There are rare cars, and then there are cars that carry history in their bones. This 1966 Porsche 912 is the latter — a lifetime Los Angeles and Orange County car with an unbroken three-owner chain stretching back to its original delivery in late 1965 from Hollywood Competition Motors, the first Porsche dealer west of the Mississippi and the preferred address of Hollywood’s elite. James Dean bought his cars there. The provenance alone is worth the conversation.
But provenance only tells half the story. The other half is what was done to bring this car back to its absolute best.
This is not a driver-quality refresh. This is a ground-up, no-expense-spared concours restoration — the kind built to win shows and turn heads at the highest level of the pursuit. The body was stripped to bare metal and returned to its factory original color, Light Ivory — paint code 6604 Hellelfenbein — applied in period-correct Glasurit, the same paint system Porsche used from the factory. The work was placed in the hands of Hung Luu, a concours-winning painter whose results speak for themselves. Every panel is finished to show standards. The undercarriage is undercoated precisely to factory specification and presents in perfect condition — a detail that separates true restorations from cosmetic ones. Every nut and bolt has been cad plated to show standards by Sonic Plating in Gardena, California, just as the factory intended.
The detailing extends to the front of the car as well. The headlights are rare Citroën Cibié Bi-Iode 7″ units — the same celebrated lamps found on the legendary 911R and 911ST competition cars. Exclusive, period-correct, and increasingly difficult to source, they lend this 912 a subtle but unmistakable connection to Porsche’s early racing heritage and are a detail that informed eyes will immediately appreciate.
Inside, the cabin was entrusted to K&H Porsche Interiors, widely regarded as the gold standard in period-correct Porsche upholstery. The result is a cockpit that feels as considered and complete as the day it left Stuttgart.
The Mechanicals
The heart of the car is its original matching-numbers engine, rebuilt approximately 200 miles ago by Cory Evens of Speedmetal — a respected specialist in 356 and 912 engines, restorations, wiring, and full assembly whose depth of knowledge and standing in the early Porsche community is well earned. Fully balanced and CC’d, the engine has been upgraded with big-bore pistons displacing 1,725cc breathing through Weber 40IDF carburetors — a thoughtful performance enhancement that elevates the driving experience while preserving the car’s fundamental character.
Suspension and brakes have been fully rebuilt with factory parts, nothing overlooked, nothing left to chance. The handling reflects it — sharp, sporty, and confident, much as it was when it left the factory. It’s precisely what makes these early cars such a joy to drive. Much of the car retains its original components in refurbished, serviceable condition, lending an authenticity that purpose-built restorations rarely achieve.
For modern touring versatility, the car runs a fully rebuilt 5-speed transmission by California Motor Sports Inc., a meaningful upgrade for open-road driving. Critically, the original matching-numbers 4-speed is included in the sale, preserving the car’s investment-grade completeness. Steel wheels are fitted with 175/60-15 Bridgestone tires that complement its handling character beautifully.
The Documentation
The paper trail on this car is as compelling as the car itself. VIN 454243 is accompanied by its Kardex — the official Porsche factory birth certificate — which tells the story with precision. Delivered on December 27, 1965, with its acceptance certificate and inspection report dated February 11, 1966, the record confirms what the car presents: an early, legitimate US-market example with documented origins straight from the factory. For a collector, this level of factory documentation is increasingly rare and adds a layer of confidence and value that no restoration alone can provide.
The Significance
The 912 is having its moment — and rightfully so. The culture surrounding these cars is reaching audiences well beyond traditional Porsche circles. Young and seasoned enthusiasts alike, people who never thought of themselves as early Porsche collectors, are discovering what makes these cars so compelling. For those who already know, the 1966 model year holds special significance as the first year of US sales. A December 1965 build date places this among the earliest American-market examples. At 114,000 original chassis miles, this is a car that lived a full California life and has now been given a second one — better than the first.
Fresh out of restoration, this 912 was shown at Air-Water in Costa Mesa, California in April 2025, where it drew immediate and well-deserved attention. It followed that appearance with a strong finish at the regional Orange County PCA Concours in Dana Point in June 2025 — early validation from the community that knows these cars best.
The total investment in this restoration significantly exceeds the asking price. For the discerning collector, that gap represents an extraordinary opportunity — a blue-chip 912 with Hollywood lineage, factory documentation, elite craftsmen behind every surface, and the records to back it all up.
Cars like this don’t come twice. And they don’t stay available for long.
Asking $98,950 — best firm offer.