Fast Facts:

• Early short wheelbase, long bonnet 1966 Porsche 912 with the factory five-speed dog-leg manual

• Sympathetic restoration with documented 2016 engine rebuild

The Details:

Introduced in 1965, the Porsche 912 combined the new body, chassis and styling of the 911 with a four cylinder engine derived from the outgoing 356. Porsche’s 1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four produced 90 PS, giving the 912 a different character to its six cylinder bigger brother, while providing an accessible bridge between the 356 and the new 911. 

This 1966 example is a desirable early short wheelbase, long hood coupé. A German delivered left-hand drive car with the desirable five-speed dog-leg manual gearbox, it was imported to Australia in the early 2000s and has been with the seller for approximately six years.

The car underwent a sympathetic restoration during previous ownership, with the goal of building a reliable, period correct driver’s car. Extensive receipts and some photographs and notes documenting the restoration will accompany the car, as well as available parts.

The body is understood to have been stripped and found to require repairs only to the battery tray and a small section of the floor on the driver’s side, with replacement panels sourced from Germany. Originally finished in Polo Red, the 912 was subsequently repainted in the handsome metallic grey finish you see it in today.

The 1.6-litre flat-four and gearbox were fully rebuilt by Phil Moore in 2016. Records note new pistons, barrels, rings and bearings, along with crankshaft machining, new crank bearings and oil seals. The engine shrouds and air cleaner assemblies were also sandblasted and refinished.

Subsequent mechanical upgrades include Koni shocks, a WEVO PSJ shift coupler, replacement shifter bushes and a bluetooth-enabled 123 electronic distributor, fitted to improve cold starting and reliability. The original Bosch distributor accompanies the car. 

The cabin was comprehensively retrimmed during the restoration, including correct houndstooth seat inserts and new carpets as well as an aftermarket wood rim steering wheel. The seller reports that the gauges, switches and other electrical equipment operate correctly, with the exception of a temperamental windscreen washer pump.

The 912 rides genuine Porsche Fuchs alloy wheels fitted with Michelin tyres. It currently wears the standard deck lid, but will be accompanied by an additional colour-matched Carrera RS-style ducktail engine lid. 

The seller reports a recent service at approximately 71,767 km, including fresh oil, filters, drive belt and spark plugs.

Presented as a much loved and usable driver’s car, the Porsche shows some evidence of its enjoyment. The seller has identified scattered stone chips and road marks, several minor paint imperfections, a localised paint bubble on the bonnet, patina in some exterior brightwork and paint damage beneath the car attributed to previous incorrect jacking. There are also light marks and scratches around several exterior areas and the dashboard fascia. Let us know if you’d like to see these areas in more detail.

Accompanied by partial service history, extensive restoration receipts and photographic records, its original Bosch distributor and the separate RS-style ducktail, this early 912 presents well and is understood to attract attention wherever it goes. The seller reports it to have been a reliable and rewarding classic to own, which is exactly what we look for in a classic driver’s car.

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