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, that less than 100 survivors worldwide are known to the Porsche 912 registry.
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You can imagine our delight when we were recently able to acquire one of those rare cars. The fact that it is one of the last remaining original California black license plate Soft Windows made the purchase that much sweeter!
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The 1968 Porsche 912 Softwindow Targa presented here, VIN *12870610*, is a very special collector car in more than one regard. For starters, it is one of the most well-documented classic Porsches we've ever had the pleasure to own. If large amounts of paperwork scare or bore you, please, scroll past the next several photos; otherwise, you are in for a rare treat!
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Let's try to summarize the car's history; not an easy task, since we had to review literally hundreds of documents. How many 44 year-old Porsches come with their original dealer order, factory invoice and statement of origin? You might never have seen another one of the latter. Among other things, we learn that the car -- called a "912 Targa Cabriolet" -- was manufactured with engine # 128.3137, which still propels it to this day.
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Ordered in Kansas City, Missouri at Art Bunker Volkswagen in November of '67, the order was confirmed by Stan Carlsen VW-Porsche in San Francisco, and the purchase was executed through Cars From Abroad, Ltd. and their German subsidy, Globetrade GMBH.
Including freight and customs duty, the Porsche sold for the princely sum of $5,694.50. Fred F. Noonan handled shipping duties, and the car finally arrived on April 11, 1968 on the Wallenius Lines-owned freighter Andreas U, docking at Pier 45 in San Francisco. Petrucela surveyed (inspected) the car, which was then released to a very happy owner.
Maintenance record book featured the owner's old Missouri address, but the car was titled brand new in California, where it was issued its ZFN 267 plates, which it still proudly displays today.
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Front license plate, owner's manual, maintenance book, and lots of import paperwork -- even the original window ID from Gobetrade is still present! -- will provide hours of educational entertainment for any serious automobile archaeologist!
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Shown above is the original CHP Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Certifcate, dated May 21, 1968, as well as numerous California registrations confirming the fact that this fabuous 912 had just 2 owners since new. The first, the immortal "Reggie" Carolan, an Eagle Scout who graduated with 12 (!) varsity letters from the University of Idaho to become a professional football player and Hall of Famer who won Super Bowl IV with his team, the Kansas City Chiefs, in 1970, sadly passed away while jogging around Phoenix Lake in 1982, whereupon the car was sold by his trustee for $7,000.00 (note: that's more than the car cost new, 14 years earlier!) to an independently wealthy gentleman from nearby Tiburon, famous for baking the most legendary brownies in Marin County (not kidding), who cared for the 912 until he, too, passed away, more than two decades later. During all those years, the car was driven less than 2,500 miles annually, on average.
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Finally, there is a three-ring binder containing exactly 42 chronologically filed records for parts and service, spanning the years from 1979-'97, totalling exactly $11,420.16, and documenting the cars low original mileage.
Wow, this truly is a priceless plethora of paperwork!
Let's now inspect this exceptionally well-provenanced car in more detail, starting with the trunk.
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Up front, in the dark confines of the luggage compartment, 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, clean gray felt mat, and jacking equipment.
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Details: working trunk light, and gold-cadmium plating indicating a "nut and bolt" approach to the car's 2011 refurbishment.
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Matching spare -- all 5 FUCHS wheels show the 10/67 date code -- and undamaged "nose" section speak for themselves. There is no accodent or corrosion damage to be detected, anywhere. Bakelite cover for the battery is still present.
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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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All closed up it's like a weather-tight Coupe. Take the hard top off (it can be stowed in the trunk) and you have the effect of a huge sunroof. Unzip the rear window, too, and you have a "safety convertible." And if you want to go crazy, leave the hard top on and lower the rear window, for a Landaulet experience!
Note: this Soft Window also comes with the expertly fitted, optional tonneau cover shown above right.
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Initially red, the Porsche's excellent body was completely stripped, disassembled, and carefully -- and expensively -- repainted a factory Rennsport Silver under the supervision of David Bustamente, a well-known Southern California marque specialist. 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. During refurbishment, the unsightly. U.S.-only side marker lights were eliminated, chrome-only rear bumper guards were installed, and the front guards were left off for a cleaner, European appearance. The car features genuine HELLA 128 fog lights with yellow lenses and CIBIE halogen headlights.
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Refinished, date-coded FUCHS wheels of the correct 5Jx15 size are shod with 195/65-15 radials all around. These iconic wheels, a very desirable option on any long hood Porsche, are very difficult to find today.
Let's have a look inside now.
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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 original BLAUPUNKT 3-band radio in the uncut dash. The radio actually turns on, but may need a new speaker to work. HIRSCHMANN antenna is original as well. Factory 2-piece dash top is in excellent condition. Tinted windshield is new.
The original carpeting, still in fine condition since it had always been protected by coco mats, was left in place.
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Set of 5 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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1968 was the final year of the non-headrest seats.
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These buckets have been carefully reconditioned and feature black leatherette with the popular -- and very comfortable -- houndstooth (German: "Pepita") fabric inserts.
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Although the Softwindow Targa is a real 2-seater, there is actually a bit of space for two children (or lots of luggage) in the rear. The previous owner even had seat belts installed, so that his little ones would be safe!
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Ready for a test drive?
So are we, but before we go, let's inspect engine compartment and undercarriage.
Note working back-up lights and neat Vasek Polak license plate frame.
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Breathtakingly beautiful engine bay houses the numbers matching power plant # P*1283137*, with correct type 616/39 case. According to the voluminous service records, within the last 25,000 miles the engine received both a bottom and top end rebuild. During the 2011 restoration, no stone was left unturned: engine and transmission were professionally inspected and measured, all parts were replaced or refurbished as needed. Pyramid Powder Coating restored the engine tin. Check out the correct anodizing 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 undercarriage is every bit as clean as its exterior. Being a life-long California Porsche has its advantages; there are no bubbles or other signs of the dreaded rust devil. The car's flaking original undercoating has just been replaced with a thin coat of rubberized metal sealer to protect it from the elements for another 44 years. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
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Undercarriage in more detail. Ready to be shown with pride.
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Tuesday, December 27, turned out to be an exceptionally nice winter here in olde mission town San Buenaventura. We left early, with the top down, of course!
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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 December 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 it 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 '68. Not only does it come with a mind-boggling provenance, was owned by a legendary football star, features matching numbers engine and transmission, plus the "three F's" (fog lights, five speed, and FUCHS wheels) as well as a most beautiful color combination, but it also retains its original California black-and-gold license plates to this day. Furthermore, the car has just been painstakingly -- and expensively -- refurbished by a marque specialist and is ready to be enjoyed.
If you've been waiting to acquire the right 912, here's a unique opportunity. It's unlikely that we ever will find another Soft Window Targa like this beauty!
Addendum:
We sold this exceptional Porsche in January of 2012 to an enthusiast in Texas.
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