There’s a quiet dejection baked into some listings, as if acknowledging that a project didn’t our quite as expected (I’ve written a few of these sorts of ads in my day.) Then there are the tell-tale signs that someone had big plans for a vehicle before deciding it was too much to deal with, such as the sharp Enkei wheels and fresh rubber on this 1971 Porsche 914 listed here on eBay. It’s hard to tell for sure but it looks like a large musical instrument of some kind tossed on the front seat and allowed to fit thanks to the removable targa top. The seller notes it needs engine work or a potential replacement, and the listing has one bid to $7,500.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Curvette for the find. The seller added fresh rubber and those sweet Enkei wheels before apparently realizing that cylinder 4 has low compression. Engine replacement on the 914 is hardly uncommon, but the question becomes whether to rebuild the current 1.7L engine or find a replacement like a larger 2.0L unit. There’s also the opportunity to build a mild hot rod, or your own version of a 914/6. The possibilities are numerous, but there’s a lot to be said for building an engine that the chassis can handle. In that case, a mildly upgraded 2.0L is the direction I’d go, as a bored over 2.0L can push out as much as 155 horsepower and 160 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 914 in its current form, however, is a long ways from a custom engine build. The seller notes the presence of rust in several areas, including beneath the windshield seal and in the rocker panels. The windshield work will require a glass-out repair, but replacement panels for the rockers are likely available. The interior appears to be in good shape with black carpets and seats. The dashboard doesn’t appear to be cracked. The black-on-black scheme is quite sharp, and the exterior with its gold wheels and decals looks the business. My goal would be to get the rockers squared away without hopefully having to touch the main bodywork.
The 914, like so many others, sports an aftermarket exhaust system. When it was new, the 2.0 cars were decently quick for the day, reaching 60 miles per hour in about 10 seconds. The exhaust was a popular upgrade on these cars, and while I doubt it adds significant power, it likely was easy to sell someone on the idea that their sporty German coupe might reach 60 in under 10 seconds with the right mods. The fact that a 914 needing a potential engine rebuild and that has rust is already sitting at $7,500 is surprising to me, but perhaps this is a sign of the direction the long undervalued 914 market is moving in.
Could be a nice one. Rusted rockers are easy as they can be bought in metal or fiberglass and needs no welding. I’d guess the low compression is valves and can be fixed with a valve grind. Excellent engine options Jeff. The autocross/road race car we built of a friend was a 2.ltr engine taken out to 2.5 with a street cam that dynoed out at just under 150 hp. All the fiberglass hood and deck pieces lightened it considerably and it was fast and really fun to drive.
I agree with Bob. This is like a 914 blank slate if the rust is doable. You don’t get opportunities like this very often, if the purchase price is fair.
Lovely car. I’ve always loved the Porsche 914. I consider it unforgivable that it wasn’t offered for long before being discontinued.
Good looking car. And I know that I will be hated by the Porshephiles. But ever since I saw that 914/350 Chevy tear up the autocross a few years back I want one badly. Would also be a good track day car!. Sorry Bobhess!
I was thinking someone would suggest it.
No problem here. Drove a 350 powered one. It was a first class hoot.
Not enough pictures for me to make much of a comment. Does have Porsche 944 floor mats. Someone local must have bought it . SOLD NOW @7500.00
Just left C&C and got a ride in a 1975 BMW 1602 that had been converted to an EV. It even had a manual trans. 200hp, 184ft/lbs of torque. It drove so much like a internal combustion car it was hard to tell the difference (other then being able to go in and out of gear without a clutch when stopped). It was a brilliant application of an EV drivetrain to an older chassis. Standing around with other car enthusiasts, the inevitable discussion arose: “What other vintage cars could best benefit from an EV swap?”. We all agreed, the DeLorean DMC-12 would be #1. But the Porsche 914 was a close 2nd. All the 4 cyl 914’s were pretty woeful (as a prior owner of a 75′ 914 2.0L, I can lay witness) and injecting 200hp into own would transform what was once a 76hp dog. Increased serviceability, reliability, similar range and possibly even better F/R weight distribution would all be bonuses. Plus, they made a ton of these so converting one is not like converting something rare.
Clean 914s are hard to find. Everything depends on the rust. Outer rocker rust is nothing to fix, but the inner ones are more demanding. Plenty of other places rust, too. The battery sits right above the rear swing-arm mount and can leak acid, so many cars need the sheet-metal mount replaced (I had to do it on my ’73 2-liter). Engine options are endless, but a Chevy is too much for the stock 914 gearbox; a friend tried it and finally had to replace the stock transmission with a Hewland. Stay air-cooled.
SOLD for $7,500.
1 bid.
Relisted for $6800.
Why o why do they show a picture of the 15 cent rug in the trunk ? Real buyers want to see the sheet metal in trunk. Rust or no rust that is the question …..?
Lovely car. I find this, the 914, the best looking Porsche produced. If I bought one like this, I’d keep stock what I can, while also upgrading certain things. Among the upgrades I’d have done would be to install a water-cooled boxer engine, possibly a Subaru engine.