If the location of this car has anything to do with its make, model, and price, some repentance should be in order. Currently sitting in sin city, Las Vegas, Nevada, this 1966 Porsche 912 SWB Long Hood has a current bid price of $21,300 with no reserve indicated. Both VIN and mileage, 92,355, are listed and it does have a clear title. More information about this fiery red sports car can be found here on eBay.
Under the hood sits a later model 4 cylinder engine not original to the car. That is connected to a manual transmission. Since the former owner owned a shop, it could have more performance-oriented features that are not known or documented. An electric fuel pump, along with a new fuel tank has been installed. A Weber 40 IDF carburetor with K&N filter are also installed. The car does run and drive but has some issues that need to be tended to before registration and road use. Primarily, the brakes and a very strong pull to the right under hard braking.
The inside resembles the stock original look, but many things have been redone. Some of those things include a new headliner, full black carpet, and three-point retractable seat belts. The seller notes that the seats have a particular style headrest not normally found on this year of car, so those are more than likely not original. One more modern feature that is said to still work surprisingly well is the addition of power locks and keyless entry system.
While the color is eye-catching, the seller indicates that it might not be original. They do suspect that the car left the factory in Polo Red. Yet, evidence of a repaint now put the car in a Guards Red shade. The listing is full of information about all sorts of features, flaws, and accessories. Even though the seller knows the car has been in the desert for at least 30 years, it could have been longer. Knowing all of this, if you are interested in Porsche, you might have found yourself a mischievous little ride.
Always liked this era of Porsche, and the 4 banger motor was a good match.
What would concern me as a potential buyer are two phrases in the ad- “the former owner owned a shop..” and “the car..has some issues that need to be tended to before..road use..brakes and a strong pull to the right under hard braking.”
If he owned a shop why didn’t he fix the brake issues for maximum value at the sale point?
Odd, indeed.
Nice looking machine!
After sitting for a few years (PO has been dead that long) ,I’d expect a few issues. Could be the cobbler’s kids syndrome too!
My personal favorite among the 1st gen 911/912’s. This is where the now iconic shape began and the details exemplify late ’50’s-early ’60’s styling cues. I like the judicious use of chrome trim and the Teutonic crispness of the major lines. I prefer the chromed slotted disc wheels to the Fuchs alloys, but I could live with these. If it sells for anything close to $21,300 it would be a bargain for a Porschephile.
I agree with Nevadahalfrack’s sentiments, but with these old crates you have to figure in a healthy dose of repair dollars to the eventual cost. The same goes for any used car.
Its amazing to me what the early 912’s are bringing…and this one is far from original.
They are a little better balanced drivers than the 911’s……….but I loved my ’70 911 T………..wont be geting anothero ne though……….three years after I sold mine,
a car in the shape my 911 was, are sitting around 70 K, Gott In Himmel!
Will probably check this one out later this weekend, since I live in Boulder City! This the original shape of the 912/911 and I love the simplicity of the 4 cyl. VW engine. If I buy it, I’ll probably bring the VW motor up to 2.1 L with electric fan and electronic ignition & red coil. I have to look into the front end issue to see if all the joints needs replacement in addition to the pulling. It would be nice and “cheap” Porsche which I can fix myself! A souped VW!
Might want to learn something about the heads, gas flow, ignition, carburetion, and that sort of thing before calling it a VW motor.