Drove a '69 912 on Sunday

[speedracing944]

I was able to drive a '69 912 owned by a gentleman from the Yacht Club I used to sail with. I know it doesn't have much power but I was amazed at the uniqueness of the car overall. Every aspect of the car which would be normally assumed as standard on modern cars was different. It made my 944 feel appliance like in comparision. I swear I needed a Phd in Mechanical Engineering just to operate the seat belt latching mechanism.

I think I now understand the uniquness the early original 911s has to offer in comparision to other newer cars.



Speedy

[id10t]

If you can, try a 356 C or SC coupe - the SC will have the same engine as the 912, but will weigh less (1900lbs curb weight).

[Seahawk]

I had a '68 912 for years...I owned it when I was stationed in San Diego in the '80's, just the perfect city and weather for a 912.

When I move east to Patuxent River I sold it...at that time I didn't have the bandwidth for a car without a/c in this miserable humidity.

I do now, hence the 356.

Great little cars.

[Embraer]

My first Porsche was a '67 912 in Slate Grey. Bought it during my time in college (7 years ago). Loved that car!

[VincentVega]

Very cool cars. I've only driven one and couldnt get used to the gearbox. It was only a ~15 minute drive, but with no HP and the wrong gear, it was a long 15 min.

[Embraer]

After driving a TR4 for years, the '67 912 I owned felt like a brand new car. I guess it's all relative.

[Seahawk]

Absolutely...you really had to drive the car, select the right gear always and manage momentum like you read about, staying and planning way ahead of the car. I think that is what I enjoyed the most...and what I am most looking forward to getting back in a 356.

Originally Posted by VincentVega

Very cool cars. I've only driven one and couldnt get used to the gearbox. It was only a ~15 minute drive, but with no HP and the wrong gear, it was a long 15 min.

[tcar]

Friend had a 356 SC, I almost bought it.

Great driving car.

69 912 softwindow targa: ditto.

[rfuerst911sc]

In the early 70's my brother was in the Navy and he bought a beautiful blue 1969 912. He completely restored the car and souped up the motor and suspension. It was an amazing car and it's what got me hooked on Porsches. Sadly he tired of the car and sold it to a university professor. That professor entered it into a road rally and promptly wrapped it around a tree and totaled it .

[Zeke]

I never could get used to the sound. I owned too many VW's, I guess. But I respect a 912 hot rod.

[chapo]

I love my 69 912.

[VincentVega]

manage momentum like you read about, staying and planning way ahead of the car.

I completely agree, but no luck on Rt2 up here. Maybe I should move South for better roads.

I found another 912 a few years ago I passed on, bad move on my part. Long hood 911/912's define sports car to me.

[cgarr]

I have my 69 setup pretty nice and it makes a great little autox car:



And here is what it looked like to my Son as I drove by:

[Jim Richards]

Originally Posted by VincentVega

I completely agree, but no luck on Rt2 up here. Maybe I should move South for better roads.

I found another 912 a few years ago I passed on, bad move on my part. Long hood 911/912's define sports car to me.

V^2, you need a better climate than what we have...our winters and our summers suck, and spring is too damn short or it rains like mad. A long hood is best enjoyed in the fall, and that's just not long enough. Or, you could move to a better climate.

[stogie25]

I was drooling over a '67 912 at Cars & Coffee last weekend. I did not get to drive it, but it was a very cool car. The 356 speedster is still my favorite car of all time.

[speedracing944]

It is amazing how 5 years ago the 912 was not very desirable and was overshadowed by the 6 cylinder bigger brother. Now there seems to be a sort of resurrection of the model.

Speedy

[Deschodt]

I love mine (69)... Having owned a 73T and still owning a backdated car, it's like a 911-lite.
the steering is lighter, the balance is better, everything else is pure 911 but somehow more nimble, and you feel like you're doing 80 when you are doing 40 mph ;-) My wife much prefers it to the 911 (there, I just negated the arguments above for you). Would I have one instead of a 911 ? No, it's loud at 80 mph and turns too high RPMs, but as a city car, it scoots !

It's no mystery they enjoy a surge in popularity. A great car will cost you $15K, a good car 10K ! It's 80% of the fun of an early 911 at 25% of the price.

Mind you, repairs and rebuilds are just as pricey as on a 911 so they make zero sense as restoration projects. On the flip side, you may not feel too guilty installing a 150hp Typ4 engine in them if you are short on cash ;-)

Wouldn't you buy this for under $10,000 ? I sure did !

[daepp]

First Porsche I drove was a 68 912 SWT. I was hooked in a few moments. Have only driven 60 and 70's Detroit iron, I could-not-believe the handling.