1968 Porsche 912 Coupe

1,582cc OHV Air-Cooled Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Solex Downdraft Carburetors
102bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front and Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Meticulously restored example with further sorting carried out recently
*Beautifully presented in the as-delivered Irish Green over Black livery
*Retains its matching numbers engine
*Great example of an increasingly collectible model


THE PORSCHE 912

Put into production in July 1964, the 911 presaged the end of 356-production. It was July 1965 before the 911 made it to the US, and customers immediately noticed the differences from its predecessor. In addition to being more modern and more powerful, it was also more expensive: nearly $2,000 more than the comparable 356 model. In Europe, too, this was a problem. Thus, by April 1965 a "transitional model" entered production. Essentially a 911 with a 356-type flat four, the new car, designated "912," was not only less expensive, selling at near-356 prices, but enjoyed more even weight distribution and better economy. The combination of the four-cylinder engine and the slipperier 911 design was capable of achieving 30 mpg. More than 30,000 were eventually built.

The Porsche 912, like the Cayenne decades later, is frequently credited with having saved the German automaker during a period of financial uncertainty, as the then-new and much costlier six-cylinder 911 was viewed with some skepticism by marque loyalists. In the half-century since its introduction, however, the four-cylinder 912 has won an appreciative and loyal audience. The early (1966-1969) 912s handily outsold their 911 siblings; 28,333 four-cylinder coupes were produced, along with just 2562 Targas, and the retail price was a major factor.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Offered here is a beautiful example of the cleanly-designed 1968 912 Coupe, built at the Karmann coachworks for Porsche. According to a copy of the Kardex Porsche factory build sheet, the 912 was finished new in stunning Irish Green just as it appears today, and still retains its matching numbers engine. A comprehensive restoration was performed in the last decades, which has recently been refreshed, with further sorting and detailing of the engine compartment carried out. The Irish Green color has been professionally applied, and the interior carries a similar theme, being tastefully restored and welcoming. Acquired by the consignor in 2019, the Porsche 912 has since been looked after at his impressive Reno-based collection, and today presents in wonderful condition inside and out.