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Outlaw Build? No Reserve 1976 Porsche 912

This 1976 Porsche 912 is a bit of an undertaking, and I’m a little surprised it’s taken this long for a project-grade car like this to come up for grabs. The reason is that so many 911s and 912s have been unearthed over the last ten years in the gold rush for the air-cooled sports car that it seems inevitable a few ratty ones will pop up. This 912 seemingly had a rough life before the seller got his hands on it, including an aftermarket slant nose conversion from back in the day and fiberglass quarter panels. The seller is throwing in the towel on this build and has listed the 912 here on eBay with an opening bid of $16,000 and no action yet.

The 912 previously had aftermarket front fenders as well, but the seller has replaced those with steel panels. With that in mind, you can see how this 912 was a cheap sports car at one point in time, with effectively 3/4 of the car consisting of aftermarket panels. Wide rear fenders, a slant nose conversion, RS-style rear spoiler, and the now-deleted fiberglass front fenders are all cheap body kit 101 ingredients. The seller also notes (and you see the evidence of this in the rockers) that he used bondo to fill in the “turbo holes” in the rear quarters, which I assume refers to a fake brake cooling duct.

Now, here’s the curious thing: the seller claims this is a “complete” car that is missing its engine and transmission. At least one photo shows an engine removed from the 912, so are we to assume that the seller has parted out some major components to recoup his investment? It’s impossible to say, but it seems like the opening bid is awfully strong for a ratty 912 with no engine. However, given how hot air-cooled Porsches still are, it’s not surprising to see the seller trying to make as much money as possible, by parting out the drivetrain and hoping someone out there needs a rolling chassis.

The good news is the interior seems far better than you’d expect for a car as tired as this one is on the outside. The dash looks fantastic, with no evidence of cracks or other damage. While the radio isn’t stock, at least it’s not some garish 2000s head unit. The seller is including the black Fuchs wheels in the deal, but here’s the potential sticking point for anyone considering this project: the 912 carries a salvage title. This is the scarlet letter of the car world, and will forever follow this 912 no matter if it is used as-is or completely restored. What do you think – will someone take a chance on this project-grade 912?

Comments

  1. Nevada1/2rack Nevadahalfrack Member

    Very strong bidding for an expensive basket case with missing bits and a Salvage Title..

    Like 9
    • bobhess bobhess Member

      …and it’s a 912E, not a 912.

      Like 10
      • bobhess bobhess Member

        If that pre ’74 911 engine and transmission doesn’t come with the car it’s not worth the money, time or effort.

        Like 9
    • PRA4SNW

      Actually, no one bod on it, and the auction has now ended. The seller started it at 16K.

      Like 0
  2. Frank Barrett

    If it were a rare, factory-built model, sure, go for it. But it’s a bitsa, and an unfinished one at that. With so many far better 912s and 911s to choose from, why go through the agony of straightening out someone else’s mess, only to end up with a car with a sad story?

    Like 2
  3. Jim Sullivan

    Nothing says cheesy like a 912 with a whale tail spoiler (or even an RS ducktail). Sort of the antithesis of the classic “sleeper”. Per the eBay listing, the vehicle is drivable. Not sure how, unless you trailer it to the top of a hill and release the parking brake. But hey, again per the eBay listing, it has “bundo”!

    Like 1
  4. Ike Onick

    First Porsche Clown Car I have ever seen. Nice!

    Like 0
  5. Mario S

    These are great little runners when they’re dialed in correctly. And when treated well can offer years, and miles of enjoyment.
    But it’s no wonder why there were no bids for this roller. The seller is offering a basket case for sale and seems to want to not include the basket. Why would you buy this one when you can get a good running model for about the same price? Looking online, 912s average between 17 to 24k. with a clear title.

    Like 0
  6. Stephen

    Ahhhh….!!!!
    I would have bought this !
    This is hands down fun !
    Leave it looking like the clown car .
    Repair the issues that keep it from being Mechanical sound
    Work out the suspension to handle .
    Roll cage it .
    Send its power plant out to turn major Rs and massive hp.
    Make it what I would call a
    STREET FIGHTER !!
    You can park it in any lot no fear of door dings or scratches.
    You have the speed and security of a small flying coffin.

    Like 0
  7. oscar ruiz de azua

    Hello, good afternoon, do you still have the Porsche for sale?
    greetings

    Like 0

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