1969 Porsche 912

LWB Coupe! Coupe

4 - Cyl.

Manual

129020554

Gasoline

Vasek Polak Original: 1969 Porsche 912 LWB Coupé The "Porsche for the future," introduced as model 901 at the Frankfurt International Auto Show in September of 1963, was lightyears ahead of the old 356C in terms of sophistication of design. But the 911--as the 901 came to be known--was rather expensive to buy and to maintain, primarily due to its mechanically complex 2-liter overhead cam 6-cylinder engine. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Traditionalists in the Porsche camp weren't impressed. Especially the hefty $6,500.00 price tag gracing the new car--a 50% increase over the 356--had old-school enthusiasts up in arms. They had been happy with the spirited but trustworthy 356SC engine and formally complained to the Professor. His prompt reply came in the guise of the Porsche 912. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) But even the 912 was expensive when new, costing almost a thousand Dollars more than the late 356. About 30,000 912s were built from April 1965 until 1969, when production of the "356D" was halted. Today, any rust free, unmodified 912 is a highly sought after collector's item. Here's all the prestige and pure motoring fun of a 911, served up with markedly lower maintenance fees. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) More and more enthusiasts discover that the austere 912 actually is a fantastic car to own and drive. After all, any Porsche is fast enough to collect speeding tickets, however, the 912 being much lighter than its big brother, provides more fun, pound for pound, than most sports cars of the period, even super-expensive exotics. This particular 912, VIN *129020554*, certainly qualifies as a bona fide keeper. Sold by legendary Hermosa Beach, Calif. dealer VASEK POLAK PORSCHE in November 1968, it has been a California resident since new, still proudly wearing its original-issue, black-and-gold 1968 license plates, front and back. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The presence of original books and records adds tremendous value to any vintage car, since it is of great interest to the serious collector to be able to verify its provenance. Luckily, this 912 is accompanied by a plethora of documents. The factory burgundy vinyl pouch contains original driver's manual, stamped maintenance record booklet, and HIRSCHMANN antenna folder. Exactly 73 records for parts and service, going back to 1982 and totalling $10,267.90, have been chronologically filed in clear sheet protectors, collected in a green three-ring binder. The car's second owner to date--since 1986--also kept a detailed log in the glove box, painstakingly documenting the car's fuel consumption and actual mileage. It doesn't get any better than this! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Beginning our inspection with the trunk, where neglect and damage tend to manifest themselves first, we are delighted to find an almost concours-ready environment. After removing the gray felt trunk carpeting, we admire nothing but rust and accident free sheetmetal. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Spare tire well looks pristine; there is no prior rust or accident damage to report. All weather seals look like new throughout the car. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The benevolent Southern California climate and two caring owners have treated this special Porsche kindly. Coachwork is arrow straight. The car has never been lowered, nor has it been involved in any kind of fender bender. All the sheet metal is factory original, and there are no rust bubbles or other mishaps to report. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) A set of original, highly valued "Deep 6" FUCHS light alloys has been fitted with GOODYEAR 195/65-15 radial tires, which appear as new. These iconic wheels really set the car apart from its more mundane siblings, placing it firmly in 911 territory, appearance-wise. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Drop-dead georgeous body was refinished to Porsche Guards Red (factory code #6602) many moons ago, and still looks dynamite. Naturally, there are some small, isolated paint imperfections and signs of use, but no flaws that would cause an enthusiast sleepless nights. Note factory tinted glass all around, which is in excellent condition, just like the powder-coated brightwork. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Turning our attention to the cockpit, we are struck by its inherent beauty and simplicity. Professor Porsche's son and grandson made sure the 912 would adhere to the father's philosophy of functionality. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Whereas the early 912 models shared their gauges with the 356 of yesteryear, there's no visual difference between the '69 912 cockpit and that of its big brother, the 911. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Dashtop, often sun-damaged on California Porsches, has survived free of hairline cracks or warpage, giving mute testimony to the fact that this 912 was always garaged. Note original, leather-covered steering wheel and factory shift knob. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Today, very few survivors sport all original upholstery: this immaculate specimen does! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Black leatherette interior looks simply stunning. While the superbly preserved seat covers are factory original, both front seats have just had new inner pads installed and present themselves firm again, yet not uncomfortably so. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Folding rear seats give family men a good excuse to purchase Porsches. There's space for the kids, sure. Hey, the 912 is a real 2+2 Grand Tourer! Everything's factory original back here. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Ready for a test drive? Sure, but let's have a look at the engine bay first! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Wow! Toothbrush clean environment proudly shows off all the original labels and decals, houses the original, Kardex-matching engine # *4093629*. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The 1,600cc flat four runs as good as it looks; there are no untoward noises nor any annoying fluid leaks to report. 1969 was the final year for this venerable Porsche engine, the only year it was installed in the long wheelbase ("LWB") 912. Detailed undercarriage pictures reveal nothing but 100% original surfaces. There's no sign of rust repair, ziebarting, or other spray-can artistry anywhere. Even the factory green paint overspray is still intact. You will be hard pressed to find another 41 year-old automobile that's as clean underneath as this 912. Those are the benefits of a life spent in Southern California! Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Additional photos showing the Über-tidy, unmolested undercarriage, including rust and damage free "nose" section, perfect floors, and an engine so clean, you could eat off of it. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) June 18 was just another sunny day here in San Buenaventura. Combining work with pleasure, we headed into the Ventura hills, then back to historic downtown to grab a venti latte macchiato with soy cream and turbinado sugar (used to be called "a coffee") at the local Starbucks franchise. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Driving the 912 brings back memories of the 356SC. Sound and performance are very similar. Of course, the 912 offers vastly improved driver ergonomics and, via its longer wheelbase and lower center of gravity, transmits a feeling of utter safety. Weighing about 200 lbs. less than the early, 130hp 911 and possessing a well-tuned engine, this 912 compares very favorably. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Unlike more pedestrian cars, old Ferraris and Porsches seem to have a soul. Piloting one can be addictive: true sports car enthusiasts love to have one of Enzo's or Ferry's children in their stable. The car is equipped with the 911's desirable Typ 901 5-speed transmission, which makes high-speed runs on the fast-paced freeways of the 3rd Millennium a breeze. All lights and gauges work, even the clock, and the car starts, runs, drives, shifts, steers, handles, and brakes excellently. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Returning home, we bask in the afterglow of a singularly satisfying experience. Somehow, extracting peak performance from this 41 year-old, small-bore sports car has a very high entertainment value! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Here's a unique opportunity to acquire a classic 1960s sports car, one that can be driven daily during the week, then shown on Sundays at the local cruise, parade, or car show with pride. This utterly reliable German is easy to maintain, mechanical parts--if needed--are affordable, low classic car insurance rates apply. It's the best of all worlds! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Owning an original California survivor 912 is getting to be almost impossible. Very rarely will you find one that's actually for sale. Here's one of the few fine examples left in captivity. If your heart desires a truly exceptional, fully pedigreed, matching engine, low mileage Porsche, this one-year-only LWB example--from the hallowed showroom of VASEK POLAK PORSCHE--just might be what the doctor ordered. You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551. TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require payment of the full amount within 7 days of the end of the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. We ship worldwide. For more information about Californiaclassix, please click on the link below: About Auction Presentation, Image Hosting, & Copyright © 1999-2010 by Californiaclassix.com™. All Rights Reserved. Californiaclassix.com™ is a Registered Trademark. In compliance with eBay's Rules and Regulations, no part of this presentation may be reproduced without written permission of the author. E-mail inquiries to the webmaster@californiaclassix.com.