I have a little extra change, I’ll stock-up on some of those “extra” 356’s, 912’s, maybe even a 914, (911’s were always more exclusive) that all seemed so plentiful, stick ’em in the shop to mess with later. They were actually very affordable, but yep, that sure changed.
Going the budget “driver” route with this one would suit me well, with just enough sensible personalization to make it a fun drive.
Thank you for the compliment!
I always assumed that the floors were at least somewhat structural in these.
All I can imagine is that I’m halfway home with it on the trailer, look in the mirror, and see it’s being shaken to pieces.
Flintstone car
I’ll keep watching this auction and the pop corn handy. Gonna be interesting
I have a spare 912 engine and big bore kit I won’t be needing if someone buys this—
Nice try!
SOLD for $7,200 after 42 bids.
Lots of interest in this one.