Porsche's 912 was expensive when new, costing almost a thousand Dollars more than its predecessor, the venerable 356. Nonetheless, the car became very popular: about 30,000 912s were built from April 1965 until the end of the 1969 model year. Today, any well-preserved, original 912 is a highly sought-after collector's item. Here's all the prestige (and fun) of an early, long hood 911, served up with markedly lower maintenance fees.
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Among the various 912 models, the Targa holds a special place, as less than 8% of all 912s built -- exactly 2,562 examples -- came this way. Of those, less than half featured the ingenious Soft Window design. More than 40 years later, these Soft Window Targas are so rare, less than 100 survivors worldwide are known to the Porsche 912 Registry.
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More expensive than the Coupe when new, the 912 Targa was the first production automobile with an integrated roll bar. Though it was called a "Cabriolet" by the factory, the Targa is actually 4 cars in one.
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The particular Soft Window presented here is so unbelievably perfect, that the previous owner has called it "the best on the planet." Yes, we have that in writing!
VIN *12871016* was manufactured in Zuffenhausen on May 20, 1968, expressly for export to the U.S.
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The Certificate of Authenticity, issued by Porsche, confirms that this is indeed a fully "matching numbers" 912, i.e. engine, transmission, and color still present themselves as delivered, 44 years ago! Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
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Sold new on July 25, 1968 by Cameron Auto in Harrisburg to George T. Burgard, WWII double ace of "Flying Tigers" fame, the 912 stayed with the Burgard family for 37 years, in California since 1978.
A plethora of original documents accompanies this fully provenanced 912, greatly enhancing its value. From the original owner's manual, maintenance record book, radio booklet, seat belt instructions, engraved dash plaque, Hirschmann antenna tag and key, to 43 registration and insurance cards, two dozen service records totalling $5,964.68, and six authentic sales brochures and folders, this 912 has it all!
Aficionados dream about finding a vintage Porsche with a pedigree; how many exist that were bought new by a legendary war hero and remain not only fully documented, but also in pristine condition?
Previously a California blue-and-gold license plate car, the current (third) owner of this fantastic Porsche secured the vanity plates "912 SW" which are included in the sale, should the vehicle remain in California. "Vasek Polak" license plate frame also comes with the car. Priceless!
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Let's now inspect this incredible Porsche in more detail, starting up front, in the dark confines of the luggage compartment, where neglect usually begins to show its ill effects first. Not so here! We are happy to report that all the signs of a well-kept vehicle are present, such as functioning hood shocks and trunk light, immaculate gray felt mat, the lovely full tool kit, and tonneau cover (with its original storage bag).
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Down below, it's equally impressive.
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Details, from left to right:
- Factory tool roll and tools are genuine, having been with the car since 1968.
- FUCHS spare matches the wheels on the car.
- Vulnerable "nose" section is free of any damage. Note Bakelite battery cover.
- Fuse holder and original wiring.
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Always having been a pampered, sunny-day-only toy, 912 proudly shows off its arrow straight coachwork. There was never any accident or corrosion damage; doors and hoods feature excellent shut lines ("gaps"); the doors close with the Porsche-specific "ping" sound. There are no dents, dings, scratches, or bubbles anywhere.
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Targa top, including the soft window section, is factory original. Irreplaceable!
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The Softwindow's shoes: wheels, tires, and lug nuts.
Please have a close look and be prepared to be speechless!
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The iconic FUCHS light alloy wheels, only made for one year year in the 5.5J x 15 size, are a super desirable option for any '68 and extremely difficult and costly to find today. These were expertly restored by Harvey Weidman and look stunning. Aluminum alloy lug nuts are N.O.S. and look like they have never been touched by anything other than white cotton gloves. A set of N.O.S. MICHELIN XWX radials in the factory correct size of 185/70 VR15, worth around $2,000, completes the perfect picture.
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Silver, being a special-order-only paint choice in 1968, makes finding a factory silver example rather difficult today. In 1995, the Porsche's excellent body was completely stripped, disassembled, and carefully -- and expensively -- repainted in its factory Silvermetallic (color code 6024 - see CoA). The result is nothing short of spectacular! There are no bubbles, scratches, dings, dents, chips, or any other imperfections to note. There's no overspray, either. Everything is as delivered by the factory. The Targa bar displays its original finish, all brightwork is original and in prisitine condition, even the 1968-only side marker lights were retained. The car features a set of genuine HELLA 128 fog lights with yellow lenses.
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Let's have a look inside now!
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912 cockpit is a joy to behold. Virtually indistinguishable from its big brother, the 911, the 912s cockpit exudes an all-business ambiance. Everything looks stock, from the shift knob to the working, original BLAUPUNKT Frankfurt 3-band radio in the uncut dash. Dash top looks pristine, too, with no hairline cracks, fading, or warping to report.
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The expensive, Porsche accessory wood-and-aluminum steering wheel frames five classic Porsche gauges. They're in amazing, unrestored, original condition and they all work, even the VDO/KIENZLE Quarz Zeit clock.
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Front seats were expertly re-upholstered by Tony at Autobahn Interiors in San Diego with the proper German wool Pepita ("Houndstooth") inserts. They look and feel fabulous!
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Very unusual: Porsche-supplied storage cabinet, instead of the token rear seats. Note modern 3-point seat belts.
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A few details. Clockwise, starting at the top left:
- Factory I.D. tag. Note color code.
- Chrome belt buckles feature Porsche crest.
- BLAUPUNKT Frankfurt AM/FM/SW radio and fog light switch.
- Pristine dash pad.
- Coco mats, protecting the original rubber flooring.
- Unmarked original carpeting.
- Dome light and coat hook.
- Beautifully preserved door panels and pockets.
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Ready for a test drive?
So are we, but before we leave, let's have a close look at engine bay und undercarriage.
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Breathtakingly beautiful engine bay houses the numbers matching power plant # P*1285030*, with correct type 616/39 case. Less than 3,000 miles ago, the engine received a cylinder head rebuild and replacement of all seals. During this refurbishment, no stone was left unturned: engine and transmission were professionally inspected and measured, all external parts were replaced or refinished as needed. Check out the correct anodizing, powder painted tin, and rare decals: this engine bay has been detailed all the way. Literally thousands of Dollars and many, many hours of sweat equity were spent, with awe-inspiring results.
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Porsche's 912 motor has an excellent reputation as being bullet-proof while providing true sports car performance. Actually, the 912's 102 horses compare favorably to its heavier brother's 130 hp. With about 250lbs less to lug around, a 912 is every bit as good a performer as an early 911 -- plus, it returns almost 30 miles to the gallon. How thrifty! This particular car's performance and mpg are further aided by its factory-installed, smooth-shifting Typ 901 5-speed transmission.
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Car's underside is another highlight, worthy of Pebble Beach -- or Porsche Parade -- show contention. Rust free? You bet! Actually, we've never seen a nicer undercariage on an early Porsche, ever. If you want to win big points at classic car shows, this is where you score! Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
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Undercarriage details, for your enjoyment. Doesn't this level of finish literally boggle the mind?
As an aside, the brake system was completely gone through at the time of this refurbishment.
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Monday, October 1, was another sunny day in paradise. We left bright and early to find out if the Soft Window performs as perfectly as it looks.
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Driving a vintage Porsche convertible, especially a low-mileage example like this one, is a special treat. Sights, sounds, and smells weave an intoxicating fabric; it's almost like riding a motorcycle.
The car starts easily and performs excellently, with no hiccups of any kind.
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Incredible but true: here's a 44 year-old sports car that can be used as a daily commuter! We couldn't get enough of the open-air sensations, soaking up the warm California sunshine.
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Returning home, we're in love with the Soft Window. It's as pleasing to look at as it is to drive. Lovingly preserved details like the flawless lenses or the authentic -- and very valuable -- cloisonné Porsche crest on the hood make all the difference in the world.
Interestingly, most folks we encountered during our drive, even other Porsche owners, had never seen one of this rare species in the flesh, and the car is quite the conversation starter.
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In the realm of vintage Porsches, very rarely will you encounter a car that ticks off more boxes than this low-mileage'68. Not only does it come with a mind-boggling provenance, features matching numbers engine and transmission, plus the "three F's" (fog lights, five speed, and FUCHS wheels) as well as the best-looking factory color combination a Porsche can carry, it also has been detailed to a very, very high level.
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We'll venture to paraphrase the prior owner's statement: this 912 is the most desirable Soft Window in existence.
Addendum:
We sold this exceptional Porsche 912 in 2012.
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