1968 Porsche 912

The Porsche 912 is a two-door, 2+2 sports coupe manufactured between 1966 and 1969. Designed as the entry-level model to bridge the price gap between the departing Porsche 356 and the new 911, the car has a flat four-cylinder air-cooled engine mounted behind the rear axle. This engine is a slightly detuned variant of the 356SC engine, but the 912’s performance was better than the 356 because of the car’s superior aerodynamics.

Outside of the engine compartment, only badging and interior fitments distinguish the 912 from the 911, and the chassis are identical. Early Porsche 912s are fitted with a three-dial dash as opposed to the 911s five-dial unit. A four-speed all-synchromesh transmission was standard with a five-speed dogleg gearbox optional. Most of the other usual 911 options were available including special order paints, a sunroof, and the unique soft rear window Targa top. Like the 911, the 912’s wheelbase was extended in 1969.

The 1969 model year proved the last year for the 912 initial run, as the Volkswagen-produced 914 was set to assume the entry-level role for Porsche in 1970. In 1976, however, with the demise of the 914, Porsche resuscitated the 912 (now called the 912E) for one year only. The car utilized the 2.0-litre VW Type IV motor that had previously seen service in the 914.

Today the 912 is not as well-known as its Butzi Porsche-styled 911 (aka, 901) brother. The car languished for many years due to its smaller engine, and this encouraged the cars to be used as the basis for re-creations of cars such as the 911 RS or 911 RSR. Many engines were swapped for 6-cylinder Porsche 911 units, and other ‘improvements’ such as later seats are a frequent addition. Today, unmolested Porsche 912s, especially right-hand drive models, are rare.

Recently, as long-bonnet (pre-1973) Porsche 911 and 356 prices have increased, so too have 912 prices, although not to the same level. With far fewer cars sold in the UK than in the U.S., many cars have been imported back to this country.

As with the 911, the major problem encountered is rust, especially in the arches, floor and B-pillar. In dry-state U.S. imports, check for rust around the rear screen and under the rear seats, as rear screen rubbers can dry out and leak. Engines are generally less expensive to maintain than a 911 unit, but not greatly so. Original interior trim items can be hard to find, but otherwise the supply of parts is good, with Porsche themselves still stocking most.

Period alternative sports coupes include the Alfa Giulia Sprint GTV ‘stepfront’, the Lotus Elan, and the Fiat Dino coupe.