help with ID

juanbenae · 07:42 PM

a friend of mines uncle is selling a 912 that looks to be pretty original. i am looking to determine year (its a long hood so i know it < 73).. any clues on year and some things i should look for when i go to look at it with him? i know the normal places to look for rust due to my experience in the 911 spectrum. i was thinking late 60's as it appears to be a short wheel base car. any pointers would be helpfoo- TIA

thanks

WFBowen · WFBowen's Garage

Looks like you found a well-preserved 68. Still has its orig. radio, decklid raintray & side marker lights - the car even looks like it was never lowered - sits high just as it did in 68. As long as it drives well, I'd go for it - even has the black CA plates - a good indicator of it's history.
Good luck,
Bill.

juanbenae · 09-23-2006, 08:58 PM

i will keep you guys posted, i am very interested if my buddy passes. in reading a couple of pm's also identifying it as a 68 i am off to do some reasearch on the 68 912. early returns say one star out of four in the very broad porsche buyers guide book. it rates with the bumpered cars of the mid 70's. the highest ranking for the other years was 2/4 so take that for what you will.

any other insite through the scurge that appears to cover and consume the engine? does the motor look correct, like the proper carbs and such? the 911 guys would know...

thanks again for any insite. if my buddy passes i might be able to get it for a 5 of diamonds...

t4

jpamental · jpamental's Garage

Toby,

The engine just looks like it hasn't been cleaned in a long time. Not that out of the ordinary. Appears to be Weber carbs, so those aren't original, but many like them more than the Solex's that were. The bigger question is rust - get under the car and check where the suspension meets the body in the front and the back - those are common problem areas, as is the floorpan. Much can be fixed, but if they look good and the car drives well (doesn't smoke too much on startup, etc) it could be a really good deal for 5k.

Good luck - keep us posted.

By the way - I'm not sure what book you're reading for the ratings, but personally I think any of the 'long-hoods' (911 and 912 prior to 74) are a LOT nicer! And the 4 cylinder engine as much simpler for less experienced 'shade tree' mechanics like myself to work on.

Jason