This 1975 Porsche 914 2.0 is a genuine survivor. As such, it isn’t perfect. However, it is a fairly tidy classic that has spent its life in a favorable climate that has protected it from potential rust issues. It is a turnkey proposition that could provide its next owner with hours of summer motoring pleasure. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P. for spotting the Porsche listed here on Craigslist in Pacoima, Los Angeles, California. The seller set their price at $29,995, and there is no indication that they will negotiate on that figure.
Developed as a joint venture between Porsche and Volkswagen, the former marque released the 914 as an affordable model in 1969. People immediately noticed Porsche’s latest offering, featuring styling that still polarizes opinions five decades after the last car left the line. This 1975 example is the 2.0 variant, featuring the larger and more powerful of the two available four-cylinder engines. The seller describes it as unrestored, and scrutinizing their images reveals some paint flaws and scratches. They aren’t severe, and potential buyers may consider spot repairs if they aren’t willing to splash out on a complete repaint. The panels are straight, and life in California has protected it from rust, with the car as solid as the day it rolled off the showroom floor. The trim and glass are in good condition, and this Porsche rolls on its attractive Fuchs wheels.
The 914 broke new ground for Porsche. It had spent its entire life developing and producing rear-engine sports cars, but the latest offering featured a mid-mounted architecture for better weight distribution. Buyers could choose from four different engines during the 914’s production life, with this car featuring an air-cooled, fuel-injected 2.0-liter four. It sends a factory-quoted 84hp and 97 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transaxle, but there is more to the 914 than the modest engine figures suggest. I wouldn’t say the car is as light as a feather, but with a curb weight of around 2,200 lbs, the motor isn’t lumbered with enormous weight to shift. That means that performance is quite sprightly, and the 2.0 will hit a factory-declared 112mph. The seller states that this 914 is in excellent mechanical condition and has a genuine 64,000 miles showing on its odometer. There are no fluid leaks, and the engine doesn’t smoke or make odd noises. Therefore, potential buyers can consider this Porsche a turnkey proposition.
This Porsche’s interior appearance is consistent with a survivor-grade vehicle with five decades of active service under its belt. The carpet is slightly worn and faded, and there are a couple of developing holes in the driver’s seat. The damage isn’t significant, and a competent upholsterer may be able to apply blind patches if the new owner doesn’t wish to spend almost $800 on a set of replacement covers. However, with the rest of the interior presenting nicely and the dash crack-free, investing in new seatcovers and around $500 on a carpet set would make this interior “pop.”
Although it isn’t perfect, this 1975 Porsche 914 2.0 has a few critical positive attributes. It presents relatively well, though a light cosmetic refresh or some minor paint touch-ups would be fairly straightforward if the buyer wishes to improve its overall appearance. The underside shots confirm its rust-free status, and with no mechanical issues, it is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel. The only question mark is the odometer reading, because such claims are less impressive without supporting documentation. If such verification exists, this little Porsche could be a winner.
Very nice and (sort of) in my neighborhood. Looks sharp in white with the “Porsche” door tapes. Interior is very nice, as Adam says. Love the “gas burner” wheels. Possibly most important, model year 1975. Last year of smog exempt in the Golden State. Likely has changed hands a few times (would have blue plate if original), but not abused, that’s for sure. Finally, Adam, “everything is negotiable”. I like it.
Small correction, these are original Fuchs wheels, not “gas burner” wheels. The ones nicknamed “gas burners” literally looked like they came off the top of a gas stove and were made by Mahle.
I stand corrected. Thanks.
With the 2.0 this is a winner. These are making a comeback for sure. Just had one in orange on this platform a few weeks back on the East Coast that went for solid money and BAT is loaded with them these days showing that indeed people see the “value” in these collector cars – Porsche enthusiasts not so much!
I personally prefer the “Lime Green” color but this will do “if” mileage verification could be provided. Solid find and excellent write up!
I’ve had a couple of these over the years. It’s a 30 mile, twisty, paved, two lane road through a river canyon to make it to the regular highway, California 101. The 914s were perhaps the most fun of any vehicle on that road. Like a fancy go cart. The heater is not so good, and there’s no AC, but essentially reliable, easy to diagnose and fix, parts are abundant, and it is quite an automotive statement, both from the engineering and the styling.
AC available and easy to install and the 2.00 ltr engine won’t even know it’s there. My first one came with it and I installed it in my ’74 custom built hot rod.
As a 10-year owner of a 2-liter 914, I can testify that this appears to be a solid, un-messed-with example, which is rare to find these days. The 914’s only fault is that it should have been better developed, in a second series; it wasn’t until the Boxster appeared until that happened. Good bang-for-the buck, easy to maintain, durable, distinctive, and fun to drive.
I drove a green 75 model in 1978. Loved it. Should have bought one then. Now they are getting pricey.
Which is the better car – a 914 or a Boxster?
Very difficult to compare the 2 cars by saying which is better. The age difference alone – automotive technology advancements etc. I’ve owned 3 914s, all ’73s and driven several Boxters on the street and in autocross competitions. My last 914 was built to compete in autocross and participate in PCA Driver Education events, (track days) for which I was an instructor. The 914 was a very simplistic car, meant to be the entry level to the Porsche line. Being as simple as it is, it was fairly easy to modify. My last one was a 140hp, 4cyl car that we concentrated on suspension, brakes and handling. I won back to back Milwaukee Region Autocross championships in in ’09 and ’10 when I was Region President. There were many Boxsters competing that I beat (along with many 911s, 944s and even a couple 930s) But the Boxster had comfort and sophistication that hadn’t been dreamed of in 1973. The common ground between them was the mid-engine layout. Every single Porsche racecar that dominated its class over the years was a mid engine car. The 911 being the exception but when Porsche went to build a “world beater” Dr. Porsche put the engine in front of the rear wheels, and behind the driver.
Sounds like a direct copy of my life with 914s Don. Car pictured was built for autocrossing and track days. 138 hp and great fun eating up 911s.
Picture disappeared…..
I guess I need to be a “member” to post pictures but I’m not. But yeah, my little yellow “lab rat” as I called her was a 15 year work in progress. I had a fantastic engine builder who did the heavy lifting on that end. I enjoyed doing my own brake and suspension work. Yokohama A032R’s (60 treadwear rating impressed Randy Pobst the 2 times he drove it) When my hearing started to go in 2015 I knew I had to walk away. Now I’m 74, I have 52% total hearing loss (yes, I wear hearing aids) and I’ve had more surgeries than I care to go into. So now I’m retired to FL, and drive an ’05 SSR pickup.
Of course they NOT going to negotiate on the price of $ 29,995.00 they need that for a months rent in California. You think they gonna sleep on the street by giving you a discount ?
I have an Irish green restored 1972 914. It’s a great little car.