Porsche 912e 1976, original paint, great patina, not restored

1976 Porsche 912

This 1976 Porsche 912E (E for Einspritzung - fuel injection) was sold new at Neufeld Porsche-Audi in Burlingame, California, and remained in Northern California until 2008, when I purchased it (becoming the fourth registered owner) and relocated it to the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Shortly after acquiring this car, I started the 912e Experience website (www.porsche912e.com) as a place to document and share information about these cars (which was hard to find at the time). It has become a valuable resource for 912e owners and enthusiasts. While I don't claim to be the authority on these cars, I have acquired a lot of knowledge over the years, and I am confident in my description of this particular car.

• This car is presented as an 'honest', well-loved and well-maintained survivor. Very original. Quick and reliable, with great handling and easy, DIY maintenance.
• The paint color is Copper Metallic (code 443-9-3) and this car is one of the approx. 500 models that came with a sunroof.
• Options include electric sunroof, front spoiler-mounted fog lights, 3-spoke leather steering wheel, Fuchs wheels.

Exterior

The car has patina in abundance! Paint is almost entirely original, with areas where the clear coat failed and the paint has deteriorated (primarily on the roof, hood, engine lid, gas filler door area). This is common with cars of this era with metallic paint. I believe the driver's side door was dented, repaired and repainted at some point in the past—there are a couple of spots where the paint is flaking off. There are a few other small dings, scratches and stone chips on the car, but no other body or accident damage is evident on the car. No underbody coating covering up botched repairs. You can see exactly what you are getting. Gaps on all body panels are perfectly even.

I have considered painting the car a few times but could never bring myself to do it. Ideally, it should get a few spot repairs, keeping the majority of the finish as-is.

The only spot of rust is on the passenger side A pillar where I believe one of the sunroof drain tubes got blocked, leading to a spot of rust bubbling up from the inside. (I unblocked the drain tube, but left it as-is). I don't drive in wet weather, so it has not gotten any worse during my ownership.

• 1976 was the first year Porsche galvanized the bodies of these cars, and the VIN of this car places it in the middle of production (it is believed that early production cars did not get as fully galvanized as later cars).
• The original 5.5" x14" Fuchs were replaced with a matching set of 6" x15" Fuchs (date stamped 10/75) with brand new Firestone Champion tires (205 65 R15)
• I upgraded the stock 'sugar scoop' headlights with a set of genuine BOSCH H4 units (much better look in my opinion)
• Other things to note: Battery compartment and spare tire area are perfect (see photos). Drivers door check strap mounting area needs attention. Small dent on passenger door. Small dent on driver's side front fender.
• Rubber window and door seals are believed to be original and are in great shape, as is all the anodized aluminum trim.

Engine

The engine is original and 'numbers matching' (#4061089) and was rebuilt at 172,855 miles (April 1996). Also had new clutch and injectors at that time. In July 2008, 1/2 head was rebuilt. Current mileage is 243,600. All original smog equipment is present (critical for CA residents). The original thermal reactors were replaced with by-pass pipes, but they are included with car. The previous owner was a VW mechanic and kept his maintenance records hand-written in a notebook, which I will include, however I typed everything into a Word document, and added my own maintenance notes to it. The original owners manual is present, and has service stamps up to 1983.

Engine is mated to the original 5-speed '923' manual transmission, and features stock Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection which has been trouble-free during my ownership.

Shifting into first gear can be a little 'balky' at times. Pulling the gear stick back towards 2nd gear, then re-engaging 1st gear is a 'work around'. This probably indicates worn synchros. The 923 transmission is very similar to the 911's 915 transmission and servicing it should not cost any more. That being said, the car is perfectly drivable as-is.

• Recent work includes new OEM muffler (2017), rebuilt alternator, sunroof seals replaced, NOS smog pump.
• I just completed avalve adjustment, along with an oil & filter change.
• I only drive the car in dry conditions, car is always garaged and not driven during the winter.

Interior

Inside, the dash is in great shape (no cracks). Carpets are original and in good condition, as is the headliner. Sun visors are in great shape (not soft and puffy—as they tend to get over time). The drivers seat has a crack/tear in the back panel. Door panels are in great shape with original speaker grills. Sony radio/CD player was installed by PO.

• All VDO gauges function as they should, and the odometer currently shows 243,600 miles. High miles, maybe, but I strongly feel that it's a testament to the excellent build quality and the drivability of this car.
• No air conditioning.
• Sunroof does not work. I've put many hours into it—I replaced the guide tubes at the back of the unit. The electric motor works, and the sunroof panel can be manually wound back with the included tool. It needs new cables and a bit more 'fettling' to get it fully functioning.
• Halon fire extinguisher mounted in front of passenger seat is included.
• Original owners manual, tool kit, main key & valet key etc, are present. Neufeld Porsche-Audi license plate frame is also included.

It's been a great car to own—has never left me at the side of the road. Starts without fail in any weather. It's a great 'starter Porsche'—sporty but practical. Maintenance can definitely be DIY - nothing too different to an air-cooled VW of that era.

Walk-around video

Fine print

This is a used car, and is being sold as-is. No warranty. I have done my best to describe the condition fully and accurately. Please contact me if you have any specific questions about the car. Foreign bidders welcome—I have assisted buyers with the logistics of shipping cars overseas in the past. If you have a feedback score of less than 10, please contact me before placing a bid, or your bid will be removed. After auction ends, winning bidder will be required to pay $500 deposit via PayPal within 24 hours. The remaining balance to be paid by wire transfer within one week. Buyer is responsible for pick-up and/or shipping of vehicle.

• Make: Porsche
• Model: 912
• Type: Coupe
• Year: 1976
• Mileage: 243,600
• VIN: 9126001047
• Color: Copper metallic
• Engine size: 2.0 L fuel injected
• Number of cylinders: 4
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Tan
• Drive side: Left-hand drive
• Options: Leather covered 3-spoke steering wheel, Fuchs wheels (15x6), Fog lights, CD Player, Sunroof
• Vehicle Title: Clear
Want to buy? Contact seller!