The Porsche 912 recently listed on eBay is a “roller.” That means the car, without an engine or transmission, will only roll if pushed. It’s a total stripper, lacking even the left rear fender. But the seats are there for patterns—and reflecting its location in Wylie, Tex.— it doesn’t look too rusty.
The $6,800 price, which considering that a concours example is listed at $85,000 by Hagerty - opens in new window or tab., could be a bargain.
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But the proposition only makes sense for a buyer with patience—somebody willing to peruse eBay Motors to fill in the many gaps. eBay Motors offers tens of thousands of 912 parts - opens in new window or tab.. And parts can be pulled from eBay’s continually renewed supply of other damaged or otherwise neglected 912s.
The 912 Opportunity
In terms of looks and technology, the 912 was virtually identical to the 911. Unlike the 911, however, it was powered by the [air-cooled] 1.6-litre flat-four engine from the 356 SC at the rear. Its power output was reduced from 95 to 90 horsepower at 5,800 rpm for use in the 912. That gave the engine more low-end torque and stability.
Oddly, the 356 SC was traditionally revered as a more powerful example of the 356, while observers viewed the 912 with more or less the same engine as underpowered.
The idea in 1965 was to bridge the price gap between the 356 and the hot rod six-cylinder 911. Porsche produced the original $4,700 912 through 1969. So it remains a rare car. Total production was 32,000 units, with initial sales that surpassed the pricey 911.
In other words, Porsche’s tactic worked. And now, more than a half-century later, disused examples like the one for sale on eBay are an opportunity for an affordable 911-like project car.
Restoring the 912
The 912 was available as an open-air Targa, with both fixed-glass and zip-out plastic rear windows (the latter arriving for 1967). The car on offer is a non-sunroof model—originally white with a black interior and a four-speed manual. It’s still got its wheels/tires and, believe it or not, its radio.
The stripped shell is a blank slate. A correct 912 engine and transmission can be located if authenticity is necessary. A rebuilt example would be ideal, and eBay had this one for $9,900.
A rebuilt 912 engine offered just below $10,000
But as Porsche indicates, the 912 and 911 are basically the same car with different engines, so there’s some incentive to upgrade with a six-cylinder 911 power plant.
(A wilder idea is to convert the 912 to electric power. EV West in San Marcos, Calif. has a ready-made $11,594 kit to convert the Porsche 912 to batteries - opens in new window or tab..)
Although $6,800 for a carcass seems like a lot of money, it’s not necessarily true—not when considering the growing value of these cars. An experienced restorer is going to see the possibilities. But if you’re not going to be hands-on, this might not be your project.
Restorations usually start by stripping the car down, but that won’t be necessary here. Instead, the first step is going down to bare metal and dealing with the rust, corrosion, and dents. A repaint will follow, perhaps in the original white.
Imagine the Cockpit
Restoring this 912 roller will take time and money. However, it’s never too early to start thinking about the feeling behind the wheel.
Recaro seats - opens in new window or tab. will be more comfortable and supportive than the originals. But the original seat frames are there and can be re-upholstered.
You will need a good set of used or rebuilt instruments. This speedometer - opens in new window or tab. would work.
Also required are door panels, a dashboard, a carpet set, and other miscellaneous parts.
The Porsche 912 was never expected to be with us 57 years after its launch. The 911/912 enterprise was expected to end when the company launched the “modern” front-engine 928 in 1977. But instead, it was the 928 that went away in 1995.
Meanwhile, a 2022 Porsche 911 is still, obviously, a 911. That enduring legacy enhances the value of cars from the early years—including this 912 roller waiting to be brought back to life.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.