For Sale: 1968 Porsche 912 in Costa Mesa, California

1968 Porsche 912 Soft Window Targa

• VIN 12870760
• Engine No. 1283526 - Matching
• Transmission No. 1284408
• Porsche Kardex
• Completed March 13, 1968

This 1968 Porsche 912 Soft Window Targa is among the most distinctive and seldom-seen early open Porsche variants. It represents the final year of production for the Soft-Window Targa configuration. This example is presented in its original color of Silver Metallic over Black upholstery. Imported by VW Pacific of Culver City, California, it was delivered to its first owner, Richard Shrader of Torrance, California. This short-wheelbase 912 features desirable West Coast provenance and the rare open-air character that defines the earliest Targas. Factory options include chrome-plated wheels, Porsche-crested hubcaps, tinted glass all around, and a leather steering wheel.

The paintwork has a fine finish and strong luster and is in excellent condition. The exterior trim, brightwork, glass, and badging are also in excellent condition. This example retains the correct one-year-only door pockets and original side markers. These details are unique to the 1968 model year among early 912s and 911s. The cabin features front seats with houndstooth inserts, CoCo mats, a VDM wood-rimmed steering wheel, VDO instrumentation, brushed-aluminum dash trim, and a Blaupunkt AM/FM radio. Chrome 5.5" x 15" ventilated wheels are fitted with Dunlop Sport BluResponse 195/65R15 tires. The undercarriage is solid, rust-free, and in excellent condition.

According to a prior owner, the 912's original owner was a fire captain in Ojai, California. The second owner later brought the 912 to Arizona. There, it remained in dry storage for many years. In 2009, well-known Porsche collector Gary Basil of Escondido, California, discovered and acquired the 912. He then embarked on a complete three-year restoration. Metalwork was entrusted to Joe George of Santa Ynez, California. Paintwork was completed by California Porsche Restoration in Fallbrook, California, and the interior was finished by Autos International in Escondido, California. Mechanical refurbishment was carried out by Tim Ball of Woodland Hills, California. The current owner acquired the 912 in 2024. They then commissioned Air-Cooled Engines in South Carolina to perform an engine-out service. This work included replacing the clutch assembly and rear main seal, installing a new front crankshaft seal, performing oil and filter service, rebuilding the front calipers, replacing the transmission ground strap, installing a new generator belt, and synchronizing the carburetor.

Mechanically powered by the matching 1600cc flat-four engine (Type 616/39) producing 95 horsepower, paired with a five-speed manual transmission (Type 902/02), and four-wheel disc brakes. This 912 delivers a balanced, light, and engaging driving experience that has made early short-wheelbase cars increasingly sought after. Complete with spare wheel, tool kit, jack, tonneau cover, service records, and factory build sheet. The 1968 model year was the final year of the Soft Window Targa, which represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a rare and beautifully restored 912 finished in its original classic color combination.