I guess it could be considered the automotive equivalent of getting the band back together again when Porsche released the 912E in 1976. Viewed as a temporary replacement for the 914 as the company completed development work on the 924, the 912E was a one-year-only model. Our feature car is an extremely tidy example with a known history. Those factors have allowed it to generate considerable interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Baltimore, Maryland. Bidding has raced to $21,400, which is below the reserve.

Porsche marketed the 914 as its affordable entry-level model from 1969. It intended to replace this with the 924 in late 1976, but re-released the 912 during the last half of 1975 following the decision to discontinue North American sales of the 914. The revived model, designated the 912E, saw service for a single model year, selling in relatively limited numbers. Our feature car is a three-owner classic finished in Blue. It presents nicely for its age, with no major cosmetic shortcomings and no evidence of rust. This latter factor isn’t a surprise, with Porsche making extensive use of galvanized steel in a bid to limit the corrosion issues that plagued the original 912. This car’s history is vague, making it impossible to confirm whether it is a genuine survivor. However, with spotless trim and clear glass, it makes a positive impression. Its cause is further aided by the Fuchs wheels that enhance the car’s good looks.

While the 912E utilized the same body as the 911, they are different beasts below the surface. Lifting the hood of this 912E reveals a rear-mounted 2.0-liter VW “Type 4” flat-four, generating 86hp and 98 ft/lbs of torque. The “E” in the model designation indicates that Porsche had abandoned carburetors in favor of Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection to comply with American emission regulations. Power feeds to the road via a five-speed manual transaxle. The 912E doesn’t possess the outright performance potential of the more powerful 911, but with less weight hanging over the back wheels, it is a more accomplished package on twisting roads. Potential buyers receive plenty of good news, with the seller confirming that this Porsche runs and drives extremely well. It appears that all the new owner needs to do is hand over their cash before driving off into the sunset.

The theme of tidy presentation set by this Porsche’s exterior continues when we open the doors to inspect the interior. Trimmed in Black vinyl, there are no visible significant issues or shortcomings. The upholstered surfaces are excellent, as are the dash and pad. The gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings, and it appears that this classic has been protected from UV exposure. The only visible aftermarket addition is the radio/cassette player with the speakers cut into the door trims.

It is fair to say that the 912E was not the most popular model released by Porsche, although the company did sell 2,099 examples during the single production year. However, they have become more accepted in the classic world as an affordable entry-level option for those aspiring to Porsche ownership. This 1976 example has generated twenty-one bids, with the listing view and Watch List tallies equally impressive. That suggests that the price will probably climb as the auction progresses, but what would you be prepared to pay for this classic?