Valued at €53.000 on 27/08/2019
THE 912
A 'modern classic' if ever there was one, Porsche's long-running 911 arrived in 1964, replacing the 356 and providing the Stuttgart manufacturer with a product worthy of comparison with the finest sports cars from Britain and Italy. The 356's rear-engined layout was retained but the 911 switched to unitary construction for the body shell and had a more modern McPherson strut and trailing arm arrangement.
Although widely acclaimed, the 911 was necessarily expensive, a shortcoming that Porsche addressed by offering the 912 which, though outwardly identical, was powered by the 356's 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. As installed in the 912 the latter produced 90bhp, some 40 horsepower less than the 911's six, but this deficit was offset by significantly reduced weight, resulting in a better-balanced car with greatly improved road manners.
The 911 gearbox was used, offering a choice of four or five speeds. Despite being down on power, the 912 had a respectable top speed of 191km/h. Porsche officially began production of the 912 on April 5, 1965 with a little over 30,000 produced (all on the original short-wheelbase chassis) between 1965 and 1968, and today the 912 is a relative rarity when compared with its better-known sibling.
OUR 912
This desirable early matching-numbers Porsche 912 was sold new in the beginning of 1966 in Italy via Porsche of Bologna; carrying AR 569 LT as its original Italian license plate. Being one of the early 1966 examples produced it features the typical and desirable early series 3-clock dashboard, the Enamel badged wheels and thin engine support.
The car stayed in Italy until the beginning of 2019 when it came to Belgium and in the hands of its current owner. Last year some light restoration work was carried out including : interior roof liner, dashboard, sun visors, radio, steering wheel, exhaust, windshield, rear window, starter motor, seat belts, tires,...
Still in its original (but repainted) colour scheme of Aga Blue with beige (original) interior, this remarkably original Porsche 912 has led an easy life, as a single look will confirm. Only 8.7% of the 912's were finished in this lovely exterior color. It is said that the car had only 2 previous Italian owners. A copy of the Porsche COA is on file together with an Italian Title. Currently the car is registered in Belgium.
The engine starts instantly and runs well, while the transmission is in very good working order. The latter enjoyed a recent overhaul, including replacement of the syncro's. Both gearbox and engine are original to the car and matching numbers. The car also comes with its original jack, a service book, toolkit, an Italian and a Belgian valuation. In short; this is a lovely early short-wheel-based Porsche to be enjoyed driving on weekends and rallies.