912 & 912E Ownership Poll

[Rick Becker]

Happy New Year 2012!

Other owners are already weighing in: How many years have you owned your 912 or 912E? Join the tally on the PCA 912 & 912E Register Facebook page by logging in to your account, then clicking the following link:

PCA 912 & 912E Register Owners Poll

For those not into Facebook, naturally you can reply using this thread as well.

Thanks,

[bimmernut2]

I've had my '68 about 3 years. I wasn't looking for one, but this one came along with only 8566 original miles, sitting for 12 years, and I couldn't resist. Cleaned the carbs and it fired right up. It did break a valve spring shortly after, but that's a quick fix even for me. I've replaced the floors and front under parts, gas tank, brakes, and now it's primered.
Heading to paint shop next month after pulling motor.
(forgive my log in name, but I've owned those continuously for 40 years)

[J2Hanson]

Hi Rick,
I'm not a facebook devotee, but I do belong to PCA. I've owned my 912 for 7 or 8 years. I'd have to look up the bill of sale to be certain. It was previously owned by a guy with a number of 911S's so it was never driven. I just had the calipers rebuilt by Eric Shea at PMB. They look great. I'm also converting to dual circuit system with a new master cylinder. I'll be ready for spring, when it comes!
John

[Jace 68 912 RSR]

Hey Rick,

Here's my story...

I purchased my '12 in 1990 with the body modifications already installed (911 IROC Wide Body). The PO didn't have a clue about Porsche or possibly any good cars for that matter. Within a month I detonated two pistons and had to rebuild.

I ended up with 1720 cc NPR's (the price was right), replace any other items that appeared to be old or worn, cleaned it up and it became my daily driver for almost 4 years.

I garaged it for over 12 years because life became more demanding until 2007 when got back into it. I took 4 years to complete the resto-mod and you can see pics of it on the 912 BBS:
912 BBS - 912 Registry Garage

It's not for everyone but I have fun with it!

Keep the rubber side down,

[Dave L.]

Rick Becker! How well I recall the struggle to raise the profile of these cars! It seemed that Porsche AG was in a state of comprehensive denial! By the 90's there were email chat boards and the first efforts to connect 914/912 owners via the still fledgling worldwide web. Thank you for all you've done with the Registry and PCA for this Porsche model. (How neglected we were through the 80's! Your work was THE step forward!) R/Dave L.

OK, ownership:

'65 year of manufacture 912 1985-1988 San Vito Dei Normanni, Italy (Rust in Peace!)

PCA, 912 Registry Charter Member, other car clubs, and still own (rough dates!):

E # 496 purchased in Orange County, CA in NOV 1995 shipped to Europe, returned to USA in 1997 (Bitter Chocolate Sunroof Coupe, Raby 2056)
E # 979 purchased in Arizona in 2004-or so (Copper/Bronze metallic , under 50K miles)
E # 0054 purchased in Washington, DC in 2009 from Chris Wye (Silver/Black, Sunroof, Raby 2260)

Pics: Brown, Bronze, Silver!

[Rick Becker]

Thanks for the kind words Dave, thanks to all who have responded to the poll, and all that have worked so hard to promote the 912 & 912E. Please keep the poll responses coming!

I believe the best testimony for 912s are the owners' stories. It's great that there are still original owners around, that 912s have stayed in families for generations, that so many owners restore them like new, that these cars are on the road and on the racetrack like they were intended.

912s are becoming more and more collectible, while still being undervalued. In today's world of Porsche, now with 60+ years of history constructing so many models, we need to keep them in circulation.

[Duke]

I have owned my 69 for 42 years! Still has the original paint & looks great!!

[fbarrett]

Duke, that's excellent. I've had my '65 (451326) for 44 years, 150,000 miles and two restorations.



Frank

[Charlie Burke]

I purchased my '69 912 in November 1968 (almost 44 years ago). I'm in the process of putting it back on the street after being garaged for the last 7 or 8 years.

[FIG]

Originally Posted by fbarrett

Duke, that's excellent. I've had my '65 (451326) for 44 years, 150,000 miles and two restorations.



Frank

Hey Frank,

Great ride height! What size wheels/tyres are you running, and do they 'rub' ?

Looks amazing!

[fbarrett]

FIG:

It has 7x15 factory alloys with 205/55-15 BFG Sport tires; stock fenders (unrolled); with judicious use of spacers, the tires do not rub. The 22- and 27-mm torsion bars may help. Car weighs 2,050 lb with half a tank of gas, and those tires lower the gear ratio by about eight percent. Ride is very firm for the street, but a set of 6x15 wheels with 185x70 tires cures that when necessary.

Frank

[grogthegreat]

I might as well join in.
I've owned my '68 912 coupe for less than a year. I now doing the small things it needs to get on the road like the brakes, electrical system, and engine. Overall a pretty solid car but nowhere near a show car right now.

It has German metal fender flares welded in front and rear. It needs new tires so I'm putting on 245/45R16 tires up front and 255/50R16 tires in back. Although not original, I like the look of gracefully done fender flares and wide tires on these cars.

The previous owner had converted it to a type4 engine but the "rebuilt ready to break in" engine was junk so I'm putting in a 2.5L type4 that is complete with final assembly is waiting on the rest of the car. I like the type4 engine but I couldn't buy a 912E since I'm in CA and want to play with my cars. The 2.5L should make plenty of power and I plan on going megasquirt and turbo. Since I don't have the original engine I might as well have fun. I have to find out
of the stock transmission can take 400HP.... Original 4 speed so I might need to do some gear changes so that I can cruise on the highway.

As you might know from my recent thread, the previous owner also installed H5 headlights which I do like the look of. Looks like I do have a headlight relay behind the driver petals! The H5 lights give it a slightly more modern and aggressive look which matches the fender flares but doesn't make the car look too new.

Interior is now in good shape although the exterior needs new paint. It was originally a tan colored car which got painted red and then the current maco white which is in very rough shape. I plan on getting it repainted in about 6 months after it is back on the road but haven't decided on a color yet. Normally I'd go back to the original color but that tan just doesn't appeal to me.

I love the car so far and I haven't even gotten a chance to drive it.

[azkid]

Ten years Great old car Would like to know more of its history.

[Jace 68 912 RSR]

Originally Posted by grogthegreat

I might as well join in.
I've owned my '68 912 coupe for less than a year. I now doing the small things it needs to get on the road like the brakes, electrical system, and engine. Overall a pretty solid car but nowhere near a show car right now.

It has German metal fender flares welded in front and rear. It needs new tires so I'm putting on 245/45R16 tires up front and 255/50R16 tires in back. Although not original, I like the look of gracefully done fender flares and wide tires on these cars.

The previous owner had converted it to a type4 engine but the "rebuilt ready to break in" engine was junk so I'm putting in a 2.5L type4 that is complete with final assembly is waiting on the rest of the car. I like the type4 engine but I couldn't buy a 912E since I'm in CA and want to play with my cars. The 2.5L should make plenty of power and I plan on going megasquirt and turbo. Since I don't have the original engine I might as well have fun. I have to find out
of the stock transmission can take 400HP.... Original 4 speed so I might need to do some gear changes so that I can cruise on the highway.

As you might know from my recent thread, the previous owner also installed H5 headlights which I do like the look of. Looks like I do have a headlight relay behind the driver petals! The H5 lights give it a slightly more modern and aggressive look which matches the fender flares but doesn't make the car look too new.

Interior is now in good shape although the exterior needs new paint. It was originally a tan colored car which got painted red and then the current maco white which is in very rough shape. I plan on getting it repainted in about 6 months after it is back on the road but haven't decided on a color yet. Normally I'd go back to the original color but that tan just doesn't appeal to me.

I love the car so far and I haven't even gotten a chance to drive it.

Grog, sounds like a fun ride...we need pics!!!

[zwolf]

Might as well toss my introduction and sad picture into the ring.
My particular 912 was bought cheap from a guy who was going to stuff a 911 engine her and lost interest. I bought her sight unseen from a colorado add, and had a buddy pick her up on his way through with a trailer, she is a mere shell of her original self, but I do hope that this summer see's her at least back on the road. I do not have the original engine a replacement engine or the intended 911 engine. I do have a type 1 bug motor that is getting a mild build and will serve. Same general family and is right for me an my situation. Long range goal is to get her cleaned up and vaguely resembling an early rally car. Figure that will be the most fun for me to drive here in Interior Alaska. I don't really have room in my life for a fair weather car that is to fast(and to low) for the 3 available roads, so she will get a docile DD motor and a loving home ;-)

here she is.. I have owned her for almost 10 years , and due to family and job she has languished, but we are both ready now.

[Peter T.]

'68 912 Coupe
VIN# 12804324

Purchased in August 2004. Have replaced bits and pieces to include a comprehensive interior restoration.

PO - Engine rebuilt - Mahre 1720cc, Webers

Suspension upgrade: F/R sway bars, tower brace

[911jeff]

I let go of my first 912 many years ago and have missed it for about that long. Just stumbled on a '68 912 today on Craigslist -- was posted about 10pm last night, owner about 5 mi from my house. It was in my garage by 3pm today.

Wasn't really looking, and this was probably a dumb spur-of-the-minute purchase (we'll see), but it really looks a lot like the one I let get away, so what the hell.

The car looks pretty solid overall but has a couple of drawbacks -- one is that it has Recaros from a Golf GTi, and the PO tossed (!) the original seats. The Recaros are decent, but way too tall...my head is bumping the roof. Will need to figure out a different seating solution in order to enjoy the car.

The other issue is that the drivetrain was replaced with a 914 1.7 and a 901. Looks like the only body mod was welding a cross member in the engine compartment and that could be removed easily. The car drives pretty well with this set-up and the PO says it is very reliable.

Any thoughts on this set-up? Total blasphemy, or an OK mod for a 912 driver?

Any ideas on a seat replacement?

[micheloaks]

Bought my 67 in 2008 (converted to rhd) with a 1720 kit from a 'fastidious' PO. Made all the usual first buyer mistakes but have enjoyed it and done many 1000mile east coast runs in it. Currently off road needing some pan work.

Found an original 1965 tourist delivered car sitting in a warehouse since 1983. Had to have it! Sits waiting for a major resto - once I sell my 71T.

Some mates don't get it...sell a 911.

[Jaems Thomsen]

911 Jeff

Just leave it the way it is. There have been several modification to this one. It would be a little expensive to put it back to original.

Besides the engine, (the 901 transaxel is correct), the seats, inside door panels, rear view mirror, steering wheel, outside side markers, side trim, and outside mirrors. Just from the two pictures. Don't you just hate it. When the PO customizes a classic car and do not keep the original parts and then sell it. There are some places that sell period correct seats that will fit this car.

Just drive it and enjoy. There are several Renegades over on the 912bbs that use that engine. They have their own section.

[Matt Monson]

I change cars more often than most people change socks. I've owned three 912s, none of which I kept for more than a year. I had a '65 RHD one with a type IV in it. Bought it simultaneously with a '66 rolling chassis. After I got rid of those and owned an early 911 for a while I bought a 912E that I daily drove for about 8 or 9 months. Don't currently own one, but would love to get back into a SWB 912 some day.