8 Facts about the 1965-69 Porsche 912
1. 911 Handling, 356 Power
The recipe for a Porsche 912 is simple: Take one 911 body and chassis, add 356 power. Some people think of the air cooled flat four in the 356 and 912 as a VW Beetle motor, but it is only based on that motor, and except for the cases, everything is redesigned by Porsche. It is true though that the later 914, and 1976 912E, utilized a VW motor with only slight modifications.
2. Still a Bargain, Sort of
The 1965-69 Porsche 912 can be had for about $36,000 in good driver condition, according to Hagerty Insurance. While that kind of money will buy any number of new or late model cars that will blow the doors off a 912 in a straight line, it is still $30,000 less than a similar condition 911 of that vintage will cost you. Part of the reason they are valued lower is that there were more 912 cars made than 911 for the first five years, likely due to their lower sticker price.
3. Better Handling
The air cooled Porsche 911, especially the short wheelbase models from before 1969, have a reputation for taking drivers by surprise with over steer. With nearly 200lbs less weight behind the rear wheels, the 912 actually handles better than its big brother. Plus, with less power, it is more forgiving of poor throttle control.
4. 911 from Behind the Wheel
From behind the wheel, there is little that gives away that you are driving anything but a vintage Porsche 911. All the interior parts are the same between the two cars, with just a little decontenting having been done to save money. All the same interior and exterior colors and fabrics that the 911 offered were sold in the 912 as well. You could even get the matching fitted luggage. Of course, with the engine running you will hear the difference between the flat four and the six, and when you put your foot down you will feel the difference in power.
5. The Rare Targa Tops
While there were more than 20,000 Porsche 912 coupes produced from 1965-69, there were less than 3,000 Targa top models made. These cars mirror the 911 Targa of the same era. The early cars have a flexible vinyl rear window that zips in place and a removable roof panel. The later cars have a fixed rear glass window.
6. 1969 Updates
In 1969, of course, the 911 got a stretch in wheelbase of nearly an inch and a half, to reduce its high speed handling nerves, and the 912 came along for the ride. Even with the longer wheelbase (now 89.3"), these cars are nimble and quick to change direction. The overall size of the body wasn't changed, but there are subtle differences between the 1969 and earlier years. The gauges were revised, and there are differences in the shape of the fender openings.
7. Motorsports Legacy
With a little factory help, Sobiesław Zasada campaigned the 912 in the European Rally Championship in 1967, finishing first in the Rally of Poland in front of 50 other cars. In sports car racing, the 912 was a popular car for amateurs thanks to its sub-2.0 liter motor, superb handling and brakes. It is still a popular car in vintage rally events and sports car races for these same reasons.
8. 912 Police Use
The predictable handling, stellar brakes, and fuel economy from the flat four made the Porsche 912 a popular police patrol vehicle for the highways of Europe. The above car was used by Dutch police, but the German and Swedish police also utilized them. With their large fuel tanks, and nearly 30 mpg fuel economy, you could patrol for hours and hours on the autobahn without having to fill up. The 100,000 Porsche car was actually a police spec Porsche 912.
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