Vehicle Description
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Most likely the best "All Original" 912 in the world!
One owner - 15,423 original miles
100% original paint, interior, chrome, etc.
Matching numbers engine and 5-speed transmission
Original delivery documents from Porsche
Comprehensive mechanical preservation, presentation by Canepa
"A car is only original once" is the mantra for many collectors,
valuing how the car was originally delivered from the factory. This
is no different for Porsche as having the opportunity to find a
truly original car is becoming increasingly rare in the day and age
of so many restorations of collectible automobiles. "Finding a car
that is over half a century old, yet completely original in
concours condition, is like finding a needle in haystack," said
Bruce Canepa. However, Canepa has found that in this absolutely
stunning and original slate grey 15,000 miles 1966 Porsche 912.
John Reynolds worked as an electrical contractor in the late 50s.
He worked in different trades as an aircraft and auto mechanic. At
the time, Mr. Reynolds had purchased a Porsche 356A that he used as
a daily driver. Due to his job, the 356 was not the optimal car to
take him and his belongings to job sites. In December 30th 1965,
Mr. Reynolds brought his 356 to his local dealership, Gardner
Motors, out of Fresno, California.
In the dealership showroom, the 912 was beautifully displayed, and
without hesitation, Mr. Reynolds noticed the improvements over his
356, with different styling and more interior space. The grey over
red was the perfect combination, and Mr. Reynolds sat down with the
salesman and traded his 356 plus $5394.47 to complete the deal on a
new 912. Mr. Reynolds added seatbelts as an accessory to ensure the
safety of himself and his wife. During the following years of
ownership, Mr. Reynolds drove his 912 regularly. The vehicle's
service was done according to the original service book at the
Gardner Motor Inc dealership, where the dealer stamped the original
service book and signed off on the 912.
In comparison to the 911, the 912 only had 20 less horsepower, but
in return, boasted a 200lb difference in weight savings. Aside from
being lighter, the 912 also featured better weight distribution
leading to an incredible Porsche driving experience. This vehicle
was and is beyond the status quo, and just really fun to drive.
Through the years, Mr. Reynolds would drive the 912 less as his
family grew, and it became his weekend car, which he drove along
the California highways in his hometown of Reedley, CA. Since Mr.
Reynolds was an aircraft and car mechanic, he fastidiously
maintained and serviced his 912.
Upon arriving at Canepa, the car received a thorough inspection,
evaluating each piece of the Porsche. "When a car is in as original
condition as this slate gray 912, the most careful steps are taken
to preserve its originality and is only given the most sympathetic
reconditioning and service as needed," said Bruce Canepa. The slate
grey paint, interior, brightwork, lights, etc., are all in original
show-quality condition. This represents the incredible care this
912 saw in the past 55 years since it rolled out of the
showroom.
Canepa set to work to ensure that the 912 would be preserved for
the future. Evaluating the mechanicals, the car was disassembled as
needed to clean, service, and recondition every component you could
touch to as close to as new condition using only the most careful
methods. The entire underside of the body was cleaned by hand to a
like-new condition.
All of the mechanicals were addressed. Being 55 years old, the
original engine was due for an inspection and service. Carburetors
were rebuilt, and new bushings for the shifter linkage system and
pedal assembly. The brakes were serviced, and a complete set of new
tires were put on all corners. The 100% all original interior was
delicately cleaned by hand with the mildest of soap and water, and
nothing needed repair or replacement.
The last step was to carefully and slowly polish the original paint
without damaging it, a skill acquired over the course of years of
experience with similar original paints. The original 55-year-old
surface was carefully brought back to a shine with only light
polishes and foam pads, yet the paint's presentation would impress
any Concours judge.
This all-original 1966 Porsche 912, with its 55 years of documented
ownership, extraordinary preservation and now preserved even
further with the expert work by Canepa, is ready for the next 50
years to drive and show at any preservation class concours
event.
