While not a Porsche-o-file, I definitely appreciate the engineering excellence and understated elegance that Porsche has incorporated into their cars since their beginning. I have had experience driving a Cayman and GT3 for a few laps on a controlled, competitive track, but I have a very fond memory of time spent with a 1968 Model 912, yes, the lowly 912. I have to tell you that I enjoyed it immensely. It’s not close in providing the road manners, power, or refinement of the Cayman or GT3 but it still has an old-school visceral feel to it, even if it’s not overly speedy. And for that reason, I thought it appropriate to review this 1966 Model 912. It is located in Midlothian, Virginia and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $15,100 with thirteen bids tendered so far.

The 912 that I referenced belonged to an old friend and while I was visiting my former hometown, he loaned it to me for two days. The takeaways were the flat handling, overall competent road manners and the less-is-more Germanic approach to appearance and ergonomics. Would I get bored with its lack of oompf after a while? Maybe, but maybe not, I was pretty smitten with this no-frills sports car. Some may look down upon the 912 because of its less than 911 DNA, engine-wise anyway, but it was built for a specific role which it successfully fulfilled for six model years, enjoying 32K copies from ’65 through ’69 and another 2K or so 912E’s in model year 1976.

There’s no missing the screaming zonker yellow paint job on this 912 – the seller suggests that “it will probably need paint” and “there’s no rust that I can see“. As far as the paint goes, I’d say that’s a big 10-4 – it looks like I took my drill sander to it. The lower passenger-side door and quarter leg have got something going on too. It appears that there has been some moding going on with the addition of the front air dam and the later model blacked-out wheels. Regardless of the wayward grinding, I’m not much on the color and would probably want a redo anyway – yellow has its place but I don’t think this car is one of them.

The listing reads like a Wikipedia page but there is some useable information such as the engine’s description which suggests that the 102 HP, 1.6 liter, flat-four has been rebuilt. What can be seen of it would indicate some upgrades but it’s hard to conclude much beyond that. It is said that it, “does run and drive well” and the four-speed manual transaxle, “shifts good“.

What’s up inside is typical Porsche ’60s fare. The black leatherette (heavy-duty vinyl) is still strong with just a bit of entry/exit wear and the instrument panel is a typical Porsche no-nonsense affair. There is a kind, sorta backseat but it looks more like a tiger pit appropriate for no one over 3’2″. The headliner checks out well too; the interior probably needs no attention.

The design, 911 or 912, is iconic! It is stated that the odometer reads 41K miles but no claim to authenticity is made. Regardless, a nice respray in a more appropriate Porsche color and this 912 looks like it will be good to go. Oh, and one last thing, and a bit of a plug, last week I had the opportunity to tour the Brumos Porsche Collection in Jacksonville, Florida. If Porsche is your marque, and you’re ever in the area, you should check it out. It’s not only the museum that is impressive, but it’s the cars that the museum club members bring and park around the outer perimeter of the building that is a sight too. You won’t be disappointed!