And now for something completely different: Anyone have a Porsche 912?

[eogie]

I personally don't, but I've been looking for one for a few months. Any vintage Porsche owners on the forum? Post your cars if so. And if you have a 912 you want to sell let me know! :) I can't find one.

[dd74]

Why a 912 and not a 911?

[eogie]

Because I'm 24 years old and can't afford a 911. :)

[norcalbiker]

Interested on a 914?

[eogie]

Possibly. I REALLY want a 912, but may be open to a 914 depending on condition and price of course.

[ultraman6970]

Because 912 is bigger than 911... one goes to 12.... not 11...

Why a 912 and not a 911?

[goonster]

I bought a Porsche when I was 24 years old.

It wasn't aircooled, and a year later I had to sell it because I couldn't afford the first major repair bill. Kind of like with a dog, the cost of acquisition was the least of it.

However, I put 30,000 miles on it in that year, and don't regret a single one of them.

This won't change the OP's mind, but he should buy the newest, most regularly driven Boxster he can afford.

[eogie]

It's more important for things to go to 11, especially with amplifiers and Porsche's.

[crownjewelwl]

just by virtue of the fact that there are many more 911s on the road, you should be able to drum up a good deal

[dd74]

Because I'm 24 years old and can't afford a 911. :)
Then save your money. 912s were the Pintos of Porsche.

[goonster]

may be open to a 914
Do yourself a favor and close that opening. Google "914 door sag".

[eogie]

I bought a Porsche when I was 24 years old.

It wasn't aircooled, and a year later I had to sell it because I couldn't afford the first major repair bill. Kind of like with a dog, the cost of acquisition was the least of it.

However, I put 30,000 miles on it in that year, and don't regret a single one of them.

This won't change the OP's mind, but he should buy the newest, most regularly driven Boxster he can afford.

Yeah, they just don't touch the beauty and collect-ability of the early 912s and 911s. I'm looking for a car that I can drive for a while and re-sell for what I paid or for a profit when I'm done. These early Porsche's are one of the most beautiful cars ever made....in my opinion. Plus, older cars are more fun to drive!

[eogie]

just by virtue of the fact that there are many more 911s on the road, you should be able to drum up a good deal

Have you seen what these are going for these days? It's insane.

[goonster]

912s were the Pintos of Porsche.
Oh, I think not. :no:

[goonster]

I'm looking for a car that I can drive for a while and re-sell for what I paid or for a profit when I'm done.
If you have the wisdom, perseverance and mechanical skills to pull this off, you don't need the advice of a cycling forum.

[eogie]

I'm not digging for advice. I'm drumming up discussion and seeing if anyone has one to sell!

[FlashUNC]

Have you seen what these are going for these days? It's insane.

If my local Craigslist is any guide, older, air cooled 911's can be had for cheaper than the single 912 that's listed.

YMMV.

[eogie]

Show me these cars and I'll kneel down to you.

[AngryScientist]

this gem on my local CL is going pretty cheap. a little buffing, should be good as new!

http://images.craigslist.org/3I73L83Ff5I65K45H3caoe371847effc51fe0.jpg

[dd74]

Oh, I think not. :no:
I think so. Particularly when compared to 911s. Come on, now. :rolleyes:

Anyway, to the OP. Look around. I've seen 911 SCs for a little over $10K, Carreras for $12-$15K. Locate one, find a good shop, get it looked over by a mechanic, and don't look back. First thing you need to do after buying it is take it to a race track to learn how to drive it. ;)

A 911 will bring you many more jollies than a 912, which Chevrolet Corvairs used to compete against on the track.

[goonster]

Pelican: (More active, and less pricey than Rennlist)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/

BAT: (Great deals on all sorts of interesting cars)

http://bringatrailer.com

Personally, I would not own a P-car that is not fully galvanized, and that started circa 1977, IIRC.

[dd74]

I'm not digging for advice. I'm drumming up discussion and seeing if anyone has one to sell!
Where are you located? Is there a district PCA near you - Porsche Owners Club of America? They might have something.

Is $21K too steep? If not, check this:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/708188-dealer-listing-1989-porsche-carrera-4-a.html

[dd74]

Personally, I would not own a P-car that is not fully galvanized, and that started circa 1977, IIRC.
+1. Even if it was a California car.

[Mr Cabletwitch]

If you have the wisdom, perseverance and mechanical skills to pull this off, you don't need the advice of a cycling forum.


This is very true.

When I was looking for a porsche I settled in on an 70s or 80s 911 targa because they had decent power and could be made to look like the older one. They could also be found rather cheaply at the time.

I think if cost is an issue you will have a hard time finding a car that old ( refering to 912) that can be daily driven while its being fixed up. Something of that age usually needs stripped to nothing and rebuilt in order to provide any type of reliability, and if you find a car like that (restored) you won't be able to purchase it and make money anytime soon, more than likely maintenance costs will kill you to the point of needing to buy a daily driver unless you don't use your car much.

[dd74]

Yeah, buy the newest you can afford. If it's a 912, the newest would be a 1976. That's quite a commitment.

[Mike748]

I have a '71 911T, '74 911S, and a '74 914. I know a little bit about them and have my opinions, YMMV.

912's are the only affordable "long hood" cars left. Avoid rust. Google 912 Polo. Not a fan of the short hood 912 ('76 912E).

Long hood cars are cooler than short hood cars. I have both, I can say that.

914's are a hoot to drive but you have to find one without rust. I did.

Short hood cars can be a lot of fun. To me the "mid year" cars 74-77 have the lightness of the long hood cars while being much cheaper and quite a bit less reliable than earlier cars ('74 excepted). The later SC's and Carreras have the reliability of a modern car but at the expense of a heavier more luxury feel. With short hoods the rule is still buy the newest you can afford. The G50 Carreras being the culmination of this.

964's have a following but are too complex for me. Ditto +1 993.

Water cooled cars are disposable and depreciate.

A good place to learn about the early cars, 912 included: http://www.early911sregistry.org/forums/forum.php

[Black Dog]

It's more important for things to go to 11, especially with amplifiers and Porsche's.

and Campy.

[eogie]

Thanks, folks!

[tuscanyswe]

I have a '71 911T, '74 911S, and a '74 914. I know a little bit about them and have my opinions, YMMV.

912's are the only affordable "long hood" cars left. Avoid rust. Google 912 Polo. Not a fan of the short hood 912 ('76 912E).

Long hood cars are cooler than short hood cars. I have both, I can say that.

914's are a hoot to drive but you have to find one without rust. I did.

Short hood cars can be a lot of fun. To me the "mid year" cars 74-77 have the lightness of the long hood cars while being much cheaper and quite a bit less reliable than earlier cars ('74 excepted). The later SC's and Carreras have the reliability of a modern car but at the expense of a heavier more luxury feel. With short hoods the rule is still buy the newest you can afford. The G50 Carreras being the culmination of this.

964's have a following but are too complex for me. Ditto +1 993.

Water cooled cars are disposable and depreciate.

A good place to learn about the early cars, 912 included: http://www.early911sregistry.org/forums/forum.php


Can we c the 71-911T i love this car !

[nickillus]

I purchased a rather decent red '68 912 way back in 1971. At that time it had a little rust on the body as well as some on the bottom pan which needed to be patched as it was in the area of a front suspension connecting point. It leaked oil a lot and had virtually no interior heat. Very cold in the winter with no windshield defrosting whatsoever. The early 912's had smog equipment bolted on which usually was discarded in favor of that extra 3 to 4 horses that could be gained. It had Solex carbs but Webers were much more desirable. The '76 is probably the one to get. I think it was fuel injected.

Having said all this, I loved the car. It was relatively easy to work on, comfortable, made great noise, handled like a champ and was great fun. Bear in mind the problems I experienced were on a 3 year old model. Oh the horror of an unrestored 40+ year one. This model is not highly desirable. I think if I was to look for an older Porsche today I would look for a decently restored mid 60's 356 or a 911. Better investment. A perfect 912 could push my buttons. There are many books on the subject for reference.

[Louis]

If you want something really special, then go Italian: ALFA GTV

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/SMlL9MZDENI/AAAAAAAA47A/IrW9gRMFr-A/s1600/Alfa-GTV-V8-11.jpg

[eogie]

Oh, I've been looking for a GTV as well. Also tough to find.


I'm currently talking to a guy with a 65 painted dash 912 down in LA. May be flying there tonight or tomorrow if it's still around. He's a certified Porsche mechanic and this was going to be one of his keeper cars. It's been gone through completely. We'll see.

[carpediemracing]

Although I don't discount your dreaming (I did it too), what about a sorted same-era Beetle? Similar handling etc and you should be able to find something that's been done over.

My goal back then was to get a beat to pieces 912 and drop a new engine in it. Ah well. I did get to drive a... I think it was an '86 SC? It was nice but totally out of my league in terms of cost.

Good luck with the hunt, regardless. Have fun!

[eogie]

I'm an hour and a half away from possibly owning a 65 912. It's not settled, but it's looking very likely. Holy ****. So excited.

[Bauch]

I think so. Particularly when compared to 911s. Come on, now. :rolleyes:

Anyway, to the OP. Look around. I've seen 911 SCs for a little over $10K, Carreras for $12-$15K. Locate one, find a good shop, get it looked over by a mechanic, and don't look back. First thing you need to do after buying it is take it to a race track to learn how to drive it. ;)

A 911 will bring you many more jollies than a 912, which Chevrolet Corvairs used to compete against on the track.

I don't think people would dispute that most 911s are preferable to 912s, but you characterized the 912 as the Pinto of Porsches, and that's just not accurate. Porsche has plenty of poorer decisions over the years that could be characterized that way, but you can have a lot of fun with a 66-69 912.

Now, the OP's problem is going to be nice 912s are getting expensive now, too. The early 911 market has gone totally nuts.

I would argue that the way to go would be an 84-86 Carrera, possibly a 911SC as well. You get the bullet-proof 3.2, galvanized body, but without the additional cost of the later 3.2s with the G50 transmission. I have owned 911s with both the 915 bearbox and the G50 and I enjoyed the former more than the latter.

I would budget $20K total and you can get a nice 911. Someone else on this forum posted a link to Pelican Parts' classified ads. There is an '82 SC for sale in Seattle for less than $18K that has had an engine rebuild and recent trans rebuild. I'd start there.

Good luck!

[texbike]

the Pinto of Porsches

That would be the 924!

Texbike

[eogie]

Well, things have certainly changed since I started this thread. I now tentatively own a 65 painted dash 912. 98th made in 65. Wow.

[Steve in SLO]

That would be the 924!

Texbike
Try following a well-sorted 924 around a track sometime...

Well, things have certainly changed since I started this thread. I now tentatively own a 65 painted dash 912. 98th made in 65. Wow.
Tentative Congrats! Great car you have lined up. As far as handling is concerned, a setup 912 will outhandle a same-year setup 911 because of better weight distribution.

[Bauch]

Well, things have certainly changed since I started this thread. I now tentatively own a 65 painted dash 912. 98th made in 65. Wow.

In the spirit of all enthusiast forums, pics or it didn't happen!

:banana:

[tuxbailey]

in the spirit of all enthusiast forums, pics or it didn't happen!

:banana:

+1

[eogie]

Here it is.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/EricO_/DSC02487.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/EricO_/DSC02474.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/EricO_/DSC02468.jpg

[Louis]

Wow. Very cool.

It is a done deal? Or still a maybe?

[eogie]

I'm sending a deposit tomorrow. He's set on selling me the car. And this "he" I speak of has been a certified Porsche mechanic since the 50s. This car is solid.

[elcolombiano]

I have a 912.

[Bauch]

Very clean looking 912.

If you are looking for a place in LA to take the car I can highly recommend TLG in North Hollywood.

[Louis]

Um, don't do it - I just thought of a deal-breaker.

You don't want that car - where's the bike going to go? :p

[eogie]

I was thinking about that. Not sure. I'll just drill some mounts in the roof. No biggie.

[eogie]

Very clean looking 912.

If you are looking for a place in LA to take the car I can highly recommend TLG in North Hollywood.

The guy I'm buying it from is very reputable. Been a certified porsche mechanic since the fifties. I live in Santa Cruz and will be eventually shipping the car to Nashville, TN!

[LouDeeter]

30 years ago, I owned two 912s. Even then, they were rust buckets. Easy to work on though. It is much easier to tune 4 downdraft carbs than 6! And, if you don't need the power, they are perfectly nice to drive. Just watch out for the rust!

[tuxbailey]

That looks like a very well maintained car. Congrats!

[texbike]

a well-sorted 924...

I didn't realize that there was such a thing! :rolleyes:

Congrats on a great looking car Eogie! It's definitely rare to find that early of a 911/912 in that condition.

Texbike

[Mike748]

Looks great. Hard to lose on any '65 model. And SWB cars are cool. I've used gutter clamp roof racks on my 911's not problem. Look up Auto Foreign Services, they make a great repro basket rack that would look very period.

[Ahneida Ride]

Perfect !

[Bob Loblaw]

Funny!

I'm a fan of the 912. They sound better than the 911's IMO, easier to work on, and those 4 cylinder motors have a lot of untapped potential. Good on ya.

BL

I was thinking about that. Not sure. I'll just drill some mounts in the roof. No biggie.

[Louis]

I'm sending a deposit tomorrow. He's set on selling me the car. And this "he" I speak of has been a certified Porsche mechanic since the 50s. This car is solid.

Is the deal still on?

[jds108]

Is the deal still on?

I think we're looking at the car in post #41, aren't we?

[LouDeeter]

There is a good chance that a 65 912 will have the 356 gas heater under the hood. I owned a 911 that was made in 1964, but titled as a 66. It had a lot of 356 features. I never could get it to run well, so I gave up on working with 911s with carbs and stuck with 912s. I couldn't tune the Solex carbs was the problem and didn't want to spend the money on a set of Webers.

[Climb01742]

I owned a 914 and a few 911s. The one I enjoyed the most was a G50. Ideal size, very light, more than enough power and unassisted steering was, for me, far more fun than the 964 and 993. But for one afternoon's drive, the 914 was awfully hard to beat. In my experience, nothing handled like a 914. A go cart for grown ups. But having your eyes at the height of an SUVs headlights puts the fear of god in you.

[vjp]

http://www.reelhouse.org/mos/urbanoutlaw/urbanoutlaw/videos

[Mike748]

I owned a 914 and a few 911s. The one I enjoyed the most was a G50. Ideal size, very light, more than enough power and unassisted steering was, for me, far more fun than the 964 and 993. But for one afternoon's drive, the 914 was awfully hard to beat. In my experience, nothing handled like a 914. A go cart for grown ups. But having your eyes at the height of an SUVs headlights puts the fear of god in you.

Agreed! I tried commuting in my 914. That lasted about a week. It seems the 911 has quite a bit more road presence... SUV drivers at least acknowledge your existence in a 911. Not so much in a 914.

[avalonracing]

My step-father had a 914 when I was growing up. He bought it new in '74 and wouldn't give or sell it to me when he got rid of it in '89 (that's another story). Anyway, that car was a blast. Was it straight line fast? No way, the thing is that none of the straight line speed that you achieved had to be scrubbed before the corner. Even on old-school skinny rubber that car just stuck to the ground.

[eogie]

Is the deal still on?

Yes, I pick it up some time after Thursday. The owner of the car had to go to Hawaii for a wedding but yes, it's mine!

[eogie]

http://www.reelhouse.org/mos/urbanoutlaw/urbanoutlaw/videos

So awesome. Thanks.

[Steve in SLO]

http://www.reelhouse.org/mos/urbanoutlaw/urbanoutlaw/videos

Very cool vid. Thanks for the link.

[Louis]

Bump - how's the 912 doing?

Edit - we want to see some more pics.

[likebikes]

Bump - how's the 912 doing?

seriously!

[eogie]

Still waiting.....

[danielpack22@ma]

That doesn't sound good... :confused:

[LO^OK]

Here it is.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/EricO_/DSC02487.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/EricO_/DSC02474.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/EricO_/DSC02468.jpg

:) Sweet...

Good luck with it, with many a mile trouble free fun!

[eogie]

That doesn't sound good... :confused:

It's cool. I own the car. Have the pink slip etc.

[dnades]

that is a very pretty car. Love the color. great score.

[eogie]

It FINALLY happened. Considering how long he took to finish it, it could have taken a pretty bad turn, but all in all, I'm very happy. The car drives beautifully and seems to be very mechanically happy. There are some paint chips and some slight rust bubbling in the rear drip rails. I'd say it's a 10 footer. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/EricO_/IMG_5367_zpsb6aae614.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/EricO_/IMG_5364_zps0b3d21c2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/EricO_/IMG_5369_zps6eef31f2.jpg

[Louis]

Very cool. Congratulations, now that the deal is finally done.

[AngryScientist]

very nice.

i long for a 911 myself, but as you note, the prices they command are still very high. someday...

[texbike]

VERY beautiful 912! Congratulations!

I was in Albuquerque a couple of weeks back and saw an absolutely stunning, original 1975 911S (one owner car with 33K miles on it!). It really hit home how cleanly designed the early 911/912 cars were.

Texbike

[thirdgenbird]

Hot!

Nothing wrong with a 10ft Porsche. It will keep it from becoming a garage queen.

[Pete Mckeon]

don't count on appreciation and keep in mind they take $$$$ TO REPAIR. 911s at the macro level appreciate more than a 912 oo 914 or 944.

YES I Love the 911s and have one but they are like boats in that it is a black whole for saving $$ or appreciation unless it is 993 or speciality model and they still cost $$$$$. My everyday is a Honda :)


Yeah, they just don't touch the beauty and collect-ability of the early 912s and 911s. I'm looking for a car that I can drive for a while and re-sell for what I paid or for a profit when I'm done. These early Porsche's are one of the most beautiful cars ever made....in my opinion. Plus, older cars are more fun to drive!

[thirdgenbird]

That would be the 924!

Texbike

Try following a well-sorted 924 around a track sometime...

I'm getting there...

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk177/thirdgenbird/black%20friday/DSC00765.jpg
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk177/thirdgenbird/sabelt/2011-11-04163452.jpg

[eogie]

don't count on appreciation and keep in mind they take $$$$ TO REPAIR. 911s at the macro level appreciate more than a 912 oo 914 or 944.

YES I Love the 911s and have one but they are like boats in that it is a black whole for saving $$ or appreciation unless it is 993 or speciality model and they still cost $$$$$. My everyday is a Honda :)


I'm banking on the painted dash. There a very few left and it's definitely not your run of the mill 912. I plan on driving it for a couple years or so. We'll see. I got a great deal on it.

[brenick]

I've owned several sports cars including 2 914's, a 944 and currently have a Carerra. Bought them all used with low miles.

My experience with cars that haven't been run much is you can expect to need a clutch rebuild soon. Also a new water pump which doesn't apply in your case.

Congratulations!

[ERGOPOWER]

How is that 912 running?

[TRACK]

one more horse powa?

is it single speed? or fixie?

[likebikes]

bump.

any updates?

[tomato coupe]

any updates?

Yeah, the OP is now 8 years older.

[Louis]

Yeah, the OP is now 8 years older.

In that case, he can sell a few BTC and get one of these instead:

https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims3/GLOB/legacy_thumbnail/800x450/format/jpg/quality/85/https://s.aolcdn.com/os/ab/_cms/2020/04/21123002/1_f34_hero.jpg

[Ken Robb]

I have driven 3 912 Porsches and each of them was a dog. I love 911 cars from the same period but I THINK I'd rather drive a fast VW than a slow Porsche. Oh yeah, I am a PCA member and have instructed at a few of their driving schools.

[jpritchet74]

I used to have a 912 back in 1997. I really liked driving it because it was a cool old car, but it was always at the shop. It was slow, and didn't really handle that well either. It sure was perdy though.

Being that I was 23 at the time I couldn't afford to keep paying the repair bills so I sold it.

Now I have a 2000 Boxster and it makes me happy in ways that the 912 never could.

[Neil]

I’m neck deep in a 996 project at the moment, and I think they have taken the place that a few years (and around £60,000) that the 964 used to occupy.

You can buy a decent 996 for around £12,000 and it’s a blank canvas for you to do what you want with.

Here a 912 starts at £60,000, and at that money it doesn’t really work for me, as achingly pretty as I find the long-nose cars.

[mistermo]

Just googled it. A 912 goes 0-60 in 11.6 secs. Walter White's Pontiac Aztek can get there 2.5s quicker. https://images.summitmedia-digital.com/topgear/images/2020/04/17/breaking-bad-walter-white-pontiac-aztek-05-1587100672.jpg

[tctyres]

I had a 1966 or '67 912 in 2007-2009. It was a time pit. I sold it for about what I had in it. I don't really miss it. I needed a dedicated shop space, and I didn't have that.

Just googled it. A 912 goes 0-60 in 11.6 secs. Walter White's Pontiac Aztek can get there 2.5s quicker.

Well, to be fair an Aztek is a much bigger injected V6 whereas a 912 is a carbureted flat 4. Water cooled vs. air cooled. Ugliest car ever made vs. one of the coolest body styles. Lots of differences.

[Louis]

Ugliest car ever made

The Aztec is definitely in the running, but there are a lot of contenders to that throne.

https://cbsnews3.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/r/2011/04/22/116ba086-a643-11e2-a3f0-029118418759/resize/620x465/9d2d6a89988f40f015fdc3d5bf08d4f0/amc-pacer.jpg

[texbike]

A few years ago while out on a bike ride, I happened to spot a car buried under a pile of stuff in a garage in our neighborhood. The roofline looked very familiar. I stopped by the house later that day to ask about the car and it turned out to be a '66 5 gauge 912. I ended up buying and playing with it for about a year before selling it to make space for another toy. It was a fun machine. Definitely a 10 footer. If you accept them for what they are, it's hard to be too disappointed with a 912. They aren't fast by any means, but have tons of character and are a blast to run around in. It made a great garage mate to the Carrera that I had at the time. Here are a couple pics of it...

Texbike

[tctyres]

The Aztec is definitely in the running, but there are a lot of contenders to that throne.



True.

I have tried to block out the Aztek, Gremlin, Pinto, and, of course, Pacer. ;)