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 of you wished. Hidden
headlights, and mid-engine design 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. It has the appearance group package which includes
chrome bumpers and side sail panels. Hidden headlights, plus
driving lights and a right side mirror. 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 5 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 consignor
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 Port install A/C, and AM/FM radio.
The A/C is a very desirable option o these. The targa removable top
is new but appears just a bit faded on top. Also a cushion on the
console allows a restful space for your right arm.
Drivetrain
Mid-engine means Mid-engine, and this is true 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 4-cylinder engine is shoehorned into this space
reserved for it. It has seen a custom rebuild by a 36 year
certified Lancaster County Porsche tech. The mill has been
increased to 2100 plus cc. The mill has been line bored, oversized
pistons and cylinders are inside and performance cams have been
added. It is topped by a 1-barrel carburetor and has a 5-speed
manual transmission on the back. There is a 4.429 final drive on
the rear axle. Consignor states less than 500 miles have been out
on this newly rebuilt drivetrain.
Undercarriage
Some slight patina is noted on this aero paneled undercarriage.
Independent suspension is all around as are disc brakes with new
calipers, master cylinder and pads. Like new, (and indeed it is),
dual exhaust is exhaling out the back of the car. The clutch has
also been rebuilt with a resurfaced flywheel. Also, the fuel tank
has been etched and coated. Several new seals are also seen
throughout.
Drive-Ability
A fun little Porsche that exhibits nice handling capabilities. The
interior was comfortable, and surprisingly roomy. The new tires
stuck like glue and all functions were working
An added extra appearance group, console gauge package, Port
install AC R134, 15 inch Mahle wheels, and a console cushion make
for a visually pleasing sports car for sure. Yellow paint is
looking good, slight fading on the vinyl targa top, and a clean
interior. Don't waste too much time thinking, just do it and the
Holy Grail of the 914's will be yours!
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.