Concerned that the considerable price increase of a Type 911 with "flat" six-cylinder powerplant over the Type 356 would cost the company sales and narrow brand appeal, Porsche executives decided to introduce a new four-cylinder entry-level model. Like the 911 (original internal factory designation "901"), the four-cylinder 912 was originally known at Zuffenhausen by a number with a zero in the middle, but the "902" designation was never used publicly. As production of the 356 model concluded in 1965, on April 5, 1965 Porsche officially began production of the 912 coupe. Styling, performance, quality construction, reliability, and price made the 912 a very attractive buy to both new and old customers, and it substantially outsold the 911 during the first few years of production. Porsche produced nearly 30,000 912 coupe units and about 2500 912 Targa body style units (Porsche's patented variation of a cabriolet) during a five-year manufacturing run. Production of the Targa, complete with removable roof and heavy transparent plastic rear windows openable with a zipper (later called 'Version I' by Porsche and the 'soft-window Targa' by enthusiasts), commenced in December 1966 as a 1967 model. In January 1968, Porsche also made available a Targa 'Version II' option ('hard window Targa') with fixed glass rear window, transforming the Targa into a coupe with removable roof.The car you see here is a '68 "Soft Window Targa" that has been with only three owners and has traveled only 61,560 miles from new. The car comes with the original 4 cylinder (1284351) engine and transmission (1283763) along with the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. This shows that this was an original Sand Beige car with chrome wheels. We have many receipts for the car that show the brakes were all just rebuilt along with the Weber carbs being rejeted, new transaxle mounts being installed with torsion adjuster bolts and an alignment. This was done at 59,691 miles. Just last year, the motor went through a complete rebuild. This was a complete, motor out service that was performed by Vintage Excellence in Vista California at a cost of over $14,000.The rebuild consisted of the following:Crankcase - straight and STDCrankshaft- mag tested, balanced, new brass disty gearCamshaft - Benton cam by Competition EngineeringBearings - NEW OEM STD Glyco bearingsRods - mag tested, shot peened, resized to STD, new rod nuts, pin bushing, early 2 oil typePistons/Cylinders - Forged JE aluminum - 86mm for 1720cc, 9.25 compression ratioCylinder heads - full rework to new by Competition Engineering - non smog head cores usedValves - new TRW (Sodium filled exhaust), new guides, new progressive rate valve springs, Flywheel/clutch - OEM, bead blasted, resurfaced Sachs German clutch, balanced as a single unitCSP Full flow oil system - like new oil can left for cosmetic appearanceCarburetor - Solex PII-4, machined and modified for single shaft by 356 Carburetor Rescue (mains are too rich for my elevation and I would recommend that they be checked for your location)Distributor - Benton RSR 0012Exhaust - Bursch black ceramic coatedRebuilt fuel pumpAll new fuel/oil linesCSP Ultimate 912 engine gasket setSheet metal - powder coated blackDetailed build sheet available to buyer - other documents from past two owners available as wellThere has been one professional respray a number of years ago and retains a great luster and shine. The front and rear bumpers are in very good, original condition with only a few minor imperfections that are expected from age. The vinyl targa looks great as well as the soft rear window. They both go on and off with no problems. Inside, the interior has been reupholstered in dark tan which looks great. The seats both look nearly new with on tears or staining. The same goes for the door panels, kick panels, carpet and dash. The steering wheel is solid with only minimal wear showing as expected for the age. All gauges are in good working order and original for the car. The four cylinder is original for the car and runs great. With less then 1,000 miles on it since the complete rebuild, you couldn't ask for more. We have a complete breakdown of everything that was done to the motor, down to the rod and main measurements. The motor has been broken in and is ready for the road. The engine compartment is extremely clean and looks better then when it came out of the factory. Connected to the 5 speed manual transmission, the car is a blast to drive. With the prices of 911's skyrocketing, these rare and seldom seen 912 soft windows are steadily on the rise as well. Now is the time to get into one of these before they get completely out of touch. This is one of the most well documented 912's we have ever seen and would be a perfect investment vehicle. Current mileage shows 61,560 which is said to be original for the car. VIN number is 12870924.