1966 PORSCHE 912

This 1966 Porsche 912 is an honest example of the accessible classic sports car, which is in good running order and is finished in a pleasingly retro colour scheme. Under the rear engine lid is the 1.6-litre flat-four, which drives the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 15,505 miles from new, though this is not warranted, and is perhaps more likely to be 115,505 miles.

Launched in 1965 to bridge the price gap between the outgoing Porsche 356 and the newly introduced (but far more costly) 911, the Porsche 912’s exterior was almost identical to that of its more famous sibling. The real difference was in the engine compartment, where the 912 was fitted with a 90bhp version of the 1.6-litre flat-four used in the 356 SC, rather than the 130bhp flat-six found in the 911.

First registered in March 1966, this left-hand drive 912 is believed to have been a US market car, and was originally finished in Irish Green, as evidenced by the ‘6606’ colour code on its body plaque. The car was acquired by the seller approximately five months ago, and while it is not yet registered in the UK, all of the relevant taxes and import duties have been paid. It is only being sold as the vendor purchased a classic 911 while waiting for this car to arrive by ship from the US.

Today, this 912’s bodywork and paint show that the car has been driven and enjoyed, but would now benefit from some cosmetic attention. The car is not believed to have suffered from any accident damage; however, its brown finish is in poor overall condition, with various cracks, scratches and chips across its entire surface. The exterior trim including the bumpers, headlight bezels and light lenses presents well in comparison. This 912 rides on a set of 15-inch Fuchs alloy wheels with polished ‘petals’, which are in good shape.

In the cabin, the seats and door cards are upholstered in tan leather with perforated centres and are in fair condition, with a few nicks, scuffs and blemishes to their surfaces in line with the car’s age, and with a general aged patina. Elsewhere, the interior trim wears its age well, and while there is some minor damage to the steering wheel and a dent on the passenger-side of the aluminium dashboard trim, this adds to this 912’s well-worn charm. Though the car’s radio is missing, the vendor notes that the rest of its switches and electrical items appear to work without fault.

This classic Porsche’s past service history is unknown; however, it is reported to be running well and with good brakes, while its Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres are said to be in good condition. It will be accompanied by its previous Arizona title, which notes the mileage as ’45,505’, though this is believed to be a typo error given the current odometer readout.

This Porsche 912 is believed to be a straight and solid example of the marque’s entry-level sports car. While its paintwork and interior are somewhat weathered, this classic Porsche would make a fine candidate for a cosmetic restoration, affording the buyer the option to refinish it in a colour of their choosing. Whichever route its next keeper takes, this 912 will make a charming addition to any collection, and is ultimately ready to use and enjoy straight away.

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