- Seller: Dominic D (Contact)
- Location: Seatte, Washington
- Mileage: 18,054 Shown
- Chassis #: 4742914373
- Title Status: Missing
- Engine: 2.0L Air-cooled Flat-4
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
The practice of manufacturers releasing special versions of their production models isn’t a recent phenomenon. Porsche followed that path in 1974 with the release of the 914 Limited Edition. Offered in two paint combinations, only around 1,000 of these classics rolled off the line. Our featured Porsche is in rough shape. However, it is largely complete and retains many of the unique features that formed part of the Limited Edition package. The time has come for this German sports car to find a new home, as the owner has listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions with No Reserve.
Porsche introduced the 914 in 1969 as its successor to the 912, which had been in production since 1965. A collaborative effort between it and Volkswagen, the goal was to provide potential buyers with an entry-level offering. It remained on sale until 1976, and with a sales tally of almost 119,000 vehicles, it proved a showroom success story. Porsche decided to release a Limited Edition version to the North American market in 1974 to celebrate the marque’s Can Am racing success. Buyers could choose from two paint and trim combinations, including one featuring Black paint and Sunflower Yellow trim that was quickly dubbed the Bumblebee. Also available was a Limited Edition finished in Light Ivory and Phoenix Red, earning it the “Creamsicle” nickname. This 914 is the latter, and was unearthed by the current owner in a barn in Washington. Time has not been its friend, and the car now suffers from rust issues. That isn’t the end of the world, because while dismantling this classic to the last nut and bolt is a wise approach, replacement steel is available to return it to a rust-free state. It is also missing its front bumper and grille, but appears to be largely complete. One of its 15″ Mahle wheels has disappeared at some point, leaving the winning bidder to source a replacement. Interestingly, it took only a brief online search to locate a good secondhand wheel and several companies that produce high-end reproductions. Therefore, returning this 914 Limited Edition to a showroom state is possible.
Porsche powered the 914 Limited Edition with the 1,971cc flat-four producing 91hp and 108 ft/lbs of torque. Its latest offering signaled a change in design philosophy, with the 914 the company’s first mid-engine model. The power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transaxle, with this car demonstrating that the Limited Edition package provided more than just cosmetic enhancements. The integral front and rear anti-roll bars improved the car’s handling when compared to the standard model, with the Limited Edition being acknowledged as a sure-footed “driver’s” car. Potential bidders will welcome the news that this Porsche is mechanically complete. It doesn’t run or drive, but the simple design philosophy employed during the 914’s development means that any required rebuild work should be relatively straightforward.
Buyers ordering a 914 Limited Edition also needed to specify the optional Appearance Group that added $300 to the sticker price. The Limited Edition package increased the price by a further $320, but it appears to be money well spent. Exterior enhancements included the Mahle wheels, driving lights, a unique front spoiler, and “negative” striping. Interior upgrades included a leather-wrapped wheel and a console featuring a clock, an oil temperature gauge, and a voltmeter. The positive news for potential buyers is that not only does this car retain those items, but the interior is essentially complete. The only visible aftermarket addition is a Pioneer AM/FM radio/8-track player with door-mounted speakers.
Porsche built around 1,000 examples of the 1974 914 Limited Edition, with the tally believed to have been split evenly between the two paint combinations. That makes these relatively rare classics, which is reflected by the fact that this is only the second that we have seen at Barn Finds. The seller has the Porsche Production Specification documents to verify that it is a genuine Limited Edition. It requires work to return to its former glory, though with values well beyond $35,000 for tidy examples, it should be worth the time and effort. If a rare German sports car is on your Wish List, this 914 Limited Edition could be the ideal project. Be sure to take a look at the detailed photos in the gallery below or full-resolution copies here.
Bid On This Auction
BSABluestar bid $300.00 2025-11-06 15:02:01
Fascinating find, where the new owner can literally practice all their skills in putting this creamsicle back on the road!
Point of order: the 914 was not the first mid engine Porsche.
Yes, it was the first PRODUCTION mid-engine Porsche. Also the first production Porsche with electronic EFI, 4 wheel disc brakes, and a 5 speed manual as standard equipment. Earlier Porsche race cars were mid engine, but no other Porsche before the 914 were.
I understand why it was forgotten, these used to be crazy cheap. Many people laughed at the name Porsche on them. Drivers were laughed at, being called posers.
Looks more like Limited Condition to me. Have done a few down to bare shell restorations and this one really needs one. My last 914 took almost a year to rebuild and that was working every day after I retired. It was a rust free car.It can be done but after factoring in time and money you might consider buying one in good condition.
They only made 500 of these. Restored examples have sold for up to $60k. It’s a valuable car. This one is rough but it exists. This car came out of a barn along with 50 other 914’s. It was one of the more solid and complete examples. It’s too unique to send to the crusher.
My 911 2001 model damaged the left rear wheel and Porsche asked 1,200€ for a replacement in 2015. If u go 50 years back they are likely going to ask above 2,500€ for a replacement. Add everything needed plus the rust, this is a money pit IMHO.
Oh, it’s “special” alright !
good parts car for a rebuildable drivetrain and some other bits. Would not want to tackle that body structure (or lack thereof at this point).
Where’s the “unique front spoiler”?
Bidding is at $100….that’s about right.
The good news: Very good set of pictures showing EVERYTHING!
The bad news: Very good set of pictures showing EVERYTHING!!
And it’s in Seatte,Washington.I wonder if that’s near Seattle?
For what you’d end up spending to fix this one up,I’d think that
you could buy a nice one,& save all that time & money.
The great thing about the 914 was the fact that it was an inexpensive entry level sports car. When I see that restored examples go for 35k I have a lot of pause.
The whole point to these cars was they were supposed to be cheap.
Although I really like them 35k would have me looking at something more refined.
I remember a couple of years ago on that other site a very good condition survivor sold for north of $60k. My oldest daughter has one. Its a scruffy driver condition but its all there and she’s been offered $15k as is. Most of them restored usually sell in the $45k+ range. I’ve yet to see one in any condition for under $10k.
They do have a pretty good registry on line – (https://bowlsby.net/914/CanAm/914CanAmRegistry.htm). BHCC has one on their site they sold for a nice reference.
So when you’re done buying and replacing everything this heap needs ( which is pretty much everything ) , you can have a non original antique car that wasn’t much of a car to begin with
It’s an original Can Am Limited Edition car. Look at the last two photos for the verification papers from Porsche. Try finding another one in any condition. They only made 500.
Find a better condition 914 and swap parts with this and get this creamsicle back on the road. Definitely a project for sure.
“Unearthed” is a perfect description…