Going for a Drive in a 1969 Porsche 912

[@JayEmmOnCars]

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[@Nickbaldeagle02]

Still waiting for that wall mounted PC video...

[@PJ-om2wq]

I recently used your discount code. It worked great. Really nice video too.

[@iankuah8606]

The 912 is a very under-rated car. A German friend, a road, race and rally specialist who prepares 356, early 911 and 904GTS cars, does a fast road suspension kit with geometry optimisation for the 912. We are both race drivers of similar ability, but when he led me to our dinner venue in his standard looking 912 I could barely keep up with him in a borrowed 224hp Mercedes CLS 320CDI on a twisting cross-country route. Despite its lack of sheer power compared to a 911, the small, light 90hp 912 with uprated suspension is a real weapon on small roads.

[@adamhickford5502]

The 90bhp should be put in context with the entry level 911T at the time, which only had 110bhp and all the extra weight. That's a thoroughly lovely little car.

[@PaulSchofield-p6b]

A great car, even today. I have a 1968 right hand drive 912. Bought it when I was 25, I'm now 58. It's going with me to the grave !

[@mr488gto8]

Gis a ride

[@pecanthecat]

Yep I know that story all too well! Enjoy the heck out of it for years to come. :)

[@darkblueturbo]

That is awesome!!!

[@zilvinasklimantavicius789]

No you will be in a grave and your wife will sell this car for a handbag price

[@PaulSchofield-p6b]

A great retort. To be fair we named our daughter Jessica Porsche with the long range plan she would inherit the car. Whilst the car will attend the grave, Jessica will drive off into the sunset once the coffin is covered with soil. A fitting passing on don’t you think?@@zilvinasklimantavicius789

[@robsmith1a]

I so agree about narrow cars having a real advantage in many situations. I followed an F Type down a country lane and and the driver was constantly slowing down because of the width issues. We should campaign for narrow cars. Great video, thanks

[@eze8970]

Some of this width comes from increasing side impact crash regulation. I agree though, car size now isn't suited for small roads, or car parking spaces.

[@alfred0621]

Im obsessed with small/narrow cars. Its like riding a motorcycle, except you have a roof and are sitting comfortably.

[@eze8970]

@@alfred0621 What era is your favourite, mine is around 90s-2005. Small & powerful enough for fun, some safety, better mechanically but without too much unwanted tech.

[@ChrisFEJackson]

I agree too, I own an F-Type and I wouldn't dare take it where I can take my RS Twingo on the little lanes around Dartmoor in Devon!

[@alfred0621]

@@eze8970 I'd say 80-90s. Every car looks unique, just look at those jdm classics and Ferraris back then.

[@heinzr9734]

Very nice video, James. An info without wanting to be a bean counter. 1965 to 1968 were short wheel base 912 as were the old 911. The 1969 912 in your video is long wheel base, as are all 911s from 1969 on. You can see that in your film. The body is extended between the door frame and the rear fender. The SWB have the jacking cap right next to the rear fender.

[@alecmartin0180]

My father owned a 1969 912 Targa when he served in the US Military and was stationed in NE London. Sadly, it rusted out due to the salty winter English roads but I got to sit in it before it was sold off. That moment essentially sparked my passion for cars and started my aspiration of owning a Porsche.

[@valicourt]

8:28 that’s the most enthusiastic exhaust I’ve ever seen 😂

[@chrisslater3174]

Agreed; very cool car. Never particularly a Porsche fanboy, I have always respected the marque generally, but I think to own a model like this today - in that great original colour - would be sweet indeed!

[@danielomalley4394]

Around 1968, my high school chemistry teacher had a (used) 1965 red 912, for which he had traded in his 1958 powder-blue 356. He regaled us with the tale of meeting up with the only other Porsche in the area, a 1967 silver 911S, owned by a local doctor, on a twisty 2 lane road from Sherbrooke to East Angus, Quebec through the Stoke hills, in 71/2 minutes they did 15 1/2 miles! You could drive a 912 at 90% capacity all the way, but not a 911S! I remember both cars very well.

[@Thomas-vq5pb]

1969 is already a long wheel base ! Short wheel base 911/912 stopped in 68. thanks for the video!

[@slartybartfast666]

Great car. I remember my dad choosing between a 912 and a 1970 MGBGT second hand. They were both about £3000 in the same garage in the late 80's. He chose poorly and went for the MG... Not many of those sitting at £90k today...

[@michaelgill6595]

I owned a 1967 short wheelbase 5 speed in BC Canada and absolutely loved it. My biggest regret is not holding on to it as the prices skyrocketed shortly after selling it. The 912 E was sold in Canada not only in the USA as you mentioned.

[@Marcke-tb1hb]

Love your video as always. Looks like a beetle, sounds like a beetle, goes like a beetle - priced like a Ferrari. You know you’re at the top of the market when this happens. Lovely car, true value maybe £20k at the most.

[@jehl1963]

In 1969 Porsche introduced a longer wheelbase to the 911/912 to reduce the terminal oversteer. This was the standard for the 911 until the air-cooled models were discontinued. Since the 912 was discontinued after 1969 it make the 1969 912 into a unique one-year model. That car may be a one-of-one given the few 912s which are left in the UK. By the way, I doubt that anyone in the 1960's complained that the 4-cylinder Porsche sounded like a Subaru! 😉

[@johnmatthews1095]

The 912 never needed the extra wheelbase and it's the SWB cars that are the most fun and best looking

[@lunabouch]

Growing up in the 60’s the 912 was just the coolest car for us imported car lovers. Glad you enjoyed your experience I did!

[@LanceKeigwin]

I bought my LHD 1966 912 in 1970 and drove it year round during college in New England. It was a 5-dial, 5-speed ,wood steering wheel coupe in Irish Green. A joy to toss around. Light and nimble. And totally rattle-free. Plenty of niggles, like those failing seat back mechanisms. I learned to drive a crash box because the first gear syncros never worked, It burned oil even after proper rebuild. And always leaked a bit. Of course 5 years later it was a rust bucket and I had to retire it. Today I drive my 11th Porsche, a '97 993 Turbo. There are surprising similarities to the early 911/912's.

[@robbwatson2088]

I saw one guy call it, "The ultimate 356" Such a beautiful car, especially in the that colour.

[@sultanoftippoo3857]

Not a fan of modern Porsches but these 912’s & 911’s from the 70’s and 80’s are fabulous iconic motor cars. If I ever sold my F355 a 911S like the one from the TV series The Bridge would be its replacement.

[@drunvert]

Then you haven't driven a modern Porsche

[@joedeegan3870]

Bought one brand new in April 1967. The 1967 model I have read is the best because the 1968 model in the US had to have smog control which caused a lot of backfiring. I was 22 and drove mine from Philadelphia to Monterey California where I was stationed by the Army I used to enjoy driving it up and down the Pacific Coast highway. I put 30,000 miles on it before I had to gie it up , Army pay at the time being what it was.

[@andyv6476]

One of my dream cars! Was literally just talking to a friend about this last week and how I'd specifically want it in that colour!

[@MrMattcollier]

I have a RHD '69 912, imported from Jo'burg around 20 years ago, currently rebuilding an SC engine for it (it had a Toyota engine when I found it!!). Rare beast!

[@SpontaneousEvolution]

So much style, such a cool interior. No screens an gadgets all over the place. Something like this would be my dream daily.

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

A Close Friend Loved His 912 here in the USA during the Nineties. Brilliant!!!!

[@gileswardle76]

I owned one of these for a few years. Concur with everything James says. Ride was really comfortable, owing to its lack of mass and the touring dampers I had on it. I also had the same problem of the reclining seat ratchet slipping (note to owner, get it tack welded or try some shims). Loved that car, though it chewed through fan belts and was quite noisy.

[@johnmatthews1095]

Jubilee clip works fine

[@Steven-p4j]

I must say James, that due to your fame within Britain, you have access to a host of amazing vehicles, and certainly have a very fun job. You are certainly blessed mate.

[@Lightw81]

I've only ever seen one of these - in my street. I had to look it up. Steel wheels and pushrods. Marvellous.

[@harryspeakup8452]

As a 944T driver I am always heartened by other people remembering that four-cylinder sports cars are Porsche's origin and some of its best ever sellers

[@badgersalesman5595]

The coolest car you have ever reviewed pal. I am so in love with that car. Thank you and thank you for not wearing a sh1t shirt x

[@jochem1986]

I wonder if the lighter weight of the 4-cylinder results in a better balanced car.

[@verdict1163]

It definitely does. It shifts the F:R weight balance by 5+ points, not an insignificant difference, and handles much more like a mid engine car.

[@jimbob3030]

Like my 74 beetle

[@Izrealeu]

Had a '65 912 as summer daily in late 90ties and early 2000's. Great little car to have fun in, and with a bit of engine work a thoroughly enjoyable car.

[@gerlewis]

This guy is very kind to lend these lovely cars to you. You've come a long long way together. You've got to Prazim like you should.....

[@praisehimosundina2445]

No problem, anytime…would be a shame to hide them away. Praisehim (I know haha)

[@dominicrusho]

That colour is beautiful.

[@polloloci21]

Bought my 912 after getting my first engineering job. Still have it after a couple decades. Most will say that it’s the poor man’s 911- and they are right 😂 - but it does benefit from a better developed engine vs the newly designed 911 engine. you can cruise at 80mph without issue. The car reviewed obviously has some tuning issues. It’s basically a 911 - brakes, wiring, etc. the only difference is the engine and some interior trim pieces. Would I trade it for a 911- heck yeah! But the 911’s engine still had some growing pains to overcome in the early years.

[@johnmatthews1095]

I went out for a drive with Porsche Club GB on British b roads and soon got bored of waiting for £200k cars as wide as a house tip-toeing their way behind at 20mph. Went home. Rapidly

[@martinskeet2111]

Enjoyable debate on what to call it. Porsche did in fact reference the 911 and 912 as the 900 (nine hundred) series cars in early literature. So I think 'neun zwölf' is spot on. As to the difference in spec between the 911 and 912 - early 912s had only 3 gauges whilst the 911 had 5, 911s had fog lights as standard whilst the 912 did not, 911s had a wooden wheel whilst the 912 had a plastic wheel. The biggest difference on early cars was that 911s had a black painted dash with wooden dash trim and the 912 had a body colour dashboard (quickly changed to black). By 1969 all the 911 options were available on a 912 to order and the difference was really the engine.

[@ranjanaluwihare1511]

What a purest gem, the 912! Wonderful!

[@volvogt21]

Ouch!!!!!! I nearly swapped the last p1800s to arrive in Australia 1969 rare 2 litres twin carb for an almost identical 912 in the same condition. This was 20 years ago and was the only vehicle I said I'd ever swap the 1800 for. So pure and elegant . Sadly the seller got cold feet and I've lived to regret no trying harder ever since. Happily I still have the 1800

[@HQBProductions]

I hope you get to drive it when it has been tidied up and a full engine rebuild completed. It has all the right elements but needs some care and attention. My ultimate dream is a 1966/67 911S in orange….I used to read and dream of them when reading my weekly copy of The Motor! In fact in my perfect garage, one of those, a 1964 Mini Cooper 1071S, a 1969 Escort Twin Cam and the Ferrari 246GT I turned down at £1000 because the clutch was dead…a wise move in 1974😭😭😭😭. Stay safe…keep driving James. 😀😀😀😀😀🥹

[@motorclaimguru]

you look positively excited in anticipation of driving that 912, lovely car. I would have that.

[@markonmotoring]

I think I've only seen about three of these in the past decade and all at classic car shows of some sort. I can't believe how much these once budget Porches no change hands for. I'm sure the performance feels adequate in much the same way as the 90hp and 1050kg does in my own yellow peril other than fully loaded going up hills. I can tell that you were genuinely enjoying yourself there James, I think.i.would feel like Steve McQueen at the wheel of one of those.

[@BlueHopi144]

My Father bought the same model but went to Germany to get the delivery at the factory . It was a beautiful blue 912 from 1966

[@AntoniusTyas]

In my hometown there's this Slate Grey 912, the owner also happened to own several RWB 911s. His 912 was once received a Safari-type modification with offroad tyres, steelies, and roof rack. Very snazzy. I believe now it's back on road tyres (still with the steelies) and is now with his best friend alongside a bare-metal 356B. I think the Porsche magazine St. Christophorus covered the story of said 356 a few months ago.

[@hexgraphica]

Here in italy we use to say whole numbers more often Porsche Novecentoundici Ferrari Trecentosessanta Ferrari Cinquecentonovantanove Ford Escort Milleseicento RS Although our equivalent of a sixteen hundred cc engine is a "motore da mille e sei", literally "a thousand and six".

[@howardlake6178]

Great video, and car choice! I always thought, the 912 with 90-92bhp, was the absolute opposite of my car. 95bhp. Flat 4, but in the front. FWD. But then I discovered the 200kg extra weight. Never mind. If I win the lottery I will have one next to my Alfasud Ti 😂

[@robsmith1a]

Alfasud, I had two in the 80s, loved them

[@howardlake6178]

@@robsmith1a I had SIX in the 90s. Alfisti call it a virus, but what I didn’t say in my comment, was how similar a 912 sounds 😂

[@sultanoftippoo3857]

You have a superb taste in cars sir.

[@howardlake6178]

@@sultanoftippoo3857 Thank you! I had SIX Suds in the 90s, and after a 25 year search, I found one from the driest part of South Africa 😀

[@sultanoftippoo3857]

@@howardlake6178 yes, love those Alfas, friend of mine had a beautiful one in black in the early 80’s. Glad you found your perfect car!

[@fredmercury1314]

Nearly bought one of those 26 years ago. Boy, I wish I had.

[@ichheissedamian]

I always called it the "Neunzwölfer" so I think you can just say "nine-twelve"

[@justsomeguy1141]

I’ve heard a lot of people use Nine Two Eight and Nine Two Four

[@saxon-mt5by]

@Alex I've never heard of a 356 being pronounced three-fifty-six.

[@nonick8490]

@@saxon-mt5by In Germany (and obviously in German) you do exactly that, "drei-sechsundfünfzig"! (Btw, the same goes for 3-digit BMWs, in German it's always 3-25 or 6-35 and so on, denoting the series first and then a double-digit number for what used to be the engine capacity).

[@africanotomotiv]

Excellent James! I'm going to enjoy this. Thank you!

[@sportzntouring]

Looks like you really enjoyed this one (save for the seat trying to adjust itself) 😁

[@louselk269]

My 1966 912 had the same problem with the right seat. Fortunately the car was left hand drive and only my passengers experienced the seat back going horizontal. The erratic tachometer in mine was an indication the distributor condenser had failed.

[@GryphLane]

My mum once had a Datsun 100A (E10) in that colour. It's very of its time!

[@psircos]

Lovely review/drive. You just looked so relaxed. I was waiting for that seat to notch back properly, just for the additional comedy moment it would provide 😊

[@Calilasseia]

In short, James, you're telling us that this is a car that tickles more subtle erogenous zones than usual. :) This is probably one of the very few cars I've never heard of until watching your video ... and in a way, as a "Poor Man's 911" in its era, it makes a lot of sense. Now, of course, not a "Poor Man's" anything, of course, and this example is probably going to fetch a good deal more than the £70K you mentioned because of its unique features. And yes, keeping it as original as possible *is* the proper thing to do. It is, after all, a genuine piece of history on wheels. A restomod would be utter sacrilege. Meanwhile, if you want an utterly *brutal* contrast, may I suggest the 1980s era 930 Turbo "Widowmaker"? Which earned that nickname for good reason ...

[@jamiemiller7752]

Very nice! I hired a LHD one the day after our wedding 12 years ago. I was offered to buy it for £12k after and was sorely tempted.

[@Broke_Motorsports]

Yes finally a review of the 912! I've always dreamed of owning one someday!

[@davidbrooks187]

A small consignment of 912E’s did come to the UK in the 70s. Good review as ever Jay 🇬🇧

[@jakublulek3261]

I mean, 90hp in 1969 would put you comfortably into fairly quick part of everyday traffic. Yes, somebody with tuned up Cortina could keep up and Capri could be quicker but this has better handling and is much more stylish. You would still be quicker than 90% of traffic, which is impressive.

[@sixfoot6films]

I've had my '69 912 for 20 years. Absolutely bullet proof and a joy to drive......rarely do I go below 50!

[@stevenr2463]

Great! Re min 10 about the rev counter - I remember the Smiths rev counter in my father´s Mk2 Jag in the 1960s bouncing around like crazy..!

[@futurecat]

Thanks!

[@geoffclarke3796]

Cool car in a lovely colour. After an engine rebuild it should be a fantastic car.

[@4pevans]

Thanks! WHAT A TREASURE!

[@bloggman2883]

I used to work at a Porsche Dealer. We call them "Neun-Zwölf". Just like "Neun-Elf". So "Nine-Twelve" is right. Not Ninehundred-Twelve

[@afoolandhismoneychannel]

I once owned a 1969 912... loved it. It had a little more power than stock thanks to its 2.4L big-bore T4 engine slung out back. 😈

[@comeberza]

In Spanish we do call Porsches with the hundred: novecientos once, setecientos dieciocho, novecientos cuarentaicuatro. Lovely car and video.

[@blackstar1138]

LOVE Bahama Yellow!!!

[@kkoakey]

You re such a good presenter!! Great voice! Awesome cool videos! Amazing job!! Keep it up jay!!

[@davidpriestley666]

Gorgeous car

[@d.nakamura9579]

My uncle had one of these. Good memories.

[@samandj2220]

The 912 is my favorite car!

[@andrewlucas6214]

Two ways to look at this..to some, it’s art..that pure shape is timeless…as a conveyance, it’s an old shitter..better than some of the same vintage but, debatable on the value. Saddest thing is seeing modern 911. Great big over indulgent nonsense..only good at illegal speeds. This is truly the antidote.

[@jeremywentworth1833]

Think there is something absolutely charming about the 912 just an under powered 911. The thing about the early 911/912 is the look who needs speed with an old classic car. I'm sure along with a collection of 911's Mike Brewer has a 68/69 912.

[@bm7760]

I have those wheels on my old VW Bay Window. That's about as close to a Porsche as I'm likely to get... Lovely car.

[@alexandermathar7780]

With Fuchs hub caps ! Sweet !

[@garethedwards4472]

Always hilarious watching JM driving a classic😄

[@eze8970]

Thanks J, it did seem to need some TLC. Will be good to see (& hear) it again once works done! 🙏🙏

[@tobiasschultz9525]

A good friend of mine used to have one of those. Apparantly the carburetters are absolute bitches to get dialed in just right. I know he (AND the previous owner) spent a fortune at various 'specialists' trying to get them just right. I am happy to say that in the end he succeeded. Stil that is very likely to be the source of your bogging down problem.

[@CherylCold]

Great review, I remember in South Wales, Pencoed in the early 80's one kicking around, there weren't too many interesting cars, they were changing hands for around 4k ukp back then. Always lovely to see it. Cool story bro time, there was a 2 door W116 estate (shooting brake should I say) that I saw quite regularly, I can't find any info on the internet about this car.

[@heinzr9734]

A two-door W116 station wagon can really only have been a former hearse. There was no such thing in series production.

[@CherylCold]

@@heinzr9734 I'm thinking it was some sort of special. There were coachbuilders who did these sort of things. It had a standard roof height and trimmed as a normal car. Would love to go back in time and chat to the owner.

[@TGE]

Got one and love it. Don’t love the restoration bill currently climbing 😂

[@Therehabanddocumentationguru]

Love the sound

[@garychilds1130]

The best Porsche ever made

[@graemethorne677]

Horsepower and technology isn't what's it's about, it's about the experience 😊

[@ManinaGarage]

That was a great episode! Genuinely Funducational 🤘🤓

[@johnmatthews1095]

They can be wonderful classics. I had a rear heavy 1972 2.4S that only really handled with a full fuel tank , despite the oil tank ahead of the back wheel and two batteries behind the lights etc. A good 912 will run rings round supposedly faster 911s on British roads on any typical British day. Mine was built by Andrew Prill of Prill Porsche I wouldn't part with it for less than 70

[@madcoyote]

Funny, when i arrived this morning at work saw a 912 in a lovely yellow 😅

[@williesjohnson2673]

one of your more enjoyable drives there james: "pray for me everybody" sort of a nice car actually, but awfully challenging i bet

[@morphyon]

Bahama Yellow 😍🥰. Didn‘t knew they made them in LWB

[@nightmare97200]

Great review as always any chance you can do a review on a nissan 300zx?

[@Treviscoe]

Really nice review of an obviously really nice car. It shows that you don't need a big engine and oodles of power to have fun driving. It's a shame about the inflated price though.

[@heinzr9734]

I don't know if links are allowed in the comments here in the channel, so I'll give you just the name of the clip. „1967 porsche 912 factory delivery and camping vacation“ It's a very atmospheric vintage film of an American picking up his 912 in Zuffenhausen in 1967, with self filmed footage from the Porsche production, very cool if it's allowed here.

[@Wellfitaj]

I owned one , an excellent choice ❤

[@danielpope6498]

One of these with a 3 liter swapped into it came up for sale near me recently. Tempting

[@outrunninginflation4081]

Cool car. Would be interesting to do a 914 comparison given they are still within reach financially

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

To me, Porsches should always be the "underdog sportscar" with small engines. I just cannot get behind a modern 911, and even struggle to like a Cayman. I'd call it "Neunzwölf", by the way.

[@713vinh]

Indeed a lovely charming car.

[@Richard-Bullock]

If I had £70k, I simply cannot think of anything else I would rather spend it on.

[@colemansawyer5015]

great color

[@turbod1]

My neighbor had a 912e and it was for sale when I got my drivers license. It was in great shape and he wanted 4000 usd. But my parents thought it would be unsafe then he sold it

[@resnonverba137]

I've not driven a 912 and with the amount of smoke coming out of the exhaust at the beginning, I wouldn't be driving that one either. Looks nice but, of course, it would.

[@1greenMitsi]

nice beetle

[@markwood7045]

🤡

[@badgersalesman5595]

Its also got my initials on the plate 😮

[@masturdate]

You should buy it.