Porsche 912 # 1 found

[hbrand]

I might have found Porsche 912 serial number 1.

Don't know yet but is it worth investigating this more ?

HaroldBrandner

[JT912]

It would be worth pursuing. Highly unlikely, but who knows?

[Rick Becker]

Theoretically there are two #1 912s, #350001 ( Porsche factory) and #450001 (Karmann factory)

Since the 912 Registry started in 1997, both those numbers have been registered. See:

912 Registry | Links to Owners List by Model Year, Body Style, & Factory

Meanwhile, a page on eBay showed the bidding on 1965 Porsche 911 VIN# 300278
ended on April 15, 2012 with a winning bid of US $102,011.00.

912s are still a bargain.....

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

There was also 912E #1. A young man bought that one (from a friend of the factory, I believe) in the 90s. He took it to his mechanic for a general check-up, and the mechanic wrapped it around a telephone pole on a test drive.

--DD

[Rick Becker]

There's also the prototypes.

People who are searching for 912 prototypes, here's one page to view: Wholesale California 949-631-7456

For the Type 923 (912E), see 912 Registry :: 912E Preseries Prototype for a (the only?) 912E prototype which is part of the appropriately named "Prototyp" museum in Hamburg, Germany.

[Jaems Thomsen]

What is odd with this plate. It list the typ as a 912 and not a 902. Originally the 911 was a 901 and the 912 was a 902. For a prototype it should be a 902 as with this 902 prototype 13394. Also the other one has a Karmman Paint plate with a 66 paint code instead of a 64. It does have a 356C engine number.

[Rick Becker]

Jaems,

Can you advise what year the 912 prototype was shown at Amelia Island Concours? Any info how Brumos acquired it? If only there were more photos of it.

[Rick Becker]

Some question the factory COAs; but it's difficult to comment without seeing the Kardex. Perhaps they ran a second batch of one or more prototypes in early '65? Light Ivory was also a 64-65 color.

The Amelia Island Concours description states #13394 was sold in 1967, so I'm wondering what its plate shows, 902 or 912 and 6413 or 6609?

[Jaems Thomsen]

I understand that Brumos sold it and it then went back to Europe. It was at the show in 2003. The only numbers set aside for the Prototypes were 13386-13397, according to Brumos. The only other picture I have is this one



maybe you can read this one.

[Jaems Thomsen]

[Rick Becker]

Wish I could have been there on '03 to see #13394; maybe someday in a museum...

[fbarrett]

This car, 13394, was restored by my friend Dennis Frick at Europa Macchina in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania during the late 1990s. Earlier, Dennis had restored Don Meluzio's 901 prototype. I understand that the 902 is currently for sale. His phone number is 717/932-6600, and his e-mail address is djf@europamacchina.com.

[fbarrett]

Here's Dennis' description of 13394:

"As the design phase ofthe 356 replacement gave way to actual development of the new model, twelve consecutive "replacement" chassis numbers were set aside for the factory Vehicle Research Department. These chassis numbers, 13386 through 13397, included the subject 902.

"This chassis, 13394, is thought to be the fifth of a series of pre-production 902 prototypes built for development tests. It is evident that this prototype, pictured in factory archive photos, was used by the factory to explore alternative interior designs and trim. Additionally, it is believed that some long-distance testing of chassis components Was done utilizing this car, which has its original engine, number 821118. The engine is an air-cooled, horizontally opposed, 1.6 Liter pushrod four-cylinder unit producing 95 DIN horsepower, taken unaltered from the 356 SC.

"This prototype has several features not found on production 912 Porsches. Its mechanical sunroof is operated by a crank handle, which employs spur and bevel gears, enabling the sunroof panel to lower and slide forward. (The production 911/912 sunroof, in contrast, is electric; it lowers and opens to the rear.) Because of its unusual sunroof design, this car has, concealed behind the headliner, hand-formed wooden platforms for the sun visors. A similarly shaped block supports the interior mirror. In the dashboard, three gauges with 356-style bezels are fitted. Also in evidence is a hand-cut steering lock, suggesting that such devices were tested on this vehicle. In the trunk are six sturdy hooks, two fastened to each of the inner fender wells, and two attached to the latch plate. The hooks are held in place by sheet metal screws, indicating that this was the first car so equipped. (A few very early production cars have similar hooks welded in position.) Members of the factory vehicle research team active during the 901/902 development state that they often fitted the four-cylinder prototypes with extra fuel containers in the trunk for long-distance testing. It is thought that the six hooks were initially installed for this purpose.

"Other non-production parts and tolerances are evident on this 902 in its front suspension, steering, and body. As examples, the front fenders are not interchangeable with their later production counterparts; no seal is fitted between the fenders and the cowl. As with other
prototypes, no front oveniders or rocker decorative strips are fitted.

"While the exact disposition of every 902 prototype is unknown, it is known that some were destroyed in testing, some were scrapped, and some were sold to employees. The advent of the longer wheelbase model (B Series) marked the end of this car's usefulness to the research department. Factory archive records indicate that it was sold in 1967.

"The Porsche Factory Archive Department’s documentation and photographs represented a critical part of the restoration research for this prototype.

"The dedicated team at Europa Macchina, Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, USA, restored this historically significant Porsche 902."

Frank

[Rick Becker]

Thanks for the great posts Frank and Jaems!

[Joost73]

Thanks for sharing, did i read it right that the black ex Brumos is for sale?

[djpateman]

I believe the first 902/912 prototype was 13328, and there were several others before 13386. Knowing the paint code would help establish the date.
Once you get up into the 134xx numbers the probability is that it is a replacement body. Some are Karmann, some have 1966 and 1967 paint code styles. The last replacement body is apparently 13574 and was for a 1969 911; so possibly in a LWB version.

[Rick Becker]

Below is a link to a page about 901 #13327

The real #1 911

[fbarrett]

In the early 1980s, while looking for the oldest existing 911 for a Porsche Panorama article celebrating the 25th anniversary of the 911, I found 13327 not two miles from my former home in York, Pennsylvania. It was unrestored then, and my photos of it appeared in the magazine that year. Owner Don Meluzio and restorer Dennis Frick did a fabulous job of researching and restoring the car, and Porsche has recognized it for what it is.

Frank

[Joost73]

Great story Frank. Do you have pics of the unrestored car?
Joost