October - California Central Coast - Porsche Club of America

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California Central Coast Porsche Club Of America October 2009 The residents of Morro Bay awoke Saturday to the sound of dozens of 4 cylinder Porsche engines, but they were all coming from a 911-style car—it was the 912 Registry holding their annual pow-wow, or as they call it: The 912 8th Annual 912 Rendezvous. The Porsche 912 Registry met on August 8th for the 8th Annual Rendezvous in Morro Bay. President of the 912 Registry, John Benton, talked to us between judging assignments, solving logistics problems for the three day meet, and sorting out major and minor issues that always arise in an event like this. John told us that the 912 Registry has several thousand, world-wide owners / associates that support this special subset of the Porsche marque. The Registry also includes the 912E, made only in the model year 1972. John Benton, a dedicated 912 enthusiast, enthused that the 912 holds its own against the 911: “it has better front-rear weight-balance, nicer lines, superior gas mileage (30MPH), more nimble handling, and has a “true Porsche” feel about it. The 356 crowd is already sniggering at such a statement—actually they can’t snigger much, because the 912 is half 356 anyway. In fact the 912 was often called the “356D.” Many of us in CCCR have owned 912s in our Porsche past, so this was a chance for us to reminisce about our first sports car. In fact, it was the most popular Porsche model between 1965 and 1969, outselling the 911s by a two-toone margin. Even though the 912 was originally slated to be sold only in Europe, it went on sale 912 World Wide Registry Meet in Morro Bay everywhere in the world on April 1965, including North America. It became very popular in the United States and Canada. It was considered by Porsche AG to be a transition car; a logical production segue, in 1965, between the redoubtable 356 and the new 911 model. It was fashioned out of a 911 chassis/body with a 356 type 4 cylinder engine. It was rumored that the 912 was created to use up a surplus of 356 motors, but this canard was never dignified with a reply by the Porsche factory. The 912, by all indicators, was exactly what Porsche designed it to be: a clever strategy to keep the 356 faithful in the Porsche fold while the sports world became accustomed to the new six cylinder, overhead cam engine, and the different but some similar body style. (And while Porsche worked out some early engine bugs in the 911 motor.) This 8th 912 Rendezvous in Morro Bay was a three day event, with Concours judging, wine tours throughout San Luis Obispo County, an awards dinner, and colorful display of beautifully maintained and restored cars on the lawn in the city park. The official headquarters for the 912 meet was the Inn at Morro Bay. Among the several dozens 912’s was a rare 1965 912 with a painted dash, like those in 356’s. John Benton said these were not offered in the US, so someone, probably a military service man may have brought back with him, on returning to the US. The price of 912s have risen dramatically within the last few years and still continues to grow in spite of the recession. 12
California Central Coast Porsche Club Of America October 2009 According to some of the 912 faithful, good ones are selling for as much as $30-40 thousand! John said that the 912 is a great car to restore. One of the nicest 912 on display was a beautiful Cream coupe that was being dusted off by its proud owner. This perfect example of a “Survivor” had been only been washed and waxed, had its oil changed, and driven regularly for the past 45 years. Story and Photos by -Milt Worthy- 13
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October - California Central Coast - Porsche Club of America

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