Porsche 912 Coupe Competition Rally Car, 1968
Porsche 912 I
Porsche 912 I•
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Chassis No.: 12801307
Estimate: US$110,000 - US$135,000 USD
- 1,582cc OHV Air-Cooled Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
- Duak Carburetors
- 102bhp at 5,800rpm
- 5-Speed Manual Transmission
- Independent Front and Rear Suspension
- 4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Genuine, period correct rally competition car
- Extensive history file documenting competition use
- Stunning Klub Sport Racing restoration
- THE PORSCHE 912
Put into production in July 1964, the 911 presaged the end of 356-production. It was July 1965 before the 911 made it to the US, and customers immediately noticed the differences from its predecessor. In addition to being more modern and more powerful, it was also more expensive: nearly $2,000 more than the comparable 356 model. In Europe, too, this was a problem. Thus, by April 1965 a "transitional model" entered production. Essentially a 911 with a 356-type flat four, the new car, designated "912," was not only less expensive, selling at near-356 prices, but enjoyed more even weight distribution and better economy. The combination of the four-cylinder engine and the slipperier 911 design was capable of achieving 30 mpg. More than 30,000 were eventually built.
The Porsche 912, like the Cayenne decades later, is frequently credited with having saved the German automaker during a period of financial uncertainty, as the then-new and much costlier six-cylinder 911 was viewed with some skepticism by marque loyalists. In the half-century since its introduction, however, the four-cylinder 912 has won an appreciative and loyal audience. The early (1966-1969) 912s handily outsold their 911 siblings; 28,333 four-cylinder coupes were produced, along with just 2562 Targas, and the retail price was a major factor.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Porsche never raced the 912, however there were a number of privateers who saw potential in the platform and had great success in professional rally racing. Thanks to its design, the 912 was a great platform for long-distance duty in extreme weather and road conditions. One of the more well know examples of 912s in rally history was when Sobieslaw Zasada of Poland won the European Rally Championship for series touring cars in his privateer 912. In fact, that year, Zasada's 912 went on to achieve more points than Porsches factory 911S.
This particular 912 is a genuine, period correct competition car that was raced from new in European rally events. The car is accompanied by a tremendous history file documenting its early competition life. There is an album of incredible images showing Albin Griberg and Lennart Svensk driving the the 912 in the 1968 KAK Sweden Rallye. In addition to the historical competition images, the file includes copies of its early Swedish registration documents, COA, and a 1968 Bil Sport magazine which features the car in one of its articles. Years after its competition life, the car was found in Sweden and imported to the US.
Once stateside, the rally car was sent to the experts at Klub Sport Racing, where it was completely restored to its original rally configuration specification. Tremendous effort was put into the restoration to insure its correctness. No detail was overlooked, including the Halda rally equipment, German studded snow tires, rally lighting, skid plate, European heating system and lights, and the perfectly duplicated period livery. Thanks to the rebuilt mechanical and suspension, the car is ready to provide a real thrill for those brave enough to recreate its 1968 experiences.
In 2020, the car was displayed at the Amelia Island Werks Reunion where it took home a first in class award and was invited to remain on the field during the Concours d'Elegance which took place the following day.
The sale of this 912 presents an incredible opportunity to acquire a documented, genuine period correct competition car that has earned the right to wear its numbers and livery proudly. This may very well be the coolest 912 in existence!
