Vehicle Description
1970 Porsche 914
Here's how the 914 came to be, according to Classic Motorsports: In
the late 60s, Porsche needed a replacement for the 911's
four-cylinder cousin, the 912. At the same time, VW needed a
replacement for the Karmann-Ghia that would ideally be more than
just a fanciful-bodied Beetle. Perhaps over some hefeweizen and
sauerkraut (these are the only things I know about Germany) Ferry
Porsche and VW executive Heinz Nordhoff hammered out an agreement
where their respective companies would build the car together.
For consignment the joint venture between Porsche and VW in the
form of a 1970 Porsche 914. This air-cooled boxer style mid-engine
car has the engine of a VW and suspension of a Porsche. Styling was
a mixture of square and rectangle design with some aero thrown in
for giggles, and an open targa top if you wished. The hidden
headlights and mid-engine design lasted until 1976.
Exterior
A fine rust free (rare) example of the 914 here bathed in white
respray with stainless steel and black accenting throughout. Its
low profile, boxy styled body has straight steel with nicely minded
gaps. Hidden headlights are upfront along with some running lights
in the lower bumper grille. A black fiberglass targa style
removable center top is seen, and it fits between a mildly raked
windscreen and a large black B pillar on top of the slightly
sloping downward rear deck. The rear valance shows the round hole
pipe exit, the only year to have this feature. Doors and lighting
features new seals, and the wheels have been upgraded to the 1974
version with trim rings. This boxy little sports car is nicely
presenting.
Interior
Simple black vinyl covered doors with an inset actuating handle
greet us prior to stepping inside. Once there we sit in German
styled high back bucket seats which are a fairly flat design and
incorporate tuck and roll vinyl inserts in black. These buckets sit
in a sea of black carpeting with coco woven floor mats on top. The
original dash with new covers is sitting in front awaiting its
driver to get up and go! There is a period correct radio within
this original dash, and we can also note the passenger footrest
option installed. All black and all nicely presenting.
Drivetrain
Just behind the passengers, for even weight distribution, sits an
air cooled numbers matching 1.7 liter 4-cylinder engine topped with
dual 1-barrel carburetors. A 5-speed manual transmission with a new
clutch disc pressure plate and throw out bearing is on back and a
4.429 final drive is formulating the rear axle. This engine was
completely rebuilt by a Lancaster County certified Porsche tech
which included pistons, cylinders, machined heads, valves, valve
guides seals and gaskets. Now it runs like a Swiss watch.
Undercarriage
Structurally sound, the consigner states the fuel tank has been
etched, coated and has new internal filter and hoses. Brake pads
were resurfaced, and the calipers were rebuilt. New muffler and
chrome exhaust tips and excellent heat exchangers with great heat
and defrost capabilities. It has new tires. Disc brakes are
upfront, and matching discs for the rear with independent
suspension upfront and independent MacPherson struts on back.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, smooth runner and good accelerator. Handling and
braking were excellent, and it was a fun throwback for this writer
who first drove a 914 to learn how to drive with a clutch!
(ca.1975).
This not oft seen version, and not oft seen with no rust, but this
example well cared for, and rebuilt engine and drivetrain, leaves
us with a cost-efficient Porsche/VW collaboration that has its
following. The "Hell Hole" on this 914 is excellent. So if you are
one of those who do follow, this one deserves a close look. It's
the only one I've seen here during my storied (sic) career here at
Classic Auto Mall.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.