Classic Car Overview
1973 Porsche 914 Heres how the 914 came to be, according to Classic Motorsports: In the late 60s, Porsche needed a replacement for the 911s 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 its officially Saturn Yellow). With its early 1970s 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 on 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 youll be saying look ma!...no engine! Well kids, its 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. Dont waste too much time thinking, just do it and the Holy Grail of the 914s will be yours!
