This 912 Soft-Window Targa was ordered new in 1968 by Robert Prince of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Porsche was desirably equipped with a 5-speed gearbox, and – highly unusual to any 912 – Recaro sports seats, left and right. In addition to that, the car was outfitted in Tangerine with a black interior, US equipment and a chrome engine compartment light.
Once completed, the car was collected at the factory ahead of a European tour. Upon arrival, the Porsche was further equipped with a Talbot mirror, left and right, carpeted floor mats, a leather wrapped steering wheel, halogen lights and headrests. A factory receipt for these additional items accompanies the other original invoices and documents from the time of purchase.
After a tour through Europe, colorfully described at the end of this text in Robert Prince’s own words, the car made its way home to the Chicago area where it remained in his ownership for over 5 decades. During his stewardship of the car, it was well used, but as the remaining original details attest, it was well cared for. The car received regular mechanic attention and a 2005 restoration was conducted to bring the body and cosmetics back to a high level. Much of this work is documented, including photos of the body restoration and repaint.
The finished car remains a highly correct and beautifully presented example. The 912 retains its original engine and 5-speed gearbox, as well as the factory installed Recaro sport seats. Furthermore, the 912 is complete with its weather equipment, unique to the Soft-Window Targas, its owner’s manual set and tool kit. At some stage, Prince opted for a smaller diameter steering wheel which remains on the car today – the original, leather-wrapped wheel accompanies the car as well.
Acquired by the current owner, a noted west-coast collector, in 2020, the Porsche has seen regular, though sparing use and has been very well cared for and maintained by his full-time team.
One would be hard pressed to find a better optioned 912, and the car’s limited ownership and fully documented history make it an even more special example.
“I purchased this car in the spring of 1968 from Concours Motors in Milwaukee. The salesman listed on the original purchase contract was Bill Wuesthoff. I still have all of the paperwork. I took delivery of the car in Stuttgart on May 2, 1968. I remained at the factory for the better part of a week while the factory experts attempted to eliminate problems related to the new emission requirements. I also added European halogen headlights as well as halogen driving lights.
I spent the next 2 months driving the Porsche through Europe including a high-speed run on the autobahn which confirmed the factory claim of a top speed of 118 m.p.h. The highlight of the trip was a visit to East Berlin to meet an East German girl who requested that I smuggle magazines, jeans and other contraband. Happily, the Vopos at „Checkpoint Charlie“ were not familiar with the new Porsche and after a scary half hour including machine guns and dogs; I was able to deliver the goods to my new friend. We spent the day driving around East Berlin. Needless to say a bright orange Porsche attracted a great deal of attention.
My last stop was London and a drive along the wonderful back roads of England. Being on the „wrong“ side of the car made for an intimidating closeup of the many stone fences that lined these byways.
The Porsche was shipped on a pallet on the deck of a freighter and arrived in Chicago unscathed. Unfortunately, I used the car on a day-to-day basis for a number of years, which resulted in the necessity of a full restoration in 1994-96. In 1996, the Porsche won Best of Class at the street concours at Road America.”
- Robert Prince, the 912’s first and longest owner
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