Here's some more info about my 912 so you folks can make a better assessment...
My 912 is a 1966 model, Karmann factory build, 3-gauge cluster, 5-speed, numbers matching, solid (no rust) car that was purchased and spent its entire life in southern California. It runs perfectly fine with no leaks, shifts well, and is reliable. It was originally aga blue, but was repainted slate gray in the early 80's. I buffed out the paint to make it smooth and present well, but does currently have a patina to it. The interior is in amazing shape and presents extremely well with no tears or significant wear to the seats or dash.
This car used to be the daily driver of the matriach of the Pauter family (of Pauter Machine Shop fame). She parked it in a garage in the 90's after buying another daily driver, and it sat there until I bought it last year. I had the car gone through by a Porsche specialist, replacing the fuel system, rebuilding the carbs, brakes, and various other driveline bits to make the car daily driver reliable again. Since getting the car running, I've also been incrementally restoring the car on a smaller scale (restored the wheels, buffed the paint, replacing body gaskets, windshield wipers, polishing the chrome, etc). My current project is restoring the front turn signals as they've lost their amber color with age.
This 912 pretty much fell into my lap due to serendipity. As a car car guy, I think it has found a nice place in my little collection of sports cars, and am finding myself increasingly enjoying the Porsche ownership experience through this car over time. I do love this 912 and enjoy driving it. I’m only really pondering the question of a trade because I feel like I identify more with the 911’s of the 80’s decade. If the right one doesn’t present itself, though, I’ll continue to restore/drive/enjoy my 912 for what it is. I am loathe to sell it outright…I’ve received boatloads of offers from enthusiastic collectors who want to buy it, but I’m not much of a car selling kind of guy (I still have my first car, and have only ever sold one car that has come to be in my possession). I hate the idea of flipping this car, which prevents me from doing anything but a trade for another P-car.
Here's some pics of the car:
As found when rescued from storage:
After getting her running again:
After buffing out the paint:
Interior…This is how the interior presented when first taking delivery. I’ve since re-installed the original steering wheel.
I kind of figure that my 912 currently doesn’t have enough value for a straight up trade for a G50 3.2 Carrera, and would be willing to throw in some cash on top to make an even trade for one. I figured I'd be able to do a straight trade for a nice SC. I'm only interested in manual transmission coupes, though. Mileage and color are of no importance to me. Condition is important though, as I don't want to trade a good solid driver for a clapped out project car. I'm looking for a decent driver in return.
I am open to any advice or suggestions you folks might have. Thank you very much for taking the time to consider my situation.