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1966 Porsche 912
Highlights
- Recent bare-metal respray in original Polo Red
- Suspension, steering, carburettors and fuel system overhauled
- Very tidy, pretty and unmodified 912
- Lots of history dating back to the car’s earliest days
The Appeal
The 911 takes all the headlines, but aficionados take the 912. Long in the shadow of its better-known stablemate, the 4cyl Porsche is garnering renewed attention from enthusiasts. And with good reason.
The 912 weighs 90kg less than the 911 and sacrifices just 20bhp in power to its six cylinder sibling. With its 1.6L 4cyl motor it is the bridge between the 356 and 911, its lightness and zesty motor imbues it with a characterful all of its own.
Many 912s have been sacrificed at the altar of 911 restoration, which makes this 1966 example a real treat. Recently restored in its original Polo Red and largely factory-correct right down to the LHD configuration, it shows why these simpler, smaller-engined early cars hold such strong appeal.
It has covered few miles since over £2,000 was expended on parts alone for a mechanical overhaul. This covered suspension, steering and fuelling work. The car is unmodified but benefits from a couple of desirable 912 upgrades including an electric fuel pump and switch to more reliable Weber carburettors. An indication of the buyer’s attention to detail is that an airbox was custom made to replicate the original but accommodate the Weber set up.
For purely selfish reasons we hope this lovely car stays in the UK, but its configuration does make it suitable for export. Whichever future lies ahead, we wish this lovely car well on the next stage of its life.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered August 1966 by Autogerma in Bologna, Italy
- VIN prefix ‘45’ indicates this is one of the Karmann-built cars
- Spent its early years in Italy before being exported to California
- Vendor reports the car was returned to Europe in 2015
- HPI indicates it was first UK registered on 26th March 1981
- Two registered UK keepers
- Restored on return to Europe after 2015 including bare metal, glass-out respray in Polo Red
- This is the original factory colour
- Good history file including older invoices and correspondence
- Invoice for £2,138 dated June 2020 for suspension, steering, carburettor and fuelling parts
- Original LHD car
Factory fitted options:
- 9303 Antenna
- 9307 Speaker
- 9101 Chrome Hub Caps with Porsche Crest
- 9127 Wing Mirror
- 9169 External Thermometer 60mm (very rare but sadly not currently working)
- 9189 Floor Mats
- 9265 Wooden Steering Wheel
- AM/ LW Radio.
The Condition
- Original Polo Red paintwork resprayed on arrival in Europe after 2015
- The respray was a bare-metal, glass out high quality procedure
- Known, understandably, as ‘Ruby’
- Well kept and bright paintwork in good condition
- Due to age and use some minor marks and stone chips to be anticipated
- Bodywork presents well with good panel fit and finish
- Retains near features like original badges on engine grilles
- Underside reported to be in good order with no issues advised
- Exterior chromework presents brightly and appears to be factory correct
- Sits on quality Continental 15in tyres with steel wheels and chrome hub caps
- Black vinyl interior in very presentable condition with light marks noted below
- Smart four spoke factory wood-rimmed wheels and green VDO dials
- Period correct classic radio fitted
- Dashboard, trim and other fittings in good order with light wear to note in photos
The vendor advises the following minor issues to note:
- Dashboard has been recovered but not using original factory material
- Headlining and window seals would benefit from attention
- Driver’s seat has a small split
- External thermometer is not currently working
The joy of this 912 is represented by the smart bright Polo Red paintwork that gives this car its name - Ruby. Following a glass-out, bare metal respray a few years ago it is very well presented, only a few light marks inside and out indicating its sparing use.
The interior is a lovely place to be. From the wood-rimmed four spoke wheel to the classic radio, it is both simple and functional whilst being evocative, helped by Porsche’s replaying of these original aesthetics right up to the modern day.
The Mechanics
- 1,582cc 4cyl flat floor engine Type 616/36 European specification engine
- This engine delivers 90bhp, only 20bhp less than the 911
- 90kg lighter than a 911 due to the 4cyl engine
- 5spd manual gearbox
- Now fitted with Weber carburettors for improved reliability, a common 912 modification
- Over £2,000 spent on parts in 2020 covering suspension, steering and carburettors
- Fitted with an electric fuel pump, a common modification to improve reliability
- No reported running or driving issues
The 1.6L flat four engine fitted in this European specification 912 is closely related to the motor in the SC produced in the final years of the 356’s life. It is good for 90bhp, just 20bhp less than the 911E.The 912’s lighter weight is the perfect antidote to that sacrifice.
This car is reported to run and drive very well and is believed to be a matching numbers car. It benefits from a couple of modifications that are common amongst 912 enthusiasts - an electric fuel pump and a switch to Weber carburettors. The history file shows a £2,138 investment in parts in June 2020 covering steering, suspension, fuel pump and carburettor.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
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