Customer Reviews

Buying, Driving and Enjoying the Porsche 911 and 912, 1965-1973

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If you're going to make room in the marketplace for yet another 911 book, it better be something different. This book isn't as big, expensive, or technically comprehensive as Frère's "Porsche 911 Story" but it doesn't pretend to be. There are a lot of books it isn't, and if you're reading this review you're probably already comparing this to them, so let's focus on what this book is: a down-to-earth concentration on the "long-hood" cars and how to decide to buy one.

While the 912-specific information is integrated inline rather than a selected focus, most of the information in the book is equally applicable to both the 4- and 6-cylinder cars. Like other Porsche 'transitional / hybrid' cars ( e.g. 914/6 ) there are few single references that comprehensively cover the unique car - you wind up with one set of books for the shell, and another for the driveline -- but even the factory workshop manuals are organized like that.

Schrager is clear on the long-hood cars' "quirks" that range from production teething issues with the very early (short-wheelbase) cars to rust to age and wear (the newest of these cars is 35 years old) to systems that were both advanced for their time and primitive by contemporary comparison. Such as the short-run 2,4 CIS 911T made only in the last half of the 1973 model year, or the 1-year-only 1972 oil tank, or the 2-years-only ('70-'71) interim pull clutch.

What really separates this book is the first-hand case-study format. You don't buy a longhood car like a new car, with the opportunity to specify color, trim level, and option list. You rarely even get the chance to choose between multiple examples. Rather, cars come to you one at a time, and you have to decide: "Do I want to buy this car, at this price, at this time?"

A knowledgeable buyer, equipped with the detailed information in this book, along with stories of everything going right (and horribly wrong) is well-positioned to pounce on the right deal and pass on the others.

At $30-ish this book is cheap insurance in avoiding an expensive mistake on a bad example, a fun read in its own right, and a worthwhile companion to the other books on your reference shelf. You can't have just one 911 reference book, but if you're only going to have a few, this book should be in the collection.

Most serious enthusiasts of early Porsches, whether 356s or 911s or 912s know Jim Schrager's name. He is a recognized author of several 356 and 911/912 Porsche related books, and is the contributing editor of the 356 (Porsche) Registry Magazine who writes the "Marketwatch" column. He is the author of the very well received book "Buying, Driving, and Enjoying the Porsche 356" and has been a significant contributor to the 356 Registry organization and the Porsche hobby in general. Recently, he released his new book "Buying, Driving and Enjoying the Porsche 911 and 912", a must have book if you're interested in early 911's or 912's. This book is based on long time ownership and knowledge of early 911s and 912s. The book was edited by Gordon Maltby, who is the author of the another book "Porsche 356 and RS Spyders", and who is, and has been for many years, the Managing Editor for the 356 Registry Magazine. Between these two guys, there is a huge wealth of 356 Porsche experience, background, and information. The same goes for the early 911/912 models written about in the new book. It is an excellent work with many full color pictures written on a personal level based on extensive prior ownership and experience.

This new book, written by Jim Schrager, is one on the most informative, yet concisely and accurately presented, I have read in recent years. The text, combined with an abundance of color photographs, answers any enthusiat's questions about the early Porsche 911 and 912. I strongly recommend that it be added to any Porsche reference library.
Tom Scott

James Schrager's book on the early Porsche 911 and 912 models (1965 through 1973) is an essential book for any 911 or 912 enthusiast's library. The author draws upon his 40 years of Porsche experience, having owned over 100 of these cars! The book has detailed, informative text, yet is an enjoyable read, with color photos on nearly every page. This book covers the car's history and specifications, with a model by model analysis and buyer's guide, enhanced by the author's personal stories of buying, owning, and selling these cars. If you like the early Porsche 911s and 912s, you will really enjoy this book.

The author shares his knowledge and enthusiasm for the 1965-73 cars in an informative and enjoyable manner. This is a book that will be useful to those new to the early 911's as well as someone (like me) who has owned several of these wonderful cars. As important as the technical information...or maybe more so, is the way the author communicates his feelings about the intangible aspects that make us "enthusiasts" and not just owners.

This book is agreat source of information both if you are thinking of buying a 911, or if you are restoring your car and want to know what parts were fitted.

If one has to say something negative, at times the book very much expresses an individuals personal oppinion on what is good modifications and what not

Good overview. You have to take some of the pricing w/ a grain of salt b/c of the recent increase in prices. Some good pictures along with detailed descriptions.

This is one of the most useful and informative books I have found on the early 911. I read it cover to cover and gained a good background.

This book contains most all the information needed to be a well-informed early 911 buyer, owner and collector. Well written by a college professor and Porsche expert, it is interesting both for the novice and knowledgeable Porsche nuts. Also contained is THE most complete and accurate pre-1974 production numbers by model data EVER presented.

Having just treated myself to a Classic Porsche 911, I saw this book reviewed in a magazine, and bought it straight away!
I have to say, I enjoyed the book, and it's one you can dip in and out of, as well as a good read!
Written in bright & breezy American fashion,it also goes into great detail year by year!It should appeal to those considering a purchase, or current owners wishing to swot up on the Marque!