Enjoyed your first a.c. Porsche driving experience! Your many comments about the steering wheel leads me to point out that this wood rimmed wheel was sourced from a 1965 - 1968 911, with the "hockey puck" horn button and 4 spokes. For 1969, (this 912's vintage) a new steering wheel design appeared which was used up until the 1973 model year. Also got a 2" wheelbase extension in 1969, but it was also the last year for the 912.
Nice job. I've owned a 1969 LWB 912 since 1970. I still AutoX it in the PCA. Simply amazing automobile. BTW, you do not have to double-clutch the car, all you have to do is add 1/2 second to the shift and the synchronizers work perfectly. If you ever want to four-wheel drift that 912, let me know!
Have been looking forward to this one! You get to drive so many interesting cars. I think these early 911s (or 912s) are the sweet spot in the classic Porsche range. More sophisticated than the 356, but still retain a lovely delicate handling feel that was somewhat lost as the tires got wider and the cars became more serious performance machines in the early 1980s.
The early 911/912 is something that just has to be driven one time to understand why people are crazy about them. Ive been on the hunt for one for a while as my last bucket list car. My wife doesnt understand why. Shes never driven one.
yes!! thanks for this great video. it was our exact experience when driving our late dad's 912 last summer before getting it ready for sale. I'm definitely going to have to show sis this one... what a fun car right!?
Very entertaining. There are many different aspects to driving. Cars like this, from days long since passed, demanded far more involvement from the driver than anything being produced today. For some drivers, the joy experienced through this level of involvement itself tops anything that today's cars can provide despite their impressive levels of performance. At the extreme end of the scale you have cars like this. At the other end you have something like today's amusement park rides. Most cars being made today fit somewhere between the two extremes.
Welcome to Germany, driving/ reviewing my 120hp 1968 SWB 912.. 5 speed better than any the 911 SWB those years with 130hp cause weight is more Balanced... but agree. No one needs all the Plastic, home Theater Displays and crap
The 912 has a rabidly passionate European fan base, and for good reason. The race lineage of the boxer 4 is undeniable, but when the 911 was introduced many in the US ignored the 912 as an entry level Porsche with a VW engine. Although some VW bottom end parts are interchangeable, the 356/912 1.6L build tolerances, head design rockers valve train are pure Porsche. You can literally hear the difference. If you want to improve your driving skills, master that car. It will tell you what you're doing wrong so you learn how to correct it.
Not to nit pick, but you’re a classic car rookie. Anyone with driving experience will tell you 10 and 2 on the steering wheel is dated knowledge. Take one race class and they’ll teach you correct for any car is, 9 and 3. Just watch any racing video. Secondly, the slick steering wheel. These older cars with thin wood or plastic steering wheels are best driven with driving gloves. That’s not my advice, it’s Wolfgang Porsches advice when he did a video on TH-cam titled Wolfgang Porsche top 5.
You would enjoy an original Lotus Elan. 500 lbs. lighter than an NA Miata, all the analog feeling of a 912, but far more approachable and with cornering performance that will embarrass some modern cars.
Enjoyed your first a.c. Porsche driving experience! Your many comments about the steering wheel leads me to point out that this wood rimmed wheel was sourced from a 1965 - 1968 911, with the "hockey puck" horn button and 4 spokes. For 1969, (this 912's vintage) a new steering wheel design appeared which was used up until the 1973 model year. Also got a 2" wheelbase extension in 1969, but it was also the last year for the 912.
Nice job. I've owned a 1969 LWB 912 since 1970. I still AutoX it in the PCA. Simply amazing automobile. BTW, you do not have to double-clutch the car, all you have to do is add 1/2 second to the shift and the synchronizers work perfectly. If you ever want to four-wheel drift that 912, let me know!
PV backroad is such a hidden gem, and perfect for a quick weekend drive in an aircooled porsche
I have the 911 and the extra 40 hp makes a big difference. Because of aerodynamics, the faster you go, the better it handles
Excellent review. 1st 912 video I've seen that really captures the essence of what driving one is like.
I have a 914. It’s amazing. So analog and just puts a smile on your face. And the engine is in the middle.
Great video! Need the leather driving gloves from MG Mitten with that 912 steering wheel.
Have been looking forward to this one! You get to drive so many interesting cars. I think these early 911s (or 912s) are the sweet spot in the classic Porsche range. More sophisticated than the 356, but still retain a lovely delicate handling feel that was somewhat lost as the tires got wider and the cars became more serious performance machines in the early 1980s.
RPV, is a really nice little drive.
I love the color of the car
Lovely. These cars make you a better driver!
And most 912 owners will tell you its a better car :)
i'm imagining that driving that car was not all that different than my experiences learning to drive in the family's old '62 beetle.
The early 911/912 is something that just has to be driven one time to understand why people are crazy about them. Ive been on the hunt for one for a while as my last bucket list car. My wife doesnt understand why. Shes never driven one.
Jimmy. The patron saint of awesome.
love it. I have a sand beige 912 1969 myself...
yes!! thanks for this great video. it was our exact experience when driving our late dad's 912 last summer before getting it ready for sale. I'm definitely going to have to show sis this one... what a fun car right!?
Right on, right on.
Very entertaining. There are many different aspects to driving. Cars like this, from days long since passed, demanded far more involvement from the driver than anything being produced today. For some drivers, the joy experienced through this level of involvement itself tops anything that today's cars can provide despite their impressive levels of performance. At the extreme end of the scale you have cars like this. At the other end you have something like today's amusement park rides. Most cars being made today fit somewhere between the two extremes.
Welcome to Germany, driving/ reviewing my 120hp 1968 SWB 912.. 5 speed better than any the 911 SWB those years with 130hp cause weight is more Balanced... but agree. No one needs all the Plastic, home Theater Displays and crap
My frist Porsche was a 1966 912 SWB by Karmann, Loved that car a lot.
The 912 has a rabidly passionate European fan base, and for good reason. The race lineage of the boxer 4 is undeniable, but when the 911 was introduced many in the US ignored the 912 as an entry level Porsche with a VW engine. Although some VW bottom end parts are interchangeable, the 356/912 1.6L build tolerances, head design rockers valve train are pure Porsche. You can literally hear the difference. If you want to improve your driving skills, master that car. It will tell you what you're doing wrong so you learn how to correct it.
Love it. Thanks for posting
Next time driving old cars with thin rim steering wheels, wear driving gloves for grip, love your driving analogy to a analog visceral experience.
The other guy is weak with the u turns. ❤
I think you need driving gloves to improve grip
Not to nit pick, but you’re a classic car rookie. Anyone with driving experience will tell you 10 and 2 on the steering wheel is dated knowledge. Take one race class and they’ll teach you correct for any car is, 9 and 3. Just watch any racing video. Secondly, the slick steering wheel. These older cars with thin wood or plastic steering wheels are best driven with driving gloves. That’s not my advice, it’s Wolfgang Porsches advice when he did a video on TH-cam titled Wolfgang Porsche top 5.
Love it!
Oh shit you were in PV Drive Zygrene?
Great ride
Two words. Driving Gloves!
I would suggest leather driving gloves, they give leverage to non power steering cars.
The 912/911 was the poor mans 928
Driving gloves dude…
You forget to wear gloves xD
What color is that
Nice!
Doug DeMuro QUIVERS IN HIS BOOTS!
@zygrene,
How much did Jimmy pay for this car?
You would enjoy an original Lotus Elan. 500 lbs. lighter than an NA Miata, all the analog feeling of a 912, but far more approachable and with cornering performance that will embarrass some modern cars.
First thing,
Run 400 grit along wood wheel!
Now he knows why people use leather gloves in cars like these 😁
A Classic is like a new toy it is great the first time then gets really old fast…lol
For some yes, but certainly not for all.