Vehicle Description
1974 Porsche 914
By the late 1960s, both Volkswagen and Porsche were in need of new
models; Porsche was looking for a replacement for their entry-level
912, and Volkswagen wanted a new range-topping sports coupe to
replace the Karmann Ghia. At the time, the majority of Volkswagen's
developmental work was handled by Porsche, part of a setup that
dated back to Porsche's founding; Volkswagen needed to contract out
one last project to Porsche to fulfill the contract and decided to
make that project. Ferdinand Piech, who was in charge of research
and development at Porsche, was put in charge of the 914 project.
Originally intending to sell the vehicle with a flat four-cylinder
engine as a Volkswagen and with a flat six-cylinder engine as a
Porsche, Porsche decided during development that having Volkswagen
and Porsche models sharing the same body would be risky for
business in the American market, and convinced Volkswagen to allow
them to sell both versions as Porsches in North America. On March
1, 1968, the first 914 prototype was presented. 914/6 sold quite
poorly while the much less expensive 914/4 became Porsche's top
seller during its model run, outselling the Porsche 911 by a wide
margin with over 118,000 units sold worldwide.
For consignment, the joint venture between Porsche and VW in the
form of a 1974 Porsche 914. Combining the styling cues from Porsche
and the simple engine mechanicals from Volkswagen we have not only
a visual but also a mechanical winner. A mid engine powerplant
offers good balance for spirited driving and the aero design keeps
everyone staring as does the blinding yellow paint. Throw in hidden
headlights and a targa roof design and we have a proven winner.
This Porsche recently had a new Rotary A/C system with all
supporting parts installed plus a full A-Z mechanical once over and
even has its Porsche certificate of authenticity.
Exterior
A fine rust-free example of the 914 here bathed in the original
Sunflower Yellow hue 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 in the
same black that encircles the lower part of this smooth body.
Bringing up the tail end is the chrome and black trimmed rear
bumper, (this would be the final year for chrome bumpers on the 914
as the 1975 and 76 model years came equipped with heavy rubber
covered units), with its mandated black rubber bumperettes. This
boxy little sports car is nicely presenting with very clean Mahle
wheels and newer 185/75HR15 blackwall rubber.
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 leatherette inserts in black. These
buckets sit in a sea of black carpeting with black carpeted floor
mats on top. The original dash is sitting in front awaiting its
driver to get up and go! There is an aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette
radio within this original dash, and we can also note the litany of
gauges for the driver to keep a mindful eye on during those corner
carving sessions. All black and all nicely presenting.
Drivetrain
Just behind the passengers, for even weight distribution, sits an
air cooled numbers matching 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine topped with
Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection. A 5-speed manual transmission with
a new clutch kit is on back and a 4.429 final drive is formulating
the rear axle.
Undercarriage
Structurally sound and rust free with just a coating of chassis
black to lock in the surface patina. Disc brakes are upfront, and
matching discs for the rear with independent suspension upfront and
independent MacPherson struts on back. A very honest presenting car
underneath!
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 way back
in 1975. All functions were operational during my drive and the A/C
even blew cold. The A/C is a very desirable option on these.
This 1974 version of the 914 seen with no rust and well cared for
with its COA from Porsche, numbers matching engine and folder of
service records is the holy grail of 914's. The "Hell Hole" on this
914 is excellent as well so don't fret. So, if you are one of those
who do follow, this one deserves a close look. It's the one of the
very few 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 650 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.
