Chassis: 454553
Engine: 744358
Early, Short-Wheelbase 912 with Three-Gauge Dashboard
Mechanically Restored by Marque Specialist SportClasse completed in 2020
Matching-Numbers Engine and Gearbox per Porsche Factory Record
Finished in Original Sand Beige over Brown Leatherette
Presented with Period-Style Roof Rack and Surfboard
1,582 CC Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin Solex Carburetors
90 BHP at 5,800 RPM
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes
4-Wheel Independent Suspension with Torsion Bars
The Porsche 912 was unveiled in 1965 as an entry-level alternative to the newly introduced 911. While appearing similar to its stablemate, the 912 was stripped of standard equipment to bring pricing closer to the company’s outgoing 356. A re-tuned version of the 356 SC’s 1.6-liter pushrod flat-four replaced the 911’s more powerful flat six-cylinder engine.
According to a copy of its Porsche factory record on file, this early three- gauge painted-dashboard 912 was supplied new in January 1966 through Porsche Cars Pacific of Burlingame, California, the distributor for Porsche in Northern California, Northern Nevada, and Utah during the period. Finished in Sand Beige (6807) over a brown leatherette interior, additional equipment specified included chrome wheels, driver’s-side mirror, Blaupunkt Bremen radio, square-weave interior finishing, and wheel center caps with the Porsche crest. While its earliest history is not known, this 912 was more recently sold into current Portuguese ownership in June 2018. Later that year, marque specialist SportClasse in Lisbon, Portugal, was tasked with rebuilding the 912’s drivetrain, while the largely original paintwork and interior displaying a lovely patina were left untouched.
There has been a surge in the popularity of early 912 models of late, on account of their more straightforward upkeep and enjoyable driving dynamics. Accompanied by restoration photos and its Porsche factory record, this meticulously maintained 912 should not be overlooked.
