Entry Level Porsche

[Targa Me]

Hello Everyone,
A friend of mine is considering buying a 912 as an entry level Porsche. I don't own a 912, I have a 911 so I thought I'd get your opinion on this?

His price range is 13k to 15K. He's looking for something he can drive while at the same time do a bit of restoration on it.

Thanks.
Larry

Larry,

Welcome here in the 912 section. To my opinion a 912 is not an "entry level Porsche". For almost 50 years, when it was inrtoduced, it was regarding its price label. Regarding performance it was always a Porsche. On the circuit with the right driver even faster than a 911. The past few years it has left the classic Porsche "entry level" category and will almost cost the same as a 911 from these early years. Buying a "project car"and restoring it will cost the same as a 911. A total rebuild of a 912 engine will take almost the same money as similar work on a 911 engine.

I have 912's and a 911 and I think they are completely different cars, but both real Porsches. When I drive the 912, I want to feel and communicate with the specific character of this 4-cilinder car. It's kind, friendly, forgiving and fast in the corners. Compared to the 912, the 911 is a fighter, is fast, feels heavier and sometimes brutal. The difference between the purring of a wild cat and the screaming of a wolf. However, both have their charm.

Take your friend for a ride in both, a 911 and a 912, preferably both well maintained cars and let him decide.

For the available money it's hard to get a nice 912. Perhaps a drivable car, but with lots of work, so more a project car. If your friend has not the skills to do the body work as well as the engine work needed, he should keep his money in his pocket. With just these 13-15 k$ the job isn't done. He will need some extra money to solve (unexpected) problems. Remember, a nice 912 will cost at least double the available amount and a restored/maintained another 15 k.

Larry, I don't want to be negative, but I just want that your friend makes the right decision. That could mean that - with the available money - he could have more Porsche-fun with a well maintained 944, than with a 912 project car.

BTW. For a 912 you sometimes need even more humor, not only in your tool box, but also some in your glove box for on the road...

Otto

[Targa Me]

Thank for the info, Otto. I appreciate your input.

[Jaems]

Otto is very right.

These car have become very expensive to restore. The only difference between an early 912 and 911 is the engine and instruments. The 912 is not a 912 without the proper engine. Also when the 912 was new, it cost more than a 356SC from the previous year.

The 912 is a very balance and forgiving car to drive and it will become part of you. Where as the early 911 is not a very balance and forgiving car and you must become part of it.

[C. Clark]

Entry level....poor mans Porsche, remarks from other areas of the Porsche community...mainly in the past. 911's are powerful but a little squirrely for some. The 912 is well balanced and nimble. For all out speed it's no match for a 911, but on a mountain road......912's can do quite well. Mechanically the 912 is easier for most to work on also. Either way enjoy the ride, as they say, "there is no substitute".

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by Targa Me

His price range is 13k to 15K. He's looking for something he can drive while at the same time do a bit of restoration on it.

Larry

This is the root of your mate's situation. He can get a nice little restorable 912 driver for $13-15K. If he finds a 911 longnose at that price point it's going to be really rought and be a restoration project versus a restorable driver. Longnose 911 restorable drivers are $20-25K cars these days.

That said, obviously you are talking to guys who value and respect the 912. I don't think he'll regret his choice is he goes down the 912 path.

[spirit]

I have just the 912 your friend is looking for and is in S Cal Please LMK if interested. I ahve not put the car up for sale yet

[Jaems]

I have seen this car. I was in Mosier last month. It is worth whatever he will be able to get for it. I know that he has turned $50K.

Porsche : 912 porsche in Porsche | eBay Motors

[JT912]

Also be very wary of people that pop up out of the blue selling a car that matches what you are looking for.

[Jaems]

I has some swamp land over in eastern Oregon you might be interested.

[Targa Me]

Originally Posted by jt912

Also be very wary of people that pop up out of the blue selling a car that matches what you are looking for.

True.
It's funny how all of a sudden the "exact" car you're looking for seems to pop up right out of the blue.