1974 Porsche 914

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 Volkswagens developmental work was handled by Porsche, part of a setup that dated back to Porsches founding; Volkswagen needed to contract out one last project to Porsche to fulfill the contract and decided to make that project. Ferdinand Pich, 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 Porsches 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 914s. The Hell Hole on this 914 is excellent as well so dont fret. So, if you are one of those who do follow, this one deserves a close look. Its the one of the very few Ive seen here during my storied (sic) career here at Classic Auto Mall.