1976 Porsche 912E - $6500

The Porsche 912E was only produced for one year in the mid-seventies. This is number 787 to come off the production line. Only 2,099 copies of the 912E were produced, with about 1,500 imported to the US.

The 912E is powered by an 86 HP Volkswagen Type IV engine, but has the body of a 911 from the same year. It was Porsche's answer to the gas crisis of the seventies - same great body style but with a more fuel efficient engine.

Overall, the car is in decent condition for a 36 year old vehicle. The exterior looks good, but the paint doesn't look new anymore. There is a minor dent on the passenger side door. The interior shows its age, as the seats have cracks in the vinyl and there are some cracks in the dash as well. Mechanically the car is doing alright, but the carburetors need some work and the engine needs tuning. Given the age of the car there are a number of other things that need adjustment or could use replacement. If you have specific questions I will do my best to answer them.

Mileage:
Just over 140,000.

History:
My father purchased this car back in 2000 as a restoration project. It had been sitting in storage for over a decade and was a great fixer-upper project. He later gave it to my wife and I as a wedding gift in 2006. He shipped it to California in 2009, and we have taken care of it since. I rarely drive it, don't have the resources to fix it up right, and I am doubtful that it will pass California emissions due to the engine modifications. That is why it is currently up for sale.

Modifications (reported from previous owner):
- Motor overhauled at 90k
- Lightweight flywheel
- Removed fuel injection in favor of Weber carburetors
- Sway bars from a 911
- Koni shocks

Recent work (circa 2006):
- New paint in 2001
- New tires
- New rear Koni shocks
- Rebuilt starter
- New brake pads
- New battery
- New fuel pump
- New plugs, points, condenser
- New headlights

Some known issues:
- Carburetors need adjustment
- Exhaust header needs replacement
- Interior needs attention

Pictures:
You can see photos of the car further down on this page. Oh, and the streaks on the hood are because it just had a wash!

If you are interested, or just have questions, please contact me at dorsolateral@gmail.com. I am posting the 912E on the 912 BBS first in the hope that it will find a good home. It has been in the family for 12 years, and I would love for an enthusiast to turn it into their next project car.

Thanks,
~Craig

I had Schneider Autohaus of Santa Barbara do a pre-purchase inspection of the 912. You can read a transcription of the report below, or view a PDF containing images of the original report here.

The report mentions a brake fluid leak. I had Schneider replace the master cylinder and all four brake hoses while the car was in for the inspection, so that issue has been addressed.

Engine Compression:
110, 115, 95, 110

Leaks, Noises:
Engine has some leaks that look like from base of cylinders on both sides - MAYBE some slight compression leaks at head gaskets. Could use a tune-up (spark plugs, valve adjustment, ignition points, etc.)

Transmission, rear axle:
Shifts fine - feels & sounds good.

Tire Wear and Condition:
Tires have negligible tread wear but lots of weather checking. Defender 205/60/15 - dated 2003. No compressor for spare.

Brakes:
Pads still 50%+ - rotors rusty - master cylinder is bad - only rear brakes are working - pedals are stiff. Assembly needs to be R&R'd and rebushed - repair before driving!! Handbrake doesn't hold.

Suspension, Steering, Axles:
New rear Konis. Fronts feel ok.

Exhaust system:
Rusty. Extractor is holey - need replacing. Left side heat exchanger has been patched, right holey.

Cooling system:
Has external oil cooler - mounted in wrong place.

Exterior fits, body damage:
Body looks basically sound - fits ok - see below. Sunroof does't close fully.

Paint condition, Rust:
Lots of surface rust underneath - typical of non-Calif. car - some rust bubbles in doors. Poor repaint - see doors especially. No structural rust.

Interior:
Poor - seats split & worn - dash cracked - rear tray cracked - door pockets missing - under-dash A/C unit falling apart. Headliner - carpeting worn & dirty.

Battery, Cables, Charging System:
Battery Nov. 2010. Charging system OK.

Lights, Wipers, Radio:
Rt. side back up light out - turn signal lever has to be held in right position. W/Washers don't - needs blades.

A/C, Heater, Instruments:
Car has A/C - recommend removing (engine will be much happier) - left hose to condenser almost worn through from tire rub. Odometer doesn't work - clock does!!

General Comments:
Engine is carbureted - can't be registered in Calif.