Location: Santa Monica, California

$34,100 USD | Sold

For the 1976 model year, the J Series model range was trimmed by Porsche. The new base model was given a 2.7-liter, 165-hp engine that replaced the earlier 150-hp and 175-hp engines. The 911S was removed from the lineup, and the Carrera was given a 3.0-liter engine with K-Jetronic fuel injection. All of the six-cylinder cars were now fitted with this fuel injection system.

As of the autumn of 1975, all Porsche cars had hot-dipped galvanized body panels and were assembled using the most modern corrosion-protection methods. All structural components were made of galvanized steel and Porsche provided a six-year warranty against floorpan rust-through.

Original production for the 912 model ran from 1965 through 1969. The designation was resurrected for the 1976 model year only; Porsche offered the 912E Coupe for the American market. It was priced at $10,845 and designated in-house as the Type 923. This U.S.A.-only model had a brief production run of only 2,099 examples. Rising fuel prices and lowered U.S. speed limits helped make the 912E a practical model during this thimeframe. Production commenced by May 1975, after the 914/4 was discontinued, and before the water-cooled four-cylinder 924s had arrived.

As noted in factory advertising the 912E was powered by the 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed (flat) four-cylinder, fuel-injected 914-derived engine "which took Porsche engineers two years to develop and refine,” and shared the chassis and body styling of the 911 Carrera 3.0 Coupe. This boxer engine developed 86 horsepower and pushed the car to a stated 109-mph. The Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system used is often referred to as the Air Flow Controlled (AFC) system later adapted for use in the 911 series. In June 1976 912E production ended in Zuffenhausen with the completion of number 2,099. This final 912E also became Porsche's last air-cooled four-cylinder production car.

This particular example is finished in Peru Red with Cinnamon interior and is one of approximately 500 of the 912E models that received an electric sunroof. It is reported that additional options include limited-slip and air conditioning. With its 21 U.S. gallon fuel tank and fuel-efficient engine, the 912E has a driving range that may be regarded the best of any Porsche ever made to date, 600-plus miles per tank. This 912E is also reported as being equipped with forged alloy wheels, tinted glass all-around, 912E glovebox accessories, 912E steering wheel, 912E instruments and being shod with Uniroyal tires. A Porsche Certificate of Authenticity accompanies the 912E.

According to records, this 912E was delivered by McPeak Porsche/Audi on December 24, 1975 to Larry K. Matlock in Walnut Creek, California. The car was sold by Mr. Matlock in January 1987 to Mr. Steven Rechstainer. Mr. Rechstainer then sold the car to Motorsport Porsche/Audi of Carmel Valley, California, who in turn retailed the Porsche to Richard O’Keefe in May 1988. Mr. O’Keefe kept the car until June 1995 when he sold the car to Mr. Robert Tanner of Watsonville, California. Tanner kept the car for the better part of two decades; in September 2013, he sold the car to Mr. Stuart Louie of Salt Lake City, Utah. The current owner acquired the 912E from Mr. Louie in November 2014 as Mr. Louie sold the car while in the process of funding a child’s college tuition.

From there, its current owner had the car shipped to Coachcraft in Fillmore, California for a complete inspection and servicing. Noted Southern California Porsche marque specialist, Anthony Stoessel of Coachcraft did a complete mechanical and cosmetic refresh in 2014 on this already well-cared-for example bringing it up to another level rarely seen with a 912E. Work includes new brake pads, door seals, brand new tires and balancing, new battery, a mechanical servicing of nearly $3,000 addressing any issues or concerns and included, but not limited to a replacement of new valve covers, inner wheel bearings, CV boot, repair and installation of gauges and air conditioning ventilation service.

All service records are stated to be with the car. Among these documents are ones that show in 1995, all glass and trim was removed and the car was completely stripped and professionally repainted in excess of $4,000 to its current and original colors. Furthermore, in 2003, the car had a major servicing including a set of new pistons and cylinders, flywheel, clutch, muffler, gaskets, injectors, seals and a tune-up. In 2014, the cylinder head temperature sensor, throttle switch and ignition points were replaced. Additionally there was adjusting the timing, new plugs, mass sensor and cleaning and adjusting the TPS sensor.

Moreover, the shift linkage was adjusted and the rod and bushing were replaced. Beyond that is regular servicing receipts backdated to the 1980s that will be included with the sale.

This car has great history and a wonderful color combination ready to be used and enjoyed by the next fortunate Porsche enthusiast. The 912 Porsches that have such a show of quality are becoming increasingly collectible. Today, excellent examples are few and far between, as not surprisingly they proved popular with many people who never anticipated their future value.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ca15/lots/r0028-1976-porsche-912-e-sunroof/