1965 Porsche 912 ‘Barnfind’

Every so often a car appears that doesn’t ask to be driven home… so you may want to bring a trailer. If you’ve been searching for that early short-wheelbase Porsche project with strong bones and genuine history, read on.

Built  30th  August 1965 , originally delivered to Porsche Cars in Northbrook, Illinois, USA, this SWB Porsche 912 Coupe  boasts history, character and work ahead of it in equal measure.

Finished in its original Bali Blue a colour carried over from the 356 model range and it is extremely rare. It was only available for one year and it was only a handful to feature a colour matched ‘painted dashboard’. It is also configured with the desirable early three-dial dashboard and 4-speed manual transmission. This example is a compelling restoration project waiting for the right owner to bring it back to life.

It presents exactly as you would hope what an unrestored early car might complete in spirit. Imperfect in places and increasingly difficult to find in this unfiltered state.

Yes, there is rust in areas and components are missing. Importantly, the car remains highly viable. Early SWB cars of this nature are no longer common particularly with documentation of this depth.

Accompanying the car is a substantial history file including.

• Period receipts dating back to the 1970s

• A handwritten maintenance logbook documenting repairs over time

• A copy of the original Kardex detailing factory specification

The early 912 has long lived slightly in the shadow of its six-cylinder sibling, unfairly so. With the four-cylinder engine weighing approximately 90kg less and sitting further inboard than the contemporary six, the result is a noticeably lighter, more agile front end.

At 95bhp, outright speed was never the point. Balance was. The steering is beautifully weighted, the turn-in sharp, and the chassis alive in a way that rewards thoughtful driving. Properly sorted, these cars offer a delicacy that many larger-engined sports cars simply cannot replicate.

This is not a car for someone seeking instant gratification. It is for one who understands what an early SWB Porsche represents and who sees opportunity where others see work.

The foundation of this vehicle allows for multiple options. Either a faithful return to its original specification, a sympathetic mechanical recommissioning as a period-correct survivor or the re-engineered classic you have always wanted to create. You choose.

Contact the team today.