Description
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-liter 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 well-balanced car with great 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 119mph. A little over 30,000 examples were produced at Karmann’s works (Porsche’s was fully occupied with the 911) between 1965 and 1968 and today the 912 is a relative rarity when compared with its better-known sibling.
This exceptionally rare Soft Window Targa has recently benefited from a program of refurbishment, including a repaint in Burgundy Red (code 6608), almost all new rubber seals, and a new black leather interior which is in very good order. The 912 is said to run and drive very nicely and we note the odometer reads 88,000 miles. The Soft Window version of the 912 is a rare variant and we are sure this example will be a rewarding car to own for the next custodian.
