Project Introduction: 1965 Porsche 912
November 11th, 2011 9 comments so far
What I have here is nearly a brilliant car. It’s missing a hood, a passenger window, and some other minor pieces, but it came with most of an engine. It needs to be painted, but it’s completely rust-free (Porsche didn’t galvanize the 911/912 chassis until 1976, so an early car’s condition is really hit or miss). And the part that completely sold me; it has a brand new interior. Red leather with cloth plaid inserts, black leather above the belt line, and a painted 5 gauge dash (only found on the European market 912s).
First thing’s first, I need to source an engine. After looking up the numbers on the case, and talking to a few 356 and 912 guys, what I have is case halves from two different 356s, an end piece from a 912, heads from a 356a, and a fan shroud from an early European 356. It’s not going in the car, so I’m thinking it might make a good table. Luckily, I have a lead on a good, running, local 912 engine. Hopefully the next post involves bringing that home!
November 11th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
That car is screaming for a carberated 3.2 and a short geared 915 trans. Love the interior. Enjoy the project.
November 11th, 2011 at 9:18 pm
Thanks! I’m real excited about it.
Whatever I do, I’d really like to go with a 901. I know they’re vague, but I really like the dogleg pattern. Right now it has the 4 speed.
November 12th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
The 901 is an interesting trans. Just dont let you friends move your car
I had one once and it really screwed me up when I jumped back in my daily driver for the first few minutes. Then you can go 3.0 and a 901. That would be a lot of fun also and the lower power rating wont stress the 901. Makes me want my clam shell hooded car back.
November 14th, 2011 at 9:14 am
GREAT CAR! What an awesome find! My dad had one of these throughout my childhood. Many folks turn up a nose to them b/c of their 4-cyl status, but in reality, this car was “THE” precursor to one of the most revered sports cars ever made! What a great piece of history to come across, and what a stunning interior!
Great find; I cant wait to see what you guys come up with for this beauty! Keep us posted with LOTS of pics along the way.
November 17th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Jason: Yeah, there’s just something fun about it. My Cosworth Mercedes had the same pattern, it forces you to pay attention.
Ben: Thanks! I’m a big fan of them, and I couldn’t pass it up.
November 18th, 2011 at 1:55 am
i have a friend that is working on a 66 911. i have been making all kinds of small parts for him so if you need anything or looking for some odd ball parts shoot me a message. i can see if he has anything laying around.
November 18th, 2011 at 9:52 am
Perfect! I’ll keep that in mind.
November 18th, 2011 at 10:51 am
Awesome build, how do you like the land rover?
November 18th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Kurt: I like it a lot. This one’s manual which is a surprising amount of fun, and it’s much better for keeping up with traffic than the auto Discoverys.