Porsches of all vintage have really been increasing in value, so we really can’t call the 914 the “Poor man’s Porsche” any more. Although this 914 is a bargain, and they have only been going up in value. This is a one owner car that has been off the road since 1982. The condition and the implication of having the original engine and transmission is making us want to jump on this $2,500 Porsche. Find it here on craigslist out of Staten Island, New York.
The exterior and interior of this 914 look awesome to be in original condition. There is no apparent body damage and the paint looks very shiny as if it is new. The interior looks very nice as well with some evidence of use as the driver seat has some splits in the vinyl. But a split seat is an easy fix. 914’s can suffer from major underbody rust issues, down into the rockers and other obvious areas that many cars struggle with. There is some mention of some underbody repair needed, but we wonder to what extent. This car looks amazing, but for the price, we aren’t scared off by the potential needs of this 914.
The 914 is a great little car that is a blast to drive and the values on these Porsches continue to rise. We love the originality of this 914 and would love to get it street ready again with some original wheels. Would you take on this 914 project?
No apparent body damage? The left quarter panel looks like it needs some fairly extensive work. Looks like it’s been rear ended at one point. I’d bet frame rail damage at left rear, as far as owners description goes.
I knew a lot of people who bought and drove them new. They hated them. More time spent in the dealer service department than on the road. The price is in line with what people pay for nowadays, if they want it bad enough.
That dent is extensive work… OMG!!!
I have had many 914 and loved them..
Hmm, I always thought the “poor man’s Porsche” was the Karmann-Ghia. Never cared for these, although, I bet they are a blast to drive. I agree, this car is kinked all over, and they are comparing it to the 914/6, which I heard will really make your heart race, but the 1.7 was kind of slow. Still, if it doesn’t need too much ( ever price Porsche parts lately?) be a good car to have some fun with.
The will only ever be once poor Man’s Porsche…..the Corvair.
The “Pod” in the background would have me thinking superstorm Sandy. Living close to Staten Island NY I know that Pods were everywhere loaded with homeowners possessions while their flood damaged homes were being repaired! Something to think about.
Forgot to say I had one too! Thankfully none of my cars were damaged
I would be careful here. To the seller’s credit he warns about a bad hell hole, which in these can be REAL bad, and bad underside stiffeners. The drivetrain is out and you wonder why it has been out, presumably for years since the car has been sitting for over 3 decades. It will need all kinds of work just to get the systems reliable after all those years. And maybe more if the engine or transmission are bad….which we don’t know.
The 1.7s are the cheapest of these cars. Porsche prices have leveled off at auctions lately and for some models even pulled back, which is no surprise since prices for most expensive collector cars have pulled back.
Contrary to what the seller says, the car is not a time capsule. It needs lots of work. And good 914-4s aren’t at $30K. Even at $2,500 the car is probably too expensive.
Shiny parts car.
Forgive my ignorance, but what on earth is the seller describing when they say “Car does need hell hole and longitudinal repair.” Sounds scary to me!
Re where and what is a Hell Hole: imagine an area behind the passenger’s seat/firewall. Picture body sheet metal to the side and structural members in front of the right rear suspension angling down all meeting without perfect drainage. Next have a mesh opening above it to allow air into the mid engine cooling from above, oh, and water as well. For good measure mount your car’s battery in this area. Ah, toss in a sketchy Bosch voltage regulator which could boil the battery causing more than typical levels of battery acid to escape . . . and run your primary fuel lines and fuel pump in this area. Porsche added a plastic battery cover, I believe as part of a recall, later. That’s why the area is called the “Hell Hole”. A commonly rusted out structural area needing a difficult fix. Parts are available.
Gstegall, the battery is mounted in the middle of the car, right side, right above the engine (to the side of), so it’s mounted directly behind where the passenger would sit. As they leak and drip corrosion over time, it deteriorates the metal (you already know that part). Directly under the battery is a convergence of corners, drip holes, and longitudinal body supports. This area can get really crusty, and even dissolve into rust. It is hard to get to, and expensive to fix. Most of the 914 suffer in this area to some degree. Hence, it has become nicknamed the “hell hole.” The picture shows the battery and tray. Directly under that is where all the problems occur.
Wow, thanks for the explanation, Doug!
Mismatched front turn signal lense,gap’s around hood and headlamps are horrible. Watch out with this one. I have owned a few of these in the past,great all around driving cars. My 73 could haul up any steep grade.
The Test:
Open both doors, and see if the targa top can be removed, or whether it is stuck.
The Real Test:
With both doors open, see if the top can be reinstalled.
First time I saw a 914 with a sagging center (due to corrosion/rust in the mentioned longitudinal supports) I decided I’d never own one that had any hint of weakness underneath.
If 914’s are the “next 356’s” buy it for $2000, let it sit and rot in a field for another 15 years and then sell it for $25000. Easy money! ;)