For Sale: 1968 Porsche 912 in Costa Mesa, California

1968 Porsche 912 Soft Window Targa

• VIN 12870625
• Engine No. 1282937 - Matching
• Transmission No. 1081310 - Matching
• Completed February 16, 1968
• Porsche - Certificate of Authenticity

Final year of the Soft Window Targa finished in the original color combination of Tangerine (6809) over Black leatherette upholstery, matching engine and transmission, confirmed by the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. Original equipment includes light metal wheels, bumpers with rubber inserts, a VDM wooden steering wheel, a tinted windshield, a Blaupunkt AM/FM Frankfurt radio, one speaker, an antenna, and Semperit tires. Combining short-wheelbase balance, open-air versatility, and the rare Soft Window Targa configuration, this 912 represents one of the most charismatic early Porsche 912 body styles.

The paintwork is in excellent condition with perfect gaps and panel fit, original side markers, and all original glass. The interior retains the proper 1968 features, including the one-year-only armrests with pockets, wooden steering wheel, Blaupunkt AM/FM radio, VDO instrumentation, and black leatherette upholstery. The renowned Dave Brown of Boulder, Colorado, restored the Targa top, along with photo documentation of the Canepa mechanical restoration.

Canepa Design in Scotts Valley, California, serviced the 912 at 38,590 miles. Canepa did work including correction of air and water leaks, Targa bar and seal adjustments, ride-height inspection and four-wheel alignment, brake system inspection, parking brake repaired, bumper rubber replacement, carburetors were rebuilt, generator replacement, clutch replacement, decklid and hood strut replacement, door lock repair, ignition system work, lighting system repairs, oil service, pedal assembly rebuilt, shift linkage rebuilt, starter replacement, steering column service, stereo wiring repair, windshield washer repair, and a final detailing.

Canepa documentation outlines extensive engine work. The engine and transaxle assembly were removed from the 912, the engine was disassembled and inspected, the crankcase was checked, new connecting rod bearings and crankshaft main bearings were installed, the pistons and cylinders were inspected and installed, the cylinder heads were rebuilt with new intake and exhaust valve guides, the valves were adjusted, new pushrod tubes were installed, the rocker shafts and arms were serviced, engine seals and gaskets were replaced, and the engine was installed, tuned, and run through the break-in procedure. The VDO instrumentation was also restored, including tachometer repair, speedometer restoration, and fuel, clock, and temperature gauges. The transmission was disassembled to diagnose drivetrain noise, including internal inspection, bearing work, gear inspection, tolerance measurements, replacement of shift forks and gear-related components, and final reassembly with gear oil before road testing. The team removed, balanced, and road-force checked the wheels and tires, restored the jack, and sourced a tool kit.

On July 15, 2026, Don Wise's Autowerks serviced the 912 at 44,254 miles. Work included replacing the oil pressure switch; replacing and adjusting the shifter bushings; adjusting the front brake calipers, emergency brake cables, and carburetors; and ignition tuning. The invoice notes the engine operation was checked, throttle linkage was adjusted, timing was set, and the idle was adjusted for best running condition.

Mechanically powered by the matching 1600cc flat-four engine producing 95 horsepower paired with its matching five-speed manual transmission, and four-wheel disc braking system. This Soft Window Targa delivers the light, balanced, and engaging driving experience that defines the short-wheelbase 912. Complete with service records, photo documentation of the Canepa mechanical restoration, owner's manual, tool kit, spare wheel, original black California plate, and tonneau cover. An excellent opportunity to acquire the final year of the Soft Window 912, finished in its original color combination, with extensive mechanical documentation.