Vehicle Description
1973 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 low-rent
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. Hidden headlights,
and mid-engine design that lasted until 1976.
Exterior
They call me mellow yellow...Quite Right!, and we can call this one
mellow yellow. (Actually, it's officially Saturn Yellow). With its
early 1970's design making use of the square and rectangle, we see
straight steel bathed in yellow. This exterior has just a few minor
scratches to speak of on the body, otherwise all else is excellent.
Hidden headlights, a chrome and plastic topped bumper pre 5mph
crash regulations, and some vertical signal lights angling downward
towards the bumper on either front corner. On top is the removable
panel that is supported in front by the windshield and in back by
the small flying buttress B pillars and vertical rear glass. Some
black mesh venting just below the window keeps the mid-engine cool
and has P O R S C H E badging attached. Horizontal tail lighting
wraps the rear quarters and just below is a shiny bumper with a
dent or two in the chrome. Mahle alloy wheels grace all corners and
even an additional 5th wheel as the spare is the same.
Interior
Simple, small, but very ergonomic thin semi high back black vinyl
buckets with sparse padding awaits the passengers. The consigner
states this is the original interior. The console gauge package
rises from the console to the dash. Upfront the original dash pad
with no cracks or errors is seen, and black carpeting covers the
floors. This car also has R134 A/C and an AM/FM radio. The targa
removable top is new, but appears just a bit faded on top.
Drivetrain
Mid-engine means Mid-engine, and this story is topped by looking
under the hood, and lifting the trunk and you'll be saying "look
ma!...no engine!" Well kids, it's under that mesh panel just below
the rear glass. Yes, a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine is shoehorned
into this space reserved for it. It is topped by a dual Weber 2v
carb replacement setup and has a 5-speed manual transmission on
back. There is a 4.429 final drive on the rear axle. Noted this
engine has been completely rebuilt by a Lancaster county Porsche
technician who also did the dual carb conversion.
Undercarriage
Some slight patina is noted on this aero paneled undercarriage.
Independent suspension is all around as are disc brakes. Dual
exhaust is exhaling out the back of the car.
Drive-Ability
A fun little Porsche that exhibits nice handling capabilities, some
snappy acceleration, and good solid braking. The interior was
comfortable and surprisingly roomy.
An extra added Appearance group: console gauge package, Port
install AC R134, 5 Mahle wheels, and a console cushion. Yellow
paint is looking good, slight fading on the top, and a clean
interior. The spare tire has never been on the ground!
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.
