Porsche 912

The vehicle in detail

MODEL HISTORY & PRODUCTION

Porsche’s long-running & much loved 911 Sports Car first appeared at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show in prototype form, the 901. Porsche’s first entirely new model since the 356 had been launched in 1948. The 912 was conceived as an alternative version of the first-generation 911 when it went on sale in 1965.

Over the years, the Porsche 912 has become a collector’s classic. As a Porsche sportscar, it combines the charm & build quality of the Porsche 911 with the practicality & simplicity of the early 356 model. Manufactured by Porsche between 1965 and 1969 with around 30,745 units, but briefly revived from 1975 to 1976 for the US market only as a 912E. The 912 was a strategic move by Porsche to cater to a broader audience without compromising on performance & style.

The shape of the 912 is really classic, its short wheel base (SWB) with the smaller four-cylinder engine than the comparative 911 SWB makes for a well balanced driving style without the tail happy 911 SWB 6-cylinder motor. The Porsche 912 featured the body of the 911 but was paired with the same reliable and economical engine fitted in the 356SC. It was a blend that allowed Porsche to offer a car that had the aesthetic appeal and handling of a 911 while keeping costs lower, making the Porsche driving experience accessible to a broader range of customers. This proved to be true when one looks at initial sales as the 912 out stretched the 911 in the early years.

The 1.6 litre 4-cylinder air cooled engine in the original 912 produced 90hp. The same sightly de-tuned engine as used in the 356SC with its renowned durability & efficiency. Fitted with a five-speed manual “dog-leg” gear box, the 912 was able to accelerate from 0 – 62 mph in 13.5 seconds & top speed of 114 mph.