1969 Porsche 912 / 911 ***Regretfully Withdrawn***

The question of how to tempt new customers into Porsche ownership has always been problematic. On the one hand, you're trying to uphold the reputation of the company as a purveyor of high-quality, high-performance sports cars while on the other, you're anxious not to alienate those potential customers whose budget won't stretch to a new 911.

In 1964, Porsche had just such a problem with the sales of their new 911 proving a touch disappointing and continuing demand for the 356, which was scheduled to be phased out, necessitating that the production lines kept rolling. The solution seemed to be financial, and the decision was made to replace the 356 with a four-cylinder, more appropriately priced 911 and, as a result, the 912 (initially 902) was conceived.

First available to European customers by June 1965 (initially with 1582 cc and 90bhp), the 912 soon became a market leader, particularly in the USA. In the UK, the 912 was some 30% cheaper at £2,466 compared to the £3,488 price tag of the 911 and went on to outsell its six-cylinder sibling by no less than 188% in 1966.

Constructed in late 1966, the 100,000th Porsche built was a 912 Targa Police Car and the 912 won Car and Driver's 1967 "Readers Choice" Poll for its class. Its nimble handling combined with good reliability made it a popular choice for motorsport teams and a rally prepared 912 won its class in the 1967 European Rally Championship. Production of the 912 ceased in 1969 when over 30,000 had found homes.

From the beginning of production in 1965, the 912 was available with an electric sunroof, a rare option which is now making these particular cars sought after. It's thought that only 100, 912 sunroof coupés built from 1968 - 1969 are still in existence.

This original right-hand drive Porsche 912 supplied to Northern Ireland, is finished in red with a black leatherette interior, and also features the aforementioned electric sunroof. Around 1970 / 71 the owner at the time decided more power was necessary, and instead of trading the car in for the 911, a 2.0 litre 911E engine was sourced and fitted to the car. At the same time, Contour Rally seats were fitted, as was an RS style 'Ducktail' engine cover and a set of Fuchs alloys. Contained within the history file are MoTs dating back to 1982, service receipts and a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity confirming the identity of this car.

The car remained with the first owner until March 2014 when it was purchased by our vendor, himself a motoring enthusiast, who has had much enjoyment from the car since. Supplied with an MoT until 17th July '16 and a UK V5c, this particular 912, whilst not original, offers the chance to enjoy classic Porsche motoring at an attractive price!