No matter the car, enthusiasts will always find shortcomings in the engineers’ design. Whether it’s American muscle or a sports model from Europe, we can absolutely love a particular make or model but still find ways to improve it. In some cases, the model itself is underwhelming especially when pitted against the lofty expectations of a car fanatic, and in either scenario, we take matters into our own hands and make critical improvements. This 1975 Porsche 914 has been thoroughly enhanced with a variety of mechanical upgrades that make an awful lot of sense. Find it here on craigslist for $20,995.
The 914 has been having a bit of a moment lately. It’s not taking off and you can still find good projects for short money, but plenty of nicer examples are selling for more than they used to. I suspect this surge will eventually sputter out, as it seems prices for older air-cooled models are coming back down to Earth for all but the best and rarest models. Still, Porsche prices have made it increasingly difficult to enter the realm of 911 ownership, so models like the 914 begin to grow in appeal. This particular 914 has been treated to a variety of improvements, ranging from mechanical to comfort upgrades. The interior has even been retrofitted with heated seats and a 24-hour rally clock in the center stack.
Engine-wise, the 914 is powered by a professionally built 2.0 liter model with less than 500 miles on it. The 2.0L 914s were more desirable right out of the gate due to the bump in horsepower, and this one has been upgraded further courtesy of several improvements including a counterbalanced crankshaft, balanced Euro-spec high compression pistons and rods, a high volume oil pump, new fuel injectors, and stainless steel heat exchangers. It retains the original CIS system for fuel injection which the seller claims provides excellent drivability.
The wheels are described as “Fuchs style,” which they certainly are, but I’m assuming this means they are an aftermarket brand of some variety. However, Google tells me these are closer to a classic Empi design in terms of looks, sold by California Import Parts. Regardless, it’s a sharp look, and the whole car just seems like an ideal assortment of stock and aftermarket. The paint is wet in photos, so it’s not easy to give it a proper rating right now; regardless, this is a 914 you’ll likely want to go out and drive, so I wouldn’t worry too much about cosmetics. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Curvette for the tip.
I wonder if those high compression pistons will ping on the “high octane” 91 gas…
No. The 91 octane is perfect for those pistons. The ride height needs to come down from it’s mandated position to get the handling back to normal.
Ride height needs to be dialed in correctly. Color has been changed.
For anyone wondering, this car appears to be located in Port Angeles, Washington.
For 15 years I enjoyed a 2-liter 914, which made my wish that Porsche had built a second, better developed, version. To prevent battery acid from leaking onto the rear suspension (!), we moved the it to the front trunk. To prevent vapor lock, we moved the fuel pump up there, too, being careful to replace the fuel lines through the tunnel with metal-covered ones. The worst thing about this car are the ugly crash bumpers, which make me wonder whether they could be replaced with earlier-style bumpers. The car was great at autocrossing, and it even got good fuel mileage. I also sold it for more than twice what I paid for it, so there’s that, too.
Lovely looking car. This has always been my favourite Porsche. It’s too damned bad it wasn’t as popular as the Porsche 911. I would’ve much preferred this any day. 🙂
Notice the front bumper? 1974 & previous years for 914 had the CHROME FACIA it was in more head on collisions than any other car of the Era the chrome caused a MIRROR effect illusion on the road & on coming cars simply didn’t see them.
Factory had to change out the chrome front bumper 1975