Vehicle Description
1973 Porsche 914 1.7 Targa
"Although the purebred Porsche six was missing from the range, the
1973 lineup of 914's was greeted by buyers and the press alike as
the best for that model yet. Porsche Sport magazine said that the
1973 model of the people's Porsche represents many design and
engineering improvements which make it the best of the low-priced
Porsches so far." Excerpted from "Porsche - Excellence was
Expected" by Karl Ludvigsen, 1977
For consignment, a 1973 Porsche 914 1.7 Targa with a title verified
81,067 actual miles. The recipient of a restoration completed in
May of 2025 with new paint. Just prior to 1973, owners of '70, '71,
and '72 914's were surveyed by Road and Track which concluded that
due to the combination of VW power and Porsche chassis, most owners
were not afraid to drive their cars hard and 97% followed
recommended service procedures.
Exterior
Incredibly low with wheels on the corners, the little 914 makes a
big presence in Saturn Yellow, here with the distinctive black
C-pillar, targa top, and black bumpers which were standard on the
base models in '73. Black rocker panels complete the contrasting
apron while lower rear wheel openings help streamline the rear
section, while leaving plenty of the 15-inch Mahle wheels visible.
Out back, a flat rear decklid caps the latch panel handsomely as
narrow tail lights wrap the corners almost flush with the body. In
front, fog lights are highlighted by a ribbed bezel while the
headlights remain hidden between marker lights that cap the fender
ends. Cut outs for the diminutive metal door handles allow access
and simple side mirrors present the only other exterior polished
metal outside of the windshield frame. The grated grille over the
mid panel wears the only brand expression on the exterior where
even the Stuttgart crest is absent. The exterior is in fantastic
shape and we could not find any glaring imperfections.
Interior
Tidy black door panels cover the narrow entry points adorned with
the basics, door pull and elbow rest, window crank, and door
opener, and both present cleanly. Inside, tall black tuck and roll
styled bucket seats sit on the floor, looking great and providing a
go kart like experience. In front, the four spoke upright steering
wheel presents itself to the driver and frames the simple
instrument cluster with three dials, the tach squarely in the
middle. The textured mid panel will look familiar to VW owners and
house functional knobs, the vent lever panel, and a modern
Blaupunkt AM/FM radio, reserving space on the right for a small
glove box. The relatively flat floor is home to the shifter rising
from a slight hump, all covered in black looped carpet in good
condition while the targa top is dressed in a flannel gray
covering. The rear trunk and front frunk both presented cleanly
with fitted carpeted mats in each.
Drivetrain
Under that mid panel grille sits the 1.7 liter flat four cylinder
rated at 80 horsepower and fueled via a Bosch D-jetronic system
which our consignor states was rebuilt by a previous owner. The
four cylinder is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission sending
power a short distance to the rear axle and 4.429 gears. Disc
brakes are supplied at all four wheels.
Undercarriage
Very clean and dry underneath with a spattering of typical surface
rust and some peeling paint from the belly pan, but everything is
in order and in place. The dual exhaust runs to a stock style
muffler which then exudes a single tailpipe ending with a chrome
tip beyond the bumper. Independent suspension occupies the front
and rear where MacPherson struts are utilized.
Drive-Ability
If you think the Lotus Exige feels like a go kart, take a ride in a
914. This is the OG of the go kart feel and many were raced in
various versions due to their stance, balance, and potential speed
and handling. Sure, we can pretend to be racing around our test
loop, but the real purpose is to simply check functionality and
mechanical aptitude. This fun little sports car delivers on every
count with more to give for the owner who wants to run it harder
than our feathered lap. We note the fog lights, odometer, and trip
odometer are not working but all other operations pass the test.
While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were
working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these
functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Your Porsche collection, and Porsche experience, is not complete
without a 914. Thirty years ago, they were relegated to the role of
outcast to the elite. Today, they are the elite and well sorted
examples like this are uncommon, desirable, and going in one
direction in value. Pop this life size slot car in your garage and
enjoy weekend jaunts and the relatively newfound adoration of the
Porsche clubbers.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
