912 Spyder

Markus30 · 10-16-2003, 03:30 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6429&item=2437376841

Looks interesting! (no affiliation)

Markus

SpeedracerIndy · 10-16-2003, 04:04 PM

I saw that thing on I65 a few days ago on my way from Lafayette to Indy. It caught my eye pretty quickly. Deffinately strange looking. Looks pretty nicley done though. It looked like a cross between a 911/912 and a 356 speedster.

Fishcop · Fishcop's Garage

I've got to admit that I find it rather attractive...

obrut · 10-16-2003, 04:19 PM

I love it, really love it - but the thought of somehow getting it to australia and then converting it to right hand drive gives me shivers

ryan

Superman · 10-16-2003, 04:27 PM

That darned thing is kinda cool!

kstar · 04:31 PM

I like it alot too.

Here in SoCal one could get away without a top or windows.

The first thing I thought after admiring the looks is how nice a 3.6 motor would complete the package.

I would build the 3.6 with the big 50mm PMOs for period looks and "music".

(edit: Is the engine mounted more forward than stock? Could there be a problem getting enough air to the engine if it is sitting in the stock location behind the vents?)

Also a fuel filler cap (edit - I see it has one now but not functioning) through the hood would be cool. And a pair of Peter Z's R type seats.

I bet it's relatively light weight although I don't know what additional stiffening may have been added to the body beside the roll cage.

Cool, really cool. The more I look the more I like.

Any guesses on the final price?

Best,

Kurt

SpeedracerIndy · 10-16-2003, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kurtstarnes
Also a fuel filler cap through the hood would be cool.

It's already got that, so that would be one less thing you would have to add!

From the add:

"the gas tank was etched and sealed so rust wont ever be a problem. the tank actually fills now under the front hood ( for secrity reasons ) but the outside gas filler ( from a 356 )could easily be made functional if desired"

That thing does look like fun. I hope someone buys it here locally so I can see it around!

obrut · 10-16-2003, 04:55 PM

i think the trick would be to fit one of those 2.4 litre 993 based 4 cyl p-engines.

the buy it now price is 18000 aussie dollars - you could not build anything like it here for that price...

i'm going to go do some work and try not to think about it

cheers - ryan

Markus30 · 05:40 PM

I think the lines on it (in pics anyway) look fantastic. Would like to see it in the metal though.

If the build quality is as good as it looks in pics and no rust (though he does mention some paint bubbles - edit: paint blisters) the buy it now price seems pretty darn reasonable.

If it was in my neighborhood I would be going over with a fine tooth comb by now.

Markus

Jim Garfield · 05:27 PM

I agree, very cool looking. Almost looks as though it could have been a factory design study.

Odd though that there are no engine compartment photos. And I wonder what a new windshield would cost to fabricate?

Adam · Adam's Garage

I agree, it looks great!

Ryan - You know you want it!

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by obrut
I love it, really love it - but the thought of somehow getting it to australia and then converting it to right hand drive gives me shivers

ryan

I thought after 30 something years you could import a RHD to Australia.................at least in some parts.....I sent a 1970 914/6 over recently.....

I also noticed the lack of motor bay pics.....1967 912 motor is a warmed over 356 motor.....60 HP for a normal one....90 hp max for a "super".....no way it's a 4 cam....THAT would be trupetted to heaven and beyond.

BUT.....it is pretty. Something close to what I would "like" to see MY 356 end up like.....

obrut · 10-16-2003, 06:35 PM

Mike - how much did it cost you to send the 914 to Aust?

Adam - its even prettier than what i have planned

ps: Anyone local going to check it out?

atlporsche · 06:57 PM

the 912 guys are on it...wish I'd seen the post...I made my own post about it a bit ago...

if you look reaaallly close in the pic with the roll bar, you can see the strakes from the roof vent just above the rear window...the old roof line makes that beautiful tail!!!

edit: and the engine lid is 1/2 a front hood with a bunch of louvers...

this guy is good...

EDIT 2: If I were to do it, I'd clamshell the rear with a hinge at the rear proper 550 style.

sjd

lateapex911 · 10-16-2003, 07:13 PM

At first I thought, "Uh oh..this is trouble..." But as I looked at it, I began to appreciate the philosophy behind it. It really works. I too noticed the grafted together hood and roof elements. He says he removed 3 inches from behind the rear wheels, but to my eye, it still looks too long with too much overhang. My only issue with it. I think it will go for the 'buy it now' price, unless the bidders are dumb and let it get crazy. With three days to go, if they don't buy it now, it will go for more.

I can't imagine how much it would cost if you took the design and an old 912 to a guy and said, "here, build this". Of course, the amount it takes s to build something has no bearing on it's final worth, unless someone likes your result!

The other element I had trouble with is the cars provence. He states it was in the Panamerica race, and was owned by a celebrity originally. As it wasn't in the original Panamerica race, I suppose it's historical value hasn't been compromised, but I still thik a better donor would have been a run of the mill 912.

Fishcop · Fishcop's Garage

Mikez, you are right about LHD in Australia now. The Federal Office of Road Safety now permits 30 year old cars to be registered and driven as LHD (it's just a scam to protect local manufacturers and factory distributors).

I think you should buy it Ryan

Tinton · 10-16-2003, 10:18 PM

Registering LHD vehicles in NSW

You will not even get into a half decent 912 for below $20k in Aus.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

We sent it over on a military flight.....it was paid for by the tax payers....

RickM · RickM's Garage

Cool, looks like something the factory would have put together.

How good of an idea is it to have the fuel fill under the hood with the battery and fuse block? Sounds potentially dangerous to me.

No top or windows = "California" Spyder?

jluetjen · jluetjen's Garage

I saw it too but decided to not post it since it isn't a 911 (you now, off track posting and such.). Anyhow, I thought that for a hot-rodded 912, this was pretty cool. Most of the modifications which people trumpet as being unique and desirable (such as SBV8's and ugly steering wheels

) I find of doubtful value -- to me. This one on the other hand looks pretty stylish, well put together and not "over the top" in an in-your-face sort of way. It would be a pretty cool sports-car to own.

As far as the Carrera Pan-America, notice that it was in one of the recent Carrera Pan-America REVIVALS, specificaly 2001. And it was entered in its original standard coupe form, not as picture. It was not in one of the original 1950's version that helped to create Porsche's mystique. So while the seller isn't lying, the references to historic and such is just salesmanship. While he may think that it should be vintage racing eligible, I doubt that any of the Vintage Racing organizations like the VSCCA, HSR, etc would accept the car as anything but a pace car.

To be honest, the one thought that really hit me in the head was...

The roll bar! It's not padded and the seats don't have head rests.

Ouch!