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
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,
lederhosen, 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 1973 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. Nun achten Sie
auf! This isn't your run of the mill 914, not that any of them are,
but this one is special not only due to having its copious amounts
of original paperwork, including the window sticker and options
sheet as well as repair invoices over the years, but this example
also has the very rare Saratoga transparent targa top as well as
the standard targa. Now if that isn't enough to get your
Blutpumpen, then add in the fact that this is the ONLY 914 to ever
be shown at the prestigious Concours D'elegance at Pebble Beach.
This blazing orange 914 was invited to be part of the Porsche
display. Now that's some serious parance (sic).
Exterior
A fine rust free (rare) example of the 914 here bathed in Signal
Orange 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. Atop the rear deck is the optional
factory installed luggage rack, another rarely seen item. The black
rear valance shows the with a cutout for the single exhaust pipe
and above is the chrome bumper with it's black rubber topper. All
of this rests nicely under the factory Porsche labeled rear
reflector sandwiched between the smooth tail lights. Factory
15-inch Fuchs wheels adorn the 4 corners and are wrapped in deeply
treaded Pirelli blackwall rubber. This boxy little sports car is
nicely presented.
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 in the centers and
smooth black leather bolters. These buckets sit in a sea of black
carpeting with orange and black coco woven floor mats on top. The
original dash with crack free covers is sitting in front awaiting
its driver to get up and go! There is a litany of gauges for
monitoring all engine vitals and a Saffire AM/FM radio within this
original dash. All black and all nicely presenting. A shout out to
the huge trunk, or boot if you will. Herein lies the nearly perfect
and very rarely seen Saratoga targa top.
Drivetrain
Just behind the passengers, for even weight distribution, sits an
air cooled original 1.7 liter 4-cylinder engine that is fed by EFI
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.
This drivetrain has been expertly tuned for fast starting and
perfect operation.
Undercarriage
Structurally sound and nearly showroom new with a mix of
body-colored panels, black aerodynamic pans and bright silver add
ons. A Bursch exhaust system is on and looks almost new along with
excellent heat exchangers with great heat and defrost capabilities.
Disc brakes are upfront, and matching discs for the rear with
independent torsion bar suspension upfront and independent coil
springs are 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, 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. Plus, the added bonuses of provenance at
Pebble Beach, quite a few rarely seen factory options and lots of
paperwork will have all Porschephiles turning their heads to oogle
you, all you need to do is write the check and enjoy.
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.
