Ep 3. 1976 Porsche 912E

Wheeler Dealers season 16 episode 3 is titled "1976 Porsche 912E". In this episode, the dynamic duo of Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead take on a classic 1976 Porsche 912E. The 912E was the last model year for the 912, a model that was introduced in the 1960s as a less expensive option to the 911. With only 2,099 of these cars ever produced and few remaining to this day, the challenge for the team is to give this car a complete restoration while staying true to its original design.

The episode begins with Mike and Ant traveling to San Diego, California to view the car. Upon arrival, they meet with the owner who provides them with a brief history of the car and gives them a tour. The car is in decent condition, but it's clear that it needs a lot of work. The engine is not running and the interior is in poor shape. The paint has also faded over time and is in need of a fresh coat.

After inspecting the car, Mike and Ant negotiate a price with the owner and agree to take it back to their workshop in Huntington Beach to begin the restoration process. The first step is to get the engine running again. Ant takes the engine apart and discovers that the carburetor is clogged with debris. He cleans it out and rebuilds it, and the engine is able to start up again.

Next, the team focuses on the interior of the car. They remove the seats and door panels, revealing rust and damage underneath. Ant makes custom panels to replace the rusted ones and reupholsters the seats in a period-correct fabric. The team also replaces the dashboard and steering wheel with pieces from a donor 911.

With the interior complete, attention turns to the exterior of the car. The team removes the old paint and discovers that the car had been repainted in the past and that the original color was actually a different shade of green. They decide to restore the car to its original color and take it to a paint shop to have it repainted. After a few complications, including the discovery of additional damage, the car is finally repainted and returned to the workshop.

The last step is to get the car ready for sale. Mike and Ant take it to a local track to see how it runs and fine-tune any last details. They also give it a thorough cleaning and detailing before listing it for sale.

In the end, the team is able to restore the car to its original glory, with a fully functional engine, restored interior, and fresh paint job. The car is listed for sale and potential buyers are shown the car's history and the details of the restoration. Will someone be willing to pay top dollar for this rare and beautifully restored Porsche 912E? Tune in to find out.