An entry level model for Porsche, the 912 was a sports car that manufactured by Porsche of Germany from 1965 until 1969. The 912 was offered in the coupe body style and was either powered by a 1.6 liter or 2.0 liter engine. Porsche was in a bind after the discontinuation of the 356 because all that they had left was the very expensive 911. The 912 was the answer Porsche had been looking for as it was on the 911 chassis and used the same body shell, but was offered for much less than the 911, preserving a big portion of the buyers that would be interested in the 911 but could not afford it.
The biggest difference between the 911 and the 912 is that the 912 used the four cylinder engine from the 356 instead of the flat six cylinder power plant that the 911 was known for. The 912 also didn't offer as many of the features standard, which helped with cutting down on the price. While the 911 was flashy, the 912 outsold it for the first few years of its production. During the five year production period of the 912, more than 30,000 were produced.
The 912 was eventually replaced when the 911 came down a bit in price and the rest of this market segment rose to meet and even exceed the 911 prices. With two "affordable" cars Porsche felt that the 912 was just a repeat and they were anxious to get another model out there, which would become known as the 914. The 912 was gone from the lineup for six years and then it returned to the United States in 1976 as the 912E when the 914 was discontinued. When the new 924 was ready for release, the 912 went into and unofficial moratorium once again.
