I definitely could live without a car as I am a PhD student and bike to work/school. I have been wanting to build a porsche from the ground up, so to speak, for a while now. My 3.2 is just too expensive to do all that on, and I think restoring a 912 may be a cheaper option (I dunno you tell me). If I were to sell my 3.2 I would probably end up with about 15 grand cash (after paying off the loan). I would probably want a pre 1970 912 or maybe even mid 70s...I just like the metal lined ones, I hate my rubber bumpered 3.2 haha. I know it would be a big drop as far as performance and such, but I dont really care much about tracking or anything. I wouldnt want to restore it to concours level but pretty much rebuild the car. I am not sure if I have the skill to do this though, how hard is it working on a 912? The only things I have done to my 911 are tie rods, major service intervals, CV joints, sway bars, things like that. I haven't done a full engine rebuild before ever, but I presume rebuilding the 912 engine will be easier than the 911 engine. And how expensive can this typically be? I know that some people can dump 40 grand into a 911 or 912 restoration but I am also not looking to really show the car at concours level. Thanks for any imput and let me know if there are any 912 project cars available.

 

Look here: www.912bbs.org
Lots of traffic there with answers to all your questions. The buy-in price for a decent 912 is less than for an equal early 911, but the restoration is really no less expensive. The motor will be easier to work on yourself, however.
Good luck!
Alan

 

The motors/maintenance are much cheaper, the bodies etc are the same as far as costs. I restored a mid 70s 911 and currently still have my 912(1969). Personally I would stick with the true 912s (1956-69). Mine has been very reliable and it still gets 27-30mpg depending on fuel and how I drive it.

 

the motors are easier to work on, but arent cheeper by any means. a rebuild usually goes for about 10K. (about the same as a 911). engine parts are getting very expensive.

Talk to Joe Schneider in Santa Barbara (Schneiders Auto Haus), he can give you the scoop on alot of stuff 912 wise.

 

I don't think it' a good idea. .... if you mean it as a cheaper replacement for your carrera.

You buy a 912 because you want a 912. Or because you want a classic 911 but don't like the idea of another mortgage ;-) Buying one because it could be a cheaper alternative to a 911 is probably not going to work out that way - it'll cost you more !

"Clean" early cars are getting very hard to find, like harry said a 912 motor costs as much to rebuild as a flat 6... Restorations are super expensive, time consuming and ulcer inducing unless you are gifted with body and paint talents and have time + space, I much prefer to drive them now and occasionally tinker. Tinkering and restoring are not the same.... To use on a semi-daily basis (as an only car (?), a modern(ish) 3.2 will probably be more reliable just because it's not as old... also possibly more practical for longer trips (faster cruising, A/C)...

Finally, another point to consider, I hate to say this as I love my 912, but while restoring an early 911S is worth your investment, maybe (if you are careful), restoring a 912 will cost you just as much and return very little in comparison. Prices are on the rise but not quite up there yet !

Not to say you shouldn't get a 912, if yyou are still gung ho after reading this, go ahead !! they are great cars, but in your case I don't see that working out too well if it's just an alternative to the 3.2... Somebody said (of the 911SC ) that they are all $20K cars. I think it applies to 912s now too, at a minimum... sooner or later anyway...