1969 Porsche 912 Targa | Projects

1969 Porsche 912 Targa

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The Project

This 1969 Porsche 912 Targa arrived into the workshop all the way from Texas in August 2023. Main work to be carried out is a full respray along with any bodywork repairs that are needed.

Updates

18th January 2024: The bodywork has been stripped back to the original metal to begin any repairs in preparation for full respray. Bonnet and doors have had the first primer coat applied.

17th May 2024: Paint fully stripped and shell, wings, and rear bumper have all been cleaned. Epoxy primer has been applied. First skim process has begun to repair and shape surfaces areas.

1st – 12th June 2024: Works to prepare the bodywork for paint have been completed and the car has had its first coat of red applied. The panels, bonnet and boot door are next on the list.

17th June 2024: Side doors, wings, bonnet, boot door and bumper were prepped for hi build primer, then the red gloss finish was applied.

25th June 2024: Front and rear screens in place and refurbished seats ready to be fitted. Doors, handles and wings have now also been fitted.

3rd July 2024: The car interior and exterior continue to be reassembled. This includes panels, doors, bumpers, glasswork, chrome work, seats, door cards and carpets.

16th July 2024: The car is now complete. It’s had a final polish and valet ready for the owner to collect and enjoy.

History

The 356-derived four-cylinder tends to be prone to oil leaks but can withstand high miles provided it’s well maintained and receives regular oil changes – advised as every 3000 miles. While some drips might be addressed with the engine in situ – cylinder head bolt oil seals, for example, if you’re keen to avoid a splattered driveway, or oil leaking onto the exhaust below it’s an engine out job to address matters properly.

When running as it should, the little four-banger makes that charming sewing machine sound. Any knocking or rattles may be an early indication of camshaft or bearing concerns; so proceed with caution.

At over 50 years old, original aged rubbers and hoses will be brittle and in the case of fuel lines, will present a serious safety concern with the possibility of perished lines making fast work of spraying fuel onto a hot engine bay. Do not scrimp, just get new ones. A small fire extinguisher or better still an automated Blaze Cut system is advised too.

Where some 912s have been sat for many years, getting them started and achieving a steady idle can be a problem. Be sure to check and correctly set timing, carburettors, ignition and fuelling. It was not uncommon during the years of cheap repairs, for incorrect VW parts to have been used, particularly distributers. Money is well spent on electronic ignition and whether you have a pair of Solex or Weber carbs, both should be correctly set up and ideally as part of a full rolling road tune-up.

While matching numbers is a constant topic of discussion, be sure to take a look at stamped numbers to ascertain if the engine and transmission are original to the car. It’s not uncommon for engines and gearboxes to have been swapped over the many decades of a 912’s life. Equally, check ID stamps in the bulkhead for any tampering.

I cant recommend Carrosserie highly enough, the service was exemplary from start to finish and the workmanship is second to none. I highly recommend giving the team a call for any work you need doing to your classic car, no matter what it is, you will not be disappointed!

Thank you to all at Carroserie who have provided absolute commitment, professional expertise, the ultimate in personal service and 'tender loving care' for my 84-year-old car.

I cannot recommend Carroserie highly enough.

Great friendly and helpful team at Carrosserie. Highly quality work. This is the second time I've used their services.

Highly recommended if you want quality restoration or paint work.

The work carried out here is like magic, the standard the cars leave is fantastic, the cars they restore are works of art!