It’s an acquired taste, but the shoddy paint does suggest a car focused exclusively on thrills.
There’s something special about an old 912 Rat Rod. While the ragged interior might dissuade some from giving it a chance, this special 6-cylinder swapped 912 brings plenty to the table. Relatively little grip and an immensely tactile interface make it more demanding and enjoyable at slower speeds, which is why its a perfect little car for the driver who wants involvement.
The aim, intially, was to make it a corner-carving machine; fun at forty miles per hour. After sorting the suspension with an Elephant Racing kit, the engine blew and he rebuilt the motor to a 2.5-liter short-stroke 911-sourced unit. Decent torque and power were complimented with Plexiglas windows, absent door cards, and a very spartan interior. People searching for a plush driving experience should look elsewhere.
But that’s why it’s so engaging at legal speeds. Even below sixty, the car hops and dances, and the light weight of the car makes it so quick and responsive that irresponsible speeds aren’t needed to facilitate a good time. For a visceral experience on real-world, pockmarked roads, especially those of New York where frost heaves aren’t uncommon, there aren’t many cars available that can compete.
[Editor’s note: While I’m partial to the light weight and balance of a proper four-cylinder 912, and usually argue against swapping in a six, this car is rough and tumble which is exactly the kind of car I love. – Bradley Brownell]