Mike Brewer’s Rare Porsche 912E Up for Sale

Mike Brewer, known for his work as a professional car dealer and on the TV show Wheeler Dealers, is offering a unique opportunity to purchase a rare Porsche from his personal collection.

The Porsche 912E

The car in question is a Porsche 912E, a limited production model from the mid-1970s. This model combined a 911 body with a four-cylinder engine to fill the gap left by the discontinuation of the mid-engined 914 in 1976. While the front-engined, water-cooled 924 was on the horizon, Porsche revisited the idea of a four-cylinder 911 that they had explored in the past.

A Brief History

Porsche had previously offered a four-cylinder 911, badged as the 912, between 1965 and 1969. The 912E featured an old 356’s 1.6-liter boxer four-cylinder engine in a new six-cylinder 911 body. Despite its lower power output compared to the 911, the 912E was lighter, well-balanced, and more affordable.

The 912E Engine

The 912E was powered by a Type 4 Volkswagen flat four engine that had been enlarged from 1.7 to 2.0 liters and equipped with Bosch fuel injection. This setup produced around 86 horsepower, providing similar performance to the original 912E despite the weight of additional features like larger bumpers.

Mike Brewer’s Discovery

Mike Brewer came across the 912E unexpectedly while filming a show in North Carolina. Despite its unique hand-painted primrose yellow color, he couldn’t resist purchasing it for $10,000 (£6,000). The car was then shipped back to the UK for restoration.

Restoration and Auction

Once in the UK, the 912E underwent a thorough restoration, including a repaint in its original Enamel Blue color and fitting with black 16-inch Fuchs rims. The engine has also been refreshed, reflecting the rise in classic Porsche values over recent years. Brewer is now looking to auction the car through Iconic Auctioneers with an estimated price range of £40,000-50,000 ($50,000-63,000).

Final Thoughts

While the Porsche 912E is a rare and unique offering from Mike Brewer’s collection, it may appeal to a niche audience due to its distinctive characteristics. Classic car enthusiasts may find it an attractive option compared to other vintage Porsche models or modern classics like the 996 Turbo. The decision on what to buy ultimately comes down to personal preference and appreciation for classic automotive history.