Imagine getting behind the wheel of a classic sports car that embodies the essence of driving pleasure and balance. A car that turns heads and inspires envy from onlookers. That car is the Porsche 912. With a similar performance of the 911 and affordable price point, the Porsche 912 has earned a place in Porsche’s legendary family. Whether you are a die-hard Porsche fan or simply appreciate a well-designed sports car, the Porsche 912 is sure to impress.

One of the main advantages that the 912 Coupé had over the original Porsche 911 was affordability. It was around $1,700 cheaper than the 911 ($4,700 vs $6,490) making it more accessible and affordable to a wider range of buyers. This was particularly important in the US market, where Porsche was trying to establish itself as a premium, luxurious brand.

The 912 had the same body style as the 911, but with a 4-cylinder engine instead of the 6-cylinder engine found in the 911. Despite its lower power output and smaller engine, the 912 still proved itself to be its own capable car. The original 1965 model had a 1.6-liter engine that produced 90 horsepower, which was enough to propel the car from 0-60 mph in around 11 seconds. Later models had a slightly larger 2.0-liter engine that produced up to 102 horsepower, which reduced the 0-60 mph time to around 9 seconds.

However, one of the reasons why the 912 was so popular with car enthusiasts was its balanced handling. The car had a near-perfect weight distribution, all thanks to the engine’s positioning over the rear axle, which gave it a stable and predictable feel on the road. The 912 also had disc brakes and independent suspension at all four corners, enhancing its excellent braking power and handling.

The 912 also had classic styling that was reminiscent of other Porsche models from the 1960s. It had a sleek and timeless design that has aged well over the years, and it still turns heads today when it is seen on any street. 

Good things don’t last forever, as they say. The Porsche 912 was eventually replaced by the Porsche 914 in 1969. The 914 was a mid-engined sports car that was designed to be more modern and practical than its predecessor, but it lacked some of the wow factors that the 912 originally had, such as the body style and driving performance.

Today, the 912 is still considered to be a classic sports car that is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. It is a reminder of a simpler time in the world of sports cars, when driving pleasure and balance were valued over raw power and speed. If you are lucky enough to come across a well-maintained one today, it is sure to put a smile on your face and give you a taste of what driving was like in the 1960s.