The Porsche 912 Marketplace
If you have felt you cannot get into the Porsche market lately, you are not alone. The cost of a classic Porsche has risen and shows no signs of easing.
The Porsche 912 market is currently stable at a high valuation, with prices generally holding steady following significant appreciation over the past few years. While the broader classic car market has seen some post-pandemic softening, the demand for air-cooled Porsches, including the 912, remains robust, and values have largely maintained their new, higher levels.
Current Market Overview
Stable Demand:
Interest in classic air-cooled Porsches has not waned, and the 912 is no longer viewed merely as the “entry-level” alternative to the 911. Enthusiasts value its unique handling characteristics (due to the lighter 4-cylinder engine) and classic styling.
Price Range:
The value of a Porsche 912 varies significantly by condition, year, and originality.
According to Hagerty Valuation Tools and other sources, the average price for a 912 in “good” condition is approximately $50,000 to $70,000.
High End Exceptionally well-maintained, restored, or rare examples (like a soft-window Targa or cars with a pristine history) can fetch much higher prices, sometimes exceeding $100,000 at auction. The highest recorded sale for a SWB (short wheelbase) model was a prototype that sold for $270,000 in August 2023.
Decent, driver-quality examples can still be found for under $50,000, though they may require some work to be brought to top condition.
Overall Condition and Restoration Quality
This is the most significant factor.
Exceptional/Restored Examples with high-quality, documented restorations command the highest prices, sometimes exceeding $125,000.
“Driver Quality” Cars in good, but not perfect, running condition typically fall in the standard market range (around $50,000 to $77,000).
Basket Cases with rust, accident history, or extensive mechanical needs sell for significantly less, sometimes as low as a few thousand dollars.
Documentation and History: Comprehensive service records and a well-documented ownership history increase buyer confidence and value. A lack of paperwork for significant work, such as an engine rebuild, can lead to a “mystery motor discount”.
Originality vs. Modifications: While high-quality, desirable modifications (like a 5-speed transmission or a custom 2.4L engine conversion) can sometimes increase value, generally, cars that retain their original configuration and matching-numbers components are most sought after by serious collectors.
Mechanical Condition: The state of the engine, brakes, suspension, and other systems significantly impacts the price. Cars requiring immediate, costly repairs (e.g., rust repair, engine work, brake system overhaul) receive lower bids.
Mileage: Lower mileage often correlates with higher value, though total mileage can be unknown on older vehicles with five-digit odometers.Body Style: The 1967 model year offered both Coupe and Soft-Window Targa versions, with Targas sometimes commanding different prices depending on condition and rarity.
In summary, buyers scrutinize the details, and prices heavily reflect the actual, documented condition and history of the specific vehicle.
This Porsche 912 Project
That brings us to this 912 Project. This car is different than a basket case, and also different from a running car. So the price valuation for this project car runs from $20,000 to $45,000. This car will go to auction on Bring a Trailer and its market value will be locked in by the winning bid.
The repairs already done on this car make the difference from getting an expensive starter car to something that has the possibility to be a top-dollar example
Cost Breakdown by Component
The majority of the cost is labor, with shop rates generally ranging from $100 to over $200 per hour in 2025. A full restoration can easily involve 2,000 or more man-hours of work.
Engine Rebuild: A comprehensive, professional engine rebuild, including machine work, parts, and labor, typically costs between $15,000 and $25,000+. The price depends on whether major components like the crank or heads need replacement and the quality of parts used (e.g., Mahle vs. AA pistons).
Body and Paint: This is often the largest expense due to the labor-intensive nature of rust repair and paint preparation.
Expect to pay $18,000 to $30,000+ for a high-quality bare-metal respray alone, assuming minimal rust issues.
Significant rust repair (common on non-galvanized Porsches of this era) can add tens of thousands of dollars in metalwork and fabrication.
Interior: Restoring the interior can be surprisingly expensive, with new German vinyl and carpeting costing nearly as much as leather. A cracked dash, new door pockets, and correct materials can easily add $5,000 to $15,000+.
Parts and Trim: The cost of new or NLA (no longer available) parts, rubber seals, trim, and chrome work adds up quickly. Original Porsche Classic parts help with authenticity but come at a premium.
Ultimately, the best way to manage costs is to start with a solid, rust-free car, as metalwork is often the most unpredictable and expensive part of the process.
Repairs already done
This project 912 comes with matching numbers. After extensive rust repairs, it has been repainted in its original factory color, Aga Blue.
- Rust repairs
- Paint in the original color
- Transmission rebuild
- Engine Preparation
- Brakes and Suspension
- New Parts List
Rust repairs
The most significant work on this project has been the extensive rust repairs. Often, the biggest unknown when purchasing a project car is the rust you cannot see from the outside. The cost of this alone can blow out your project. The list of new sheet metal parts installed and labor to install them would pay for the car twice over. You can remove this from your worries and put your money into the rest of the restoration with confidence in the foundation of this build.







































Paint
This project 912 has been taken back to bare metal. Primer, texture, 2 stage paint, and clear coat have been applied.
Transmission Rebuild
The next significant cost taken off your restoration bill is the Transmission. The cost of a total transmission build is in the range of $4500 to $8000









Engine Preparation
The engine came complete with the car and has been prepared for a rebuild.
The case has been machined with a close and hone back to standard. Tin wear has been stripped and powder coated black. Generator refurbished parts. Distributor rebuilt.











Brakes and Suspension



Refurbished Gauges









Interior Parts




