911 & 912 (1965-1989)

911 & 912 (1965-1989) Parts & Guide

There’s something quietly appealing about 911 & 912 (1965-1989). This guide pulls together real-world ownership notes, the issues enthusiasts tend to encounter over time, and the areas people commonly refresh to keep the car dependable and enjoyable to drive. It’s also a helpful way to think about parts shopping for a Porsche 911 & 912 (1965-1989) without getting lost in the details

Model Background

The Porsche 911 debuted in September 1964 as a two-door 2+2 high-performance sports car, proudly crafted by Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany. With its hallmark rear-mounted flat-six engine and a torsion bar suspension, the 911 has retained its timeless appeal over the years, undergoing continuous enhancements while preserving its fundamental design philosophy. Until the introduction of the 996 series in 1998, the 911's engines were air-cooled. Throughout its history, the 911 has been extensively raced by both private and factory teams across various classes, earning a reputation as one of the most successful competition cars. Notably, in the mid-1970s, the naturally aspirated 911 Carrera RSR secured victories in races such as the Targa Florio and the 24 Hours of Daytona. Additionally, the 911-derived 935 turbo clinched victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979. Porsche's dominance extended to the World Championship for Makes, with victories in 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979 using 911-derived models.

Why Owners Love It

Enthusiasts tend to value the way 911 & 912 (1965-1989) rewards methodical maintenance. The appeal is often in the day-to-day experience: a connected feel, straightforward ownership, and the satisfaction that comes from keeping the basics in good order.

Common Issues and Symptoms

With age, most problems show themselves gradually rather than dramatically. These are common symptoms owners report — use them as guidance and confirm fitment and diagnosis before ordering parts.

• Rust in sills, floors, torsion tube areas and suspension pick-up points
• Worn suspension bushes causing vague steering and instability
• Brake pull or poor stopping from ageing lines or tired calipers
• Oil leaks that are common and not always serious
• Excessive smoke, knocking or low oil pressure that can point to engine wear
• Electrical faults stemming from ageing wiring and poor grounds

Popular Upgrades and Refreshes

Most owners aim for a strong baseline rather than chasing numbers. These themes reflect the areas people commonly refresh to keep the car consistent and confidence-inspiring.

• Replacing suspension bushes, dampers and steering components to restore period-correct handling
• Refreshing brakes to better suit modern traffic and driving conditions
• Updating fuel, ignition and cooling-related parts to help prevent age-related failures
• Using documented history to guide parts choice, often favouring OE or period-correct style components
• Addressing safety, reliability and originality items as part of ongoing preservation

Parts to Check First

When something feels off, experienced owners usually start with the fundamentals before swapping expensive components. This checklist is general guidance to help you prioritise checks.

• Battery condition and charging basics (especially if symptoms feel intermittent)
• Earth straps/grounds and main connections for corrosion or looseness
• Ignition service items (plugs, leads, cap/rotor where fitted) for age-related wear
• Rubber fuel lines and clamps for cracking, seepage or petrol smell
• Brake hoses/lines and fluid condition if pedal feel has changed
• Suspension bushes and ball joints for play, knocks or uneven tyre wear
• Steering joints and rack area for free play and tired boots
• Oil leaks around common sealing points and breather hoses for perishing
• Cooling and airflow basics (oil cooling ducting, seals and obstructions) where applicable
• Body and underside inspection for corrosion in structural areas

Practical Tips

A methodical approach usually saves time and avoids unnecessary replacements. Use fault information as a guide, then confirm with basic checks before changing parts.

• Body condition and documented history can be more informative than mileage when planning maintenance.
• Minor oil leaks are commonly seen on older cars; heavy leaks are worth investigating before replacing parts.
• If you’re refreshing brakes or suspension, many owners prefer period-correct components to keep the car’s character consistent.
• Rust repair can become the biggest “hidden” cost, so inspect known trouble spots before committing to further work.
• Use symptoms to guide checks, then confirm fitment details carefully before ordering.

Explore Parts at Design911

Filter by 911 & 912 (1965-1989) and then by category to narrow down to the right parts for your Porsche. Use the notes above as a starting point, and confirm fitment using the details shown for each item.