Jay Gratton

I really would like to try out a 912E. I would guess the early 912's would be like a 356 and those are cool. But I would hope the 912E would handle a little better. Maybe in due time I'll get to drive one. Merry Christmas.

Paul491 Cadrobbi

Over the years, I have owned three 911's and have no intentions of ever selling my current M491. I must admit, I have long admired the 912 as the 'bridge' between the 356 and 911, almost a 356D coupe, eh? At 6'4", the 356 is a bit cramped...

It sure would be fun to locate a nice example and drop in a souped-up 914/912E engine into it. Now that would be some real fun! I think it would be a great car to track and DE. It would handle way more neutral than an early 911 and the company? Much slower... With a 912, it's not how fast you can accelerate down a straight but how much speed you can carry through a turn BEFORE the straight. These cars require a better driver to be competitive and for me, that's a big attraction. It's not the HP, but developing good driving skills that's adds to the fun factor. Yep, I've got the fever... Let's get goin!!!!!

Jay Gratton

I have always driven low HP cars on the track from 914 1.7's & 2.0's, 944's and 924S'. I have also driven high HP 911's and 914 racecars on the track as well. Because I have spent so much time in low HP cars I have learned to keep up momentum and what is takes to maintain it at all times. This is why I think the 912 would be a GREAT DE car for anyone.

Brian_77_3.6

In 1976 a friend who worked as a mechanic in a German car speciality shop took me for a ride in his 1970 911S with a worked 2 litre and I was hooked. Had to have one. However money said differently and I aquired a 1967 912 with a blown engine. I rebuilt the engine with a big bore kit added headers and a bursch exhaust along with webers. I remember it as very quick with an even tourque band and could just about keep up with stock 911's. (well stock t's anway) Faster then most cars of that vintage on the street and it held its own at Summit Point in Drivers Schoold events. A guy up the street had a 912E and we spent many Sundays chasing each other on the back roads of Carol County Md. If my memory serves me right the car was a 5spd. That was the beggining of my addiction and 30 years latter I still miss that car.

mrsullivan

owning both a 98 993 S and a 66 912, there are things that i love about both... i disagree with some of the comments on here (respectfully).... the reason that i love the 912 so much is it's lightness, smell, feel, short wheel base, etc. i know many will disagree, but i think that when you get back into the 60s, there is not THAT much performance difference/feel between the 911 (sans 'S') and the 912... so for me, if someone likes the look of the early 911 and comes across a 912 in great shape, why not? in fact as many have said, the handling is as good or better, you get the look, but just with a smaller engine, but one that was the best of the 356 development...

my dad and i found this 912 locally, it was one-owner car, 80k original miles, unmolested, no rust, black on red with lots of documentation... while we were looking for an early 911, given the condition of this 912 we bought it...and have never regretted it...

Jay Gratton

I would buy a 912 over a older 911 if I found a 912 that was better. Esp. because the price would be better too.

95Juan

i'm seriously considering a 912.

cost
balance
looks

and from what i'm told- easy to work on?


the 912 bug has bitten, and i think i'm going to need one by the end of this year.

Greg D.

>i'm seriously considering a 912.

Early or late ?

If early, then they are as easy to work on as 356s (and aircooled beetles), except you have twice the room in the engine compartment ! I'm really enjoying my 69. I've had long hoods, mid years, modern porsches, but this car is truly an odd yet fun mix of new and old ! Close your eyes and you're in a 356. Open them you're driving an early 911. My plate reads 356D ;-) It's not "fast" but I have other cars for that...

95Juan

i'm guessing early, because the late ones have fuel injection?

likewise, i dont need a fast car, i already have one of those.

Greg D.

>because the late ones have fuel injection?

I meant early 912 (66-69 long hood look) or the 2nd gen 70something that looks like an SC with impact bumpers.... I much prefer the early ones, and they are all carburated since they use a 356 motor. The 2nd gen used a VW engine I think, I don't think those are much of a collectible or will ever be when you can buy an SC for $9000 and get the flat 6.

Good luck !

hoffman912

the 912E's are going up in value too and have their own cult following, all be it smaller than the 65-69 models.

Juan, im glad to hear youve been bitten by the bug! I really suggest you check out 912bbs.org. it is a great forum for 912s. lots of cars for sale there too. also there are alot of people in northern california, and quite a few from your area (youre in sac right?). you should go to soem of their driving tours or get togethers and check them out and get a ride in one to see how you like them.

Jay Gratton

I agree, I would go with an early 912 as well. Very classic looking and easy to work on. Good luck in your search!

ked

I have a '65 SC & I had a '72T a few years back - many yrs ago I drove a '69 912 cross-continent. Recently, a friend picked up a solid '68 912 5sp & is in the process of sorting it out. I am very impressed w/ the 912 - as simple to own & operate as a 356, but with performance on par w/ the 911T (not as torquey, of course). As most here note, the 912 has that light and balanced feel that rewards a sensitive, anticipatory driver. I am impressed how quick it is (almost as light as the SC) & how advanced it is in suspension / handling. The drawbacks are those of all Porsches of the '60s - rust & parts cost (esp obscure trim & interior - general maint. cost isn't too bad) - it costs as much (or as little) as a 911 - even engine rebuilds are almost as expensive (though simple enough to do yourself if you're rigorous about procedures). Anyway, the usual advice REALLY applies - buy one in great condition to start with - you'll save in the long run.

I keep trying to talk myself into getting one, but I can't quite justify it when I've got the SC... hmmm, maybe a soft window Targa...

Jay Gratton

Who wouldn't want a soft window car! Nice choice.

pinetreeporsche

A note from a bit of an outlander here--a 914 owner. We share motors with the E, after all. I appreciate the 356 (after all, it began as a mid-engine, but economics forced the VW motor-position), but as a classic, not as a modern car. The 911, 912, and 914 all had suspensions that we can still appreciate today. And they still handle well (the 914 that always wins the Porsche Parade autocross by several seconds shows which is the real descendant of Ferry's first 356, though). But, since the extra weight on the six cyl makes it more difficult to control, why not a 912--incl. the E. Buy a type IV block, pop on some big cylinders and Weber 40s, and get more power. Jake Raby's kit (OK, its $5000 and your labor) will make 180 hp, more than enough in the light 912. And Jake's researching low-boost turbo which will bring it up near 300. Keep the old engine under a tarp in the shed (OK, maybe with a heat bulb) and run the heck out of a high hp 4-cyl 912. Embarrass the '11 crowd, and, if you want to show concourse later on, put the original 4-cyl motor back in! (Me, I'm waiting for Jake's turbo package for the 914, but why not a nimble '12 if you like the '11 body style?) -Chris Hager