A completely different Porsche emerged for the 1970 model year to replace the rather short-lived 912. This one carried either the 1679cc Volkswagen four-cylinder or the earlier 2.0-liter Porsche flat six with its 125-horsepower rating. The big difference was that the engines were mid-mounted. The 914 was born out of a joint venture between Porsche and Volkswagen with bodies created by Karmann. The two-seat Targa-topped coupe was built to a Porsche design with suspension components adopted from the 911. Four wheel disc brakes were installed and the removable fiberglass top could be stored in the trunk. The 914 was produced in fairly large numbers until its production ended in 1976.
The 914 offered here is a 1973 smog-exempt California car that has been completely restored to "as new" showroom condition. It is finished in tangerine with black and gray interior. The options include a five-speed transmission, sunroof and alloy wheels. It has traveled 55,600 miles from new. This is a very well restored example.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 1973 Porsche 914 |
| Years Produced: | 1970-1976 |
| Number Produced: | approx. 115,000 |
| Original List Price: | $3,495 |
| SCM Valuation: | $3,500-$5,000 |
| Tune Up Cost: | $120 |
| Distributor Caps: | $8 |
| Chassis Number Location: | on embossed plate in front trunk on passenger side front wheel well |
| Engine Number Location: | on alloy crossmember next to engine cooling fan support |
| Club Info: | Porsche Club of America PO Box 30100, Alexandria, VA 22310 |
| Website: | http://www.pca.org |
| Alternatives: | MGB, Triumph TR-6, Fiat 124/2000 Spyder |
This tangerine (dark orange) 1.7-liter 914 sold for $6,050 at the RM Monterey auction on the weekend of August 27 and 28, 1999. In unusually lovely condition yet offered at no reserve, this 914-4 didn’t make its projected $8K to $12K pre-auction estimate.
Designed by Porsche with a body built by Karmann and a VW engine, the 914-4 attempted to be a modern interpretation of the mid-fifties 356 Speedster, a minimalist open-air two-seater with avant-garde styling, an air-cooled engine, and great handling. Most shocking was the price, as Speedsters sold for $2,995 in 1955 and the 914 was introduced fifteen years later at just $500 more.
The cars sold well, but due to their connection with the VW power plant, they were often not viewed as true Porsches. In Germany, they were badged as a “VW-Porsche” and the Wolfsburg crest was prominently placed on the steering wheel.
As a mid-engined car, they live up to their promise of superb handling. The transmission is a genuine Porsche five-speed, and much of the rest of the car looks, feels and sounds right as well. The 914-4s are frisky and fun to drive, but no one is going to call them fast, with 0-60 times in the 11-to 12-second range.
The price paid is right on the money for a 914 this nice. But I don’t see much investment potential here, just a pretty car for sunny day drives at a modest price. (Photo and description courtesy of auction company.)