1967 Porsche 912

Ric Sorgato
Mar 4
3 min read

Updated: Mar 31

HIGHLIGHTS

Full conservative restoration carried out recently
Karmann's Light Ivory 6604 over extended black "sky" interior
Matching colours, matching numbers
130.000 original km and ready to drive
2 known owners since its re-registration in 1990

THE PORSCHE 912: THE ICONIC ENTRY-LEVEL CLASSIC

The Porsche 912 was introduced in 1965 as a response to the growing need for a more affordable alternative to the newly launched 911. At the time, the 356 model had reached the end of its production cycle, and Porsche sought to fill the gap for customers who found the 911 too expensive.

By equipping the 912 with the 1.6-liter flat-four engine from the 356 SC instead of the 911’s six-cylinder unit, Porsche was able to offer a sports car with similar aesthetics and handling characteristics at a lower price point. The result was a well-balanced vehicle that retained Porsche’s signature driving dynamics while being more economical to purchase and maintain. The 912 proved to be a commercial success, outselling the 911 in its early years and cementing its place in Porsche’s history as a practical yet exciting entry-level model.

TECHNICAL FEATURES AND VARIANTS COMPARED TO THE 911

While the 912 shared its chassis, body, and much of its design with the 911, it featured a lighter, more fuel-efficient engine. The 1.6-liter flat-four produced 90 horsepower, which, combined with the car’s lower weight, allowed for balanced handling and respectable performance. Compared to the 911’s more complex and powerful flat-six, the 912’s engine was simpler and easier to maintain, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who valued reliability.

Throughout its production run from 1965 to 1969, the 912 remained largely unchanged, though minor refinements were made in areas like the dashboard and interior. In 1976, Porsche briefly revived the model with the 912E, a single-year variant sold exclusively in the U.S., featuring a 2.0-liter Volkswagen-derived engine. Despite its short production span, the 912E maintained the essence of the original: an accessible Porsche with great driving dynamics.

MARKET TRENDS OVER THE PAST 25 YEARS

For many years, the Porsche 912 remained in the shadow of the 911, often overlooked by collectors. However, over the last 25 years, interest in the 912 has grown steadily. Prices for well-maintained examples have risen significantly as enthusiasts recognize its unique classic Porsche styling and history. The lightweight construction and precise handling make it a desirable alternative to the more expensive early 911s.

Since the early 2000s, values have climbed, particularly for original and matching-numbers cars. As air-cooled Porsches have become increasingly sought-after, the 912 has benefited from the surge in demand. Today, fully restored or well-preserved examples often command prices that were once reserved for entry-level 911s, with some models appreciating by more than 200% over the past two decades.

CHASSIS N. 462797

The specific Porsche 912 we offer for sale is a 1967 unit with chassis n. #462797, with its original engine #755684, retaining its matching numbers and colors. This vehicle has an authentic history as it's driven approximately 130.000 km since new. Finished in classic Light Ivory 6604 with an extended sky black interior - back then the 912s' bodyshells were built by Karmann - it exudes timeless Porsche elegance and features the most-wanted green dials on the instruments' cluster.

Originally registered in Alessandria, this 912 was owned by a gentleman from Asti between 1990 and 2016, when it was acquired by its current custodian. The car originally had white license plates, which have been converted to period-correct black plates. Needless to say, the vehicle comes with the white plates too.

Since its acquisition in 2016, extensive restoration and maintenance work have been performed, ensuring the vehicle is in excellent condition. The engine was completely rebuilt by Carrozzeria Barzan (TV), while the gearbox remains in optimal shape. The braking system has been fully overhauled with new zinc-coated calipers, drilled discs, and aviation-grade brake hoses. Suspension has been upgraded with new Bilstein components, and all silent blocks, hoses, and filters have been replaced. The Solex carburetors have also been professionally rebuilt.

On the bodywork side, the undercarriage has been completely refurbished like-new with no signs of rust, while the fenders and fuel tank have undergone cathodic protection treatment. Exterior chrome elements have been restored, preserving the car’s original aesthetic. The black sky interior remains original, with refreshed seat padding to enhance comfort.

This 912 is in outstanding condition comes with a brand-new set of Michelin XWX classic tires and has no significant work needed. It does, however, exhibit minor oil seepage during winter months, a common trait among classic air-cooled Porsches. Overall, it presents an excellent opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts seeking a well-preserved and mechanically sound example of this beloved classic.

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