One of the more challenging vehicles to sell has to be one that’s been in your family for eons. This 1966 Porsche 912 was purchased new by the seller’s father in California and has been with the family ever since, going off the road and bakc on again following an engine failure in the 1970s. It has been off the road for the last several years after seemingly returning to use in the 1990s, and is listed here on Bring A Trailer with no reserve and bids to $12,500.
This has to be one of the harder cars to sell, especially if you have some awareness that it’s exceedingly rare to find a vintage sports car in one-family ownership. The 912 was acquired by the seller’s dad from a California Porsche dealership called Dave Rasmussen Volkswagen in San Mateo, and was parked in 1972 following an engine failure. It seems the 912 stayed off the road for several years before a replacement engine was sourced and it was revived in the 1990s. It eventually left California to live with the original owner’s son in Wisconsin.
The comments section highlights just a few of the reasons why this 912 is so special, including the following: it’s an early 1966 model with “…square weave carpets, 3 gauges, adjustable front struts,” according to one Porsche expert in the comments section, all of which has value to someone who prefers earlier examples or likes the features from an early production model. Other posters also are quick to point out that it’s not all that rusty, and really, the rust you see underneath is fairly typical (and straightforward to replace) for the year.
The replacement 1.6L flat-four is the only engine offered, and I’m sure the numbers-matching mill was effectively scrapped considering these 912s were at peak depreciation when the failure occurred. The seller doesn’t recall exactly when this 912 was last running, so you’re buying this example with plenty of unknowns. It has twin Solex carburetors, four-wheel disc brakes, and 15-inch vented steel wheels. This 912 is the kind of project you can still tackle in your own garage should you be so inclined, and represents a rare opportunity to buy a single family-owned air-cooled Porsche. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Terry T. Brinson for the find.
Rough car but everything is there to restore it. Lots of time and money ahead to do this one. The step child has risen to the throne.
Exactly like the one I bought at the factory in 1966, for $4,400. The only options I got were the wood rimmed steering wheel and Blaupunct am/fm. BAT, doesn’t skimp on photos!
Hard to tell from the pictures if it is a rot box or not.
Tire chains is a clue .
Looks pretty solid, but going to take some time, patience and green to get it back into form.
When I was young, there were lots of 912’s, with Beetle engines, advertised cheap. Hippies would buy 912’s for the novelty and then try to drive cross country. If they broke down in the middle of nowhere, buying a used or rebuilt beetle engine was cheaper than getting a repair, or another car. There was so much demand for them that auto parts stores had rebuilt engines for $199.99, no core required, sitting near the door.
Look at those vintage ski racks. Remember those very well as a kid at all the resorts. No road salting in California, so it may have fared better due to that. Maybe. Perhaps.
If I still had my ’70 911, stupidly sold back in 2016, I’d love those racks for my trips to Mammoth :)
The 912’s were well balanced even if a bit underpowered but if you really wanted a 4 cylinder and had the money, why not buy one that wasn’t abused?
BTW, didnt mean to click the ‘Report Comment’ button on MammothStu…fat fingers :)
If that price does not go up too much, I see this as a decent entry level Porsche project for anyone with even basic wrenching skills. Not a 911 but hey, for that price, I’d take a 912 and they are as easy to work on as a Beetle so what’s not to love.
Winning Bid USD $33,000