This 1975 Porsche 914 is a nicely preserved example that the seller claims is made rarer by its “Code 99” paint tag, which translates to the car being a paint to sample model. Typically, this indicates the original buyer made a special request for Porsche to create a paint code based on individual tastes, rather than choosing a scheme available on the factory paint chart. Obviously, a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity would go a long way towards confirming this as a custom order car, but either way, the condition on display is impressive. While exact mileage isn’t listed, there’s nothing here that would indicate the 914 has been used as anything but a sunny day driver. Find the 914 here on eBay where bidding is over $7K with no reserve.
The paint-t0-sample thing is entirely subjective in terms of whether it makes a car more valuable. I personally believe it does, only because so few of a certain model will have ever been painted in that particular shade. In my mind, in order to protect your investment in any project car, there should be a distinguishing quality that similar models can’t claim as their own. Special order equipment, a higher performance engine option, manual versus automatic transmission – the little things all add up, especially when considering a vehicle built in large quantities like a 914. In this case, given the overall condition, the paint-to-sample option definitely adds some value to the car’s collectibility score.
While mileage is not listed, the interior looks like that of a car that has either been restored or used very sparingly. The seats and carpet are just too fresh to be found in a vehicle with average miles, even if only used on weekends. The seller claims it is original, which would seemingly bolster the possibility that true mileage is actually quite low. The dashboard shows no signs of cracking, another strong indication that this 914 has led a sheltered existence. The steering wheel likewise doesn’t reflect the kind of wear-and-tear you’d associate with a high mileage driver, and the door panels haven’t been cut up for aftermarket speakers. The radio is an aftermarket replacement, but the original comes with the car.
The engine retains its original fuel injection system, and it is listed as a numbers-matching unit. The paint in this shot looks glossy and clean, and the seller says aside from a few touch-up marks, it is in excellent condition. The engine is said to run well with no smoke, and aside from a modest oil leak, show no other lurking issues. The brake calipers and tires are fresh. As far as rot, even the vulnerable areas like the floors and “hell hole” – another term for the battery tray – show no signs of corrosion. If the seller provided a CoA and confirmed the mileage as being presumably low, I’d be willing to bet bidding would jump even higher, especially with the rarity of the paint code factored in.
On the eBay site you can see from the outside pictures the car has had paint work over the course of time. Driver door mismatch, hood and rear deck lid either showing a tired paint or a poor re-spray. I’m being critical though the car looks to be a real nice example. When I was in southern CA in 2006 I was trying to purchase a 1973 2.0 for $3500 but couldn’t get there due to work commitments. Seems like you always remember the ones that got away.
I almost bid but seeing all the comments here, I exercised extreme restraint and passed.
understand the 2L-6 is a totally different car. If choosing ur own paint scheme I’d think it would B to that car, a life time adventure?
“Hell hole”, eh? How bout “hog troughs?” (rockers?)
Nice VW !😎😜
The interior looks good but Paint is needed..
Well at the end of the day, it’s still a 4-cylinder with those god-awful bumpers.
Oh boy Frank (seller)is at it again. That guy is a real scumbag.
I had a terrible buying experience with him as have many others.
He has reneged on more deals than the Chinese government if he decides he should have gotten more.
He is famous on Ferrari Chat and other cars sites for his ridiculous behavior as a seller.
After you make a deal he turns you over to his wife who feigns ignorance. It’s a real sh@t show.
Cool car though.
How did he manage a 100% rating on EBay feedback?
If you read his feedback on eBay you will see it’s not all complimentary.
When I went to pick up my car he made me remove my negative feedback on EBay before he would hand me the title.
I had flown in with a one way ticket and he was making me nervous so I changed it, and drove away.
I’m calling BS on the paint to sample color. Sure looks like the copper metallic color that was on some 75’s.
I am not so certain. I think it is a standard Porsche color but I have a 928 from 1984 with what looks like the exact same color. It is called KILN RED. It is an orange, red, copper color and it is almost impossible to match. As spray angles when being painted need to match up as well. The metal flake can take an angle that shows a difference.
It is a beautiful color as it changes from orange to copper depending upon the sunlight that hits it and at sunset it is really specular. I would suggest looking for a 928 web site called LANDSHARKS as they have a large number of Porsche colors to pick from.
Does look pretty clean. However, I can tell that it does have a dash cap on it although his ebay ad does not mention that… I am sure the original dash underneath, then, is cracked. It would be courteous for him to mention that.
L99 was Copper Metallic, a standard one year only 1975 914 color code. I had one.
There.
Read Luki’s comment above…. and beware of material shoveled by eBay sellers. Some is truth, with maybe a bit of massaging, and some is manufactured via a secret process which results in leftovers akin to that of bovine digestion. Ask Biff Tannen how he feels about that stuff.
others are correct on the factory color as 99 is a production paint code for copper metallic. Confused with 999 which is Porsche paint to match code. Rare color but there are many of them out there
Many ebay car sellers are unscrupulous. I love these cars, but most of these rotted to the windows. Good versions of these cars cost way more than $8,000. Good luck to the buyer.