Porsche 912 SWB Coupe

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The year after production of the legendary 911 had commenced in 1964, Porsche introduced the identical looking 912 as an entry level model to the marque.

Although it shared its monocoque steel chassis with that of the 911, together with independent front torsion bar and trailing arm rear suspension with all-round disc brakes, the engine was taken from the outgoing 356. This was a 1,582cc flat four unit that produced 90bhp. Driving through a 5-speed gearbox it gave the car a top speed of 115mph, no match for a 911 admittedly, but with a lighter all-up weight and installed in the short-wheelbase 911 platform, it was still a fine sportscar in its own right.

The proven reliability of the 356's powerplant combined with the 911 bodywork and low price made the 912 a very attractive buy and it substantially outsold the much more expensive 911 during the first few years of production. It proved especially popular with the American market and around 30,300 were sold before production finally ceased in 1969.

Once somewhat unloved, now that the early SWB 911s have shot beyond reach of most mere mortals, the 912 is increasingly sought after today and prices have risen accordingly.

This 1967 example was imported from Ohio, America, about two years ago by the vendor. It had been previously owned for 26 years by noted Porsche Club of America member, Mike Robbins of Indiana, who is celebrated in Porsche circles for having clocked up over half-a-million miles in a 1958 356 Speedster that he also owned.

On arrival in the UK the car was treated to a £4,000 mechanical overhaul by 912 specialists Revival Cars of London in 2013. It has also been given a high quality repaint and the interior has been refreshed with a new headlining, new carpets and refurbished seats. Now said to be in very smart condition throughout, it is taxed and MOTd until the end of January 2015. A really pretty little sportscar that looks fantastic in green, it is sure to draw many admiring glances wherever it goes.