Highlights

Comprehensively restored early ‘3 dial’ 912 finished in ivory
USA car imported to Czechia in 2017 following restoration
Matching numbers car with engine bored out to 1,850cc and 113bhp
One of the rare Karmann-built 912s
Very usable and presentable example of this appreciating classic Porsche

The Appeal

When demand for its 911 escalated in the 1960s Porsche chose to expand the range by offering a four cylinder version, simply called the 912. Cosmetically virtually identical to its more powerful sibling, the 912 is garnering increasing attention because its light weight and excellent balance are a complement to the more familiar 911.

A small number of 912s were assembled by Karmann and this pretty ivory 1966 SWB example is one of them. Stripped and comprehensively restored before arriving in Czechia in 2017, it is a matching numbers car whose engine has been bored out to 1,850cc.

Its simple, unadorned styling is key to its appeal and as a key marker in Porsche’s development surely a welcome and very capable addition to any collection.

The History and Paperwork

Chassis records show that this is an early 1966 Karmann built car:
- Early 1966 chassis records run from 454470 to 458100
- ‘4’ prefix denotes Karmann built cars
- Believed 2,482 cars built by Karmann 1965 and 1969
- Karmann was used because Porsche could not meet demand through its own factories
Original factory handbooks and marketing brochure included
Photographic record of restoration work prior to arrival in 2017
Date of restoration unknown at time of writing but appears to have held up very well
Matching numbers car:
- Originally sold as a 1600cc flat four car with 90bhp
- Engine bored out to 1,850cc and 113bhp
Until 1967 912s like this one were sold with three dashboard gauges:
- Clock and temperature gauges were optional extras until 1967
- From 1967 912s standardised on five gauges

The Interior

Simple, classic Porsche interior with instantly recognisable oval dashboard
Interior is in very original, unmolested condition
Attractive swathe of aluminium-effect trim below dials
VDO green-lit dials appears to have been restored
Porsche blanking plate across radio hole does not appear to be original
Stylish wood-rimmed, four spoke Porsche steering wheel
2+2 seating arrangement with two small rear seats that also fold down
Vinyl seats in very good condition, either original or older retrim
Black carpets appear to be original or older retrim
Factory correct Porsche headlining with dotted holes throughout

Doubtless the designers of this simply styled 912 interior could not have imagined how influential their work would be. Neatly arranged below an oval of dashboard the three key dials of this car, with the rev counter, of course, centrally located, quickly telescope information to the driver.

This car is one of the early ‘3 dial’ 912s from the 1965 to 1967 era when the additional two outer dials - for the clock and temperature - were optional extras. The lovely green-lit VDO dials appear to have been restored.

The rest of the interior, including the switchgear and seating, is in similar excellent condition. There are, remarkably for such a small car, two small rear seats, trimmed in vinyl like the front ones. They can be folded down to increase the luggage area. The black carpets are in good condition and the headlining is factory correct.

There is a Porsche-branded blanking plate over the hole where an optional radio would be. This does not appear to be factory standard but does not detract from the interior.

The photographs of the restoration indicate that the car was fully stripped before being resprayed so it is likely that this interior is a blend of original and replacement trim.

The Exterior

Attractive off-white ivory bodywork an older, stripped restoration
Chromework in excellent condition appears either rechromed or replaced
Lovely Fuchs alloy wheels in very good condition
Non-matching spare wheel in ‘frunk’
Svelte SWB body style

The ivory bodywork of this 1966 car is unusual to find on a 912 or 911 but enhances the simplicity of the iconic Porsche shape. Lightly accented with chrome, particularly the front and rear overriders, and sitting on classic Fuchs alloys, this car looks very good indeed and a great advertisement for the original 911 shape.

The photographic history with the car shows that the body was stripped and resprayed prior to the car’s arrival in Czechia in 2017. We are not clear on when this was but the structure and paintwork remain in excellent condition with no visible marks on the exterior paintwork, chrome or any corrosion. There are some very minor marks where the doors have opened and shut on the B pillar and under the bonnet slam panel but these are insignificant and could be described as ‘picky.’

The chromework is very good, with no visible pitting, indicating that it was either rechromed or renewed during the restoration. The same is true of the iconic Fuchs alloys, a popular option for these classic Porsches. The car retains the steel spare with which it would have left the factory.

The Mechanics

Matching numbers car that originally left the factory with a 1600cc 90bhp flat four Porsche engine
Original engine bored out to 1,850cc and 113bhp
5spd manual gearbox
Weighs under 1000kgs

The 912 was designed as a lower power, 4cyl version of the 911. For a long time these cars were seen as less desirable alternatives to the six cylinder cars. In recent years enthusiasts have revisited them, discovering that their lower weight and altered balance add up to a distinctly different and equally entertaining classic Porsche experience.

This car arguably offers the best of both worlds, the fine balance of these lighter-engined cars with power approaching that of the six cylinder models. That is thanks to the original, matching numbers 1600cc engine being bored out to 1,850cc, in the process hiking power from 90 to 113bhp. We do not know any further details on this work unfortunately, such as when or who undertook it.

Summary

Porsche‘s classic 1960s 912 offers 911 aesthetics with a distinctly different driving experience. Good examples are sought after and naturally condition and matching numbers status are vital.

This beautiful ivory 1966 Karmann-built 912 certainly ticks those boxes. It also has the advantage of a more powerful, bored out motor. Amongst the very best of 1960s sports coupes, this lovely 912 offers the buyer tempting looks and a very rewarding driving experience.

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