Description
BACKGROUND
The Porsche 911 was launched to wide acclaim in 1963 to replace the original aging 356 series. With its new 2. 0 flat 6 engine and sleek distinctive design, it was much faster and more technically advanced than the car it replaced, but it was also considerably more expensive.
Concerned the price increase over of the 356 would cost the company sales, Porsche decided to introduce a new 4 cylinder variant called the 912 alongside the 911. Essentially, this was a 911 fitted with the revised version of the engine from the outgoing 356 and in standard form, a more basic specification to bring pricing closer to the outgoing 356.
Although it’s the 911 that has become an icon, it was the 912 when launched in 1965 that was the sales success for Porsche, it outsold the 911 by some margin, particularly in the American market.
With their short wheelbase (SWB) chassis, these early 911s were renowned for their tricky handling on the limit, but the 912 although less powerful, with its lighter and smaller 4 cylinder engine fitted, was much more nimble and confidence inspiring to drive.
Ironically, fast forward nearly 60 years and its these quirky SWB cars that are highly revered with Porsche enthusiasts and collectors today.
THIS EXAMPLE
Manufacturing of the SWB cars continued until 1968 and we are pleased to have back for sale this late production stunning 912 SWB Coupe.
Supplied by Neufeld Motors in San Carlos California to Mr Donald Franklin Miller of Haywood, California, it was first registered on the 17th of September 1968 and finished in Blood (Blut) Orange a with black interior, the colour combination it still presents in today. Donald also ticked boxes for the desirable 901 5 speed gearbox and Fuchs alloy wheels to compliment the 911 specified interior.
The car stayed in California until 1998, when it was imported to the UK. Interestingly, the original California registration document is still with the car and suggests that it was still in Donalds ownership at the time, as it has his signature on the reverse on the date of release in 1998. Additionally, all service documents from its time in California are also in Donalds name, as is the red service book that comes with the car, along with its original handbook.
Upon arrival to the UK, it changed hands a couple of times before falling into the ownership of Michael Slack, who restored the car to a show winning standard according to notes in the cars history, picking up several awards at Porsche Club events throughout the UK.
In 2012, the car was sold to Roger Marriot who with his son Andrew formally of Type 2 Detectives, maintained the vehicle, including rebuilding and upgrading the engine during Roger’s tenure. In 2021 at the age of 82, he decided it was time to move the car on to its last custodian who set himself the task of improving this already great example.
With suspension set up by Centre Gravity and a healthy rolling road report in 2022 which showed it still to be producing 90. 8 BHP, this little 912 performs as well as it looks.
A question we are sure some of you will be wondering ”why does this 912 appear to be the price of a 911”? The answer is quite simple, both the 911 and 912 are virtually identical in so many ways and certainly cost similar money to restore correctly. The 912 has always been the entry point into this era of air-cooled Porsche motoring, and like some lesser favoured 911s, they were once very cheap, allowing aspirational owners to jump on the air-cooled ladder. Porsche reliability meant these cars were often maintained on a shoestring budget with remedial maintenance and body repair carried out to keep them going. So, it is actually very rare to find a really good one, as unlike a 2. 7RS for example, a full and correct restoration might be deemed financially unviable.
OUR THOUGHTS
By 1968, the 912 was producing just 20BHP less than the base 911T and was 70KGs lighter at 950KG, so actually had a marginally better power to weight ratio than this base 911. Add in the fact that peak torque arrived 700 RPM earlier in the 912, performance was surprisingly similar mid-range, particularly when fitted with the optional 5 speed gearbox as in this example. Compared to a modern car, it’s still no firecracker, but feels light and nimble, allowing the driver to carry speed through corners with real confidence, and a real joy on our A and B roads.
This matching numbers example has been incredibly preserved over the years, with light restoration and regular maintenance carried out to ensure it really is one the best available. If you are into perfect panel gaps, beautifully preserved interiors and cars that are on point to drive, this little 912 warrants your attention. It may be priced alongside the cheaper 911s of this era, but you will need at least another 50k to find one of those in a comparable condition to this car.
Whether it’s to simply drive and display at Porsche gatherings, or acquire as an interesting addition to a Porsche collection, we have no doubt this little 912 will bring great pleasure to its next custodian.
