Time Machine

There’s nothing in the 912 that doesn’t need to be there, and that’s one of the most attractive parts of the whole package. It’s minimalist without being devoid of comfort, and relaxed without being boring. The 912 is one of those cars that feels so indicative of the era in which it was built that it messes with your head.

What you won’t be doing is thinking about the outside world or figuring out how to make your cellphone accessible. You get in and forget about everything else because you have to drive, not simply operate, this vehicle. Five gauges, four forward gears, and three pedals offer up infinite joy.

As the sun goes down the dim glow of the gauges becomes more apparent and damn does that enhance the experience. With no excess ambient light in the cabin they stand out as a great bit of design, not to mention being easy to read.

Surrounded by darkness I feels more like a pilot checking instruments for vital information, rather than a driver casually checking the speed.

Houndstooth seats, a single driver’s side mirror, a large thin rimmed steering wheel—this car is a time machine.