Hello all,
I am the seller of this 912, Rick was very kind to post the ad for me to help sell the car. I have changed the address for the ad though, anybody who'd like to read more about this car can check it out here:
http://www.912bbs.org/index.php?a=thread&p=234542
Part of the reason why the 912 vastly outsold the 911 in the early years was pure cost. In '65 Porsche introduced the 911 and for that year it was sold along side the outgoing model, the 356. The 911 was certainly an improvement in almost every aspect over the older 356 and an increase in price was expected, however the base model 911 was selling for nearly $3000 more than the most expensive 356. (356SC) $3k in 1965 was a very significant amount of money! Sales of this new 911 were so sluggish that they retooled their new 911 body to fit the most refined version of the 356 engine and in 1966 they released this new car, the 912. As previously mentioned, not only was it a cheaper option for the buying public but the lighter engine made for more forgiving handling in the notoriously tail-heavy short wheel base early 911. Porsche learned a valuable lesson with the 912 and has always offered a "budget" priced Porsche as an alternative to their "top tier" 911, which gave us models like the 914, the 912E, the 924, even the Boxster.
Some questions have been raised as to why I built my car the way I did, and the effect the modifications have made to the "value" of the car. First off, this wasn't just my daily driver, it was my only vehicle! No back-ups, it had to be reliable and comfortable. Some things were permanently modified by the previous owner(s) and I can't undo their mistakes, such as removing the original engine, painting the vehicle, installing a fiberglass front bumper. Beyond those things however, there is virtually nothing I have ever done to this vehicle that can't be to bone stock original with only simple hand tools. Don't like the new seats? Originals come with, and they bolt back in. Radio system? Wiper delay? They could be yanked in 10 minutes and you'd never know they were there. Antenna placed through original fender hole. Heater blowers mounted on custom brackets that bolt to the rear engine mounts.
In nine years of ownership I never drilled or enlarged a single hole unless it was absolutely necessary, never destroyed a single original Porsche part unless required and it's replacement would be inexpensive and easy to source. Simple, bolt on mods that can be removed. And not a single upgrade was made to this vehicle with any thought to "increasing the value" of the car, it was made to increase the safety, reliability and functionality of the car and always done with the philosophy of "do no harm" and leave the smallest footprint possible. I believe that I've been entrusted to take care of this vehicle, I don't just -own- the car.
She's no cream-puff show car, nor a tricked out track car. She's a driver, in top condition. I also believe that these cars were meant to be driven, rain or shine. I think Ferdinand and Ferry would agree with me.
I hope I don't come off too coarse or defensive, I'm protective of this car and I take pride in the work I've done. I bristle a bit when people start picking her apart without seeing the car in person, hearing the engine purr, feeling how she rides and tracks. If I weren't leaving the country I'd have no interest in selling her.
If there are any other questions anybody can contact me directly. Thanks!
