Estate Sale: 1974 Porsche 914 2.0

If you hanker for a Porsche 914, you’re in luck. Despite recent appreciation, you can still buy this plentiful model for prices ranging from high four-figures for a project, to low teens for a driver, up to nearly six figures for a top-notch low-mileage example. Of course, if you opt for a project, expect to invest a considerable sum in parts and labor. This Porsche 914 2.0 located in Canandaigua, New York may be better than the average project car, as it’s running and driving very well. Its few flaws probably beg for an in-person inspection, but if it passes muster, the buyer might strike a bargain.

Porsche introduced the mid-engined 914 in 1969. Development had begun in 1966 as a joint venture between Volkswagen and Porsche under an existing agreement. After the death of Volkswagen’s chairman, wrangling over ownership of the project left sales in the hands of Porsche. The car met with resistance from die-hard Porsche fans who derided it as a Volkswagen, but its virtues attracted new buyers to the brand, which was, after all, the point. This car is equipped with a 2.0-liter, air-cooled, four-cylinder “boxer” engine, normally fuel-injected. This owner replaced the fuel injection with a carburetor. Other alterations include Pertronix ignition and stainless heat exchangers with a Dansk muffler. The car has ceramic front brake pads. The factory upgraded the long-linkage five-speed gearbox in 1973 for a more positive feel; this improvement alongside the 914’s outstanding reputation in the handling department makes the car an attractive prospect for road or track.

This car’s underside shows some wear. A seam is separating up by the suspension mount (upper right in this photo), and bumps and scrapes are evident. The body has a couple of challenges as well: viewing the quarter reveals a spot of rust and a sill panel that has separated in the rear. The “frunk” is tidy enough, and the seller takes pains to show us the few spots of rust on panel edges that are easily photographed. The “hell hole” and battery area are said to be clean – a major victory but deserving of personal inspection.

The interior is worn, but liveable. A “dash cap” is installed – which likely means a cracked original. This car has the optional center console. The seller notes that all lights work as they should. The oil temperature gauge is not working.

The paint is tired, and the sail panels have been stripped of vinyl. In fact, the top has also been stripped in favor of shiny black paint. It’s a personal choice, but I prefer my cars as original as possible: if this car found its way into my garage, I’d be investing in a renovation back to factory. This car is listed here on eBay with bidding at $6900, reserve not met. Strong interest in the 914 is likely to push this one’s price up before the bidding is over; what do you think it will take to send it to a new owner?