1975 Porsche 914 2.0
One-Family California Car, Well-Optioned, Documented, 83,554 Miles
One-family-owned, remarkably preserved and original 1975 Porsche 914 2.0 for sale. Delivered new to Rusnak Porsche Audi in Pasadena, California, this California example is finished in its original Copper Metallic (L99K) over a black interior and is equipped with the desirable 2.0-liter fuel-injected flat-four, five-speed manual transmission, Appearance Group, tinted glass, center console with clock, oil temperature and voltmeter, center armrest/storage console, leatherette-covered steering wheel, fog lights, dual-tone horns, and a removable targa roof panel. A true one-family car from new, it is accompanied by an exceptional collection of documentation including its original window sticker, original Porsche/Audi delivery paperwork, service records spanning nearly five decades, original owner's manuals and maintenance booklet, and both sets of keys. The car also retains matching VIN tags throughout the chassis, further supporting its originality. Included with the sale is a clear California title.
The original 2.0-liter fuel-injected flat-four starts easily, runs smoothly, and idles well with the lively performance that made the 914 2.0 the most desirable model in the lineup. The factory five-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly through all five forward gears and reverse, while the fully independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes provide the balanced handling, confident braking, and nimble road manners for which these mid-engine Porsches are renowned. Recent maintenance includes replacement of the fuel hoses, fuel pump, front and rear brake calipers, brake lines, spark plugs, ignition components, and a brake fluid flush, allowing the car to be enjoyed with confidence. The car accumulated approximately 66,785 miles before being placed into storage in 1981. It remained in storage until 1990, when it was returned to the road by the original owner's son. Since then, it has been driven just 16,769 miles over approximately 36 years—an average of only about 465 miles per year—while continuing to receive regular maintenance. A recent pre-purchase inspection concluded that the car runs well and identified only routine maintenance items commonly found on a well-preserved, lightly driven 50-year-old Porsche. Compression readings ranged from 105 to 134 psi, and the inspecting mechanic recommended a valve adjustment, noting that the car's extremely limited use over the past several decades may have contributed to the variation. Additional recommendations included replacing the older tires due to age, repairing the inoperative windshield washer system, and addressing minor oil seepage and a small transmission leak at the speedometer drive. None of these items prevent the car from being driven and enjoyed today, allowing the next owner to address them over time as desired.
The factory Copper Metallic (L99K) paint retains a deep shine and presents exceptionally well for its age. The glass, chrome, trim, lenses, emblems, removable roof panel, front and rear bumpers, and factory center caps all show very well and contribute to the car's highly original appearance. The original Sekurit windshield remains in very good condition and still bears its factory emissions sticker. The headlamp doors open and close quickly and operate as intended.
The 15-inch steel wheels with factory center caps are fitted with a period-correct replacement set of Michelin XZX 165 SR15 tires. They retain good tread depth and complement the car's original appearance, though their age warrants replacement before regular driving.
As with any unrestored 50-year-old automobile, expect the usual minor chips, scratches, and signs of normal use consistent with the car's age and mileage. The original paint does show localized clear coat wear from years of hand contact around the driver's door opening and rear trunk area. While neither we nor the original owner's son know what prompted the left front fender to be repainted years ago, the finish had begun separating along the fender lip, so we elected to have the panel professionally refinished to improve the car's overall presentation. The repair blends nicely with the surrounding original paint while preserving the car's exceptionally original character.
The black interior is remarkably well preserved and presents in excellent original condition throughout. The factory basketweave vinyl seat upholstery remains supple with only light, age-appropriate wear, while the dashboard is exceptionally well preserved with no significant cracks or warping. The door panels, center console, carpeting, dash pad, targa trim, and interior vinyl all present very nicely and reflect decades of careful ownership. The original VDO instrumentation remains in place along with the factory three-spoke steering wheel, center console auxiliary gauges, and heater controls. A period Blaupunkt AM/FM 8-track stereo remains installed and contributes to the car's authentic 1970s character. The glovebox opens and closes properly, the original seat belts are present, and the interior retains the clean, honest appearance expected of a well-preserved California Porsche rather than one that has been cosmetically restored.
The rear luggage compartment is exceptionally clean and well preserved as well. The removable trunk carpet is fitted over its original factory insulation pad, both of which remain in very good condition. Beneath the insulation, the original sheet metal is solid and retains its factory welds and finishes.
In the front luggage compartment, the original details remain in excellent condition. Lifting the carpet reveals a clean, solid trunk floor with original factory finishes and spot welds throughout. The original 15-inch steel spare wheel is retained and mounted with what appears to be its original Michelin XZX 165 HR15 tire, which shows no signs of ever having been used. The original jack, lug wrench, tow eye, spark plug tool, and factory tool kit are all included. The underside of the front lid is exceptionally clean and retains its original factory finish. The compartment itself remains tidy and largely original, retaining its factory fuel tank, washer reservoir, ventilation components, carpeting, and identification stamp and tag.
This is a unique opportunity to own one of Porsche's most rewarding air-cooled sports cars—a well-preserved, California-owned 1975 Porsche 914 2.0 that retains its original character, desirable factory equipment, removable targa hardtop, extensive documentation, and the honest originality that enthusiasts increasingly value.
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Call or text Donn with questions, shipping, and financing options or for a link to the hi-resolution photos at 707-332-8331.