A few days ago, we showed you a Porsche 914 that had been given the royal treatment to ostensibly yield one of the best examples on the market of Porsche’s mid-engined, entry-level model. Today, we have the opposite end of the spectrum, but not necessarily in a bad way. This 1972 Porsche 914 has plenty of rough spots but it also has more than a few things going for it. The paint is amatuer-grade at best, but it looks good from a few feet away (especially with factory alloy wheels.) This 914 is equipped with a 1.7L flat-four and is listed here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of just $5,500.
That’s not a bad point of entry for a classic car like the 914. We’ve talked about how their “moment” as a collector car has likely past for all but the best examples and the elusive six-cylinder cars. That means the prices for drivers and projects will likely settle in at a number that won’t change much over the next few years, while your properly restored cars and better-than-average drivers will likely trade hands in the teens and low 20s. The 914-6 is fully out of the barn and those will remain unobtainable for years to come. I don’t love the Smurf blue paint job, but it at least reminds me of the Gulf blue colors used on Porsches that raced at LeMans.
The interior is a surprise, as it looks better than you’d expect for a car that is decidedly average on the outside. The seller does note that it has been redone, but unlike the paint job, he seemingly takes no issue with it. The three-spoke steering wheel looks like a Prototipo, which is a popular go-to for an aftermarket option. With no rust to worry about (seller’s words, not mine), I’m guessing you won’t have to do any floor replacement. When you sit in the cabin, you’ll immediately notice how connected to everything you are, especially the ground below. Handling in a 914 is supposed to sublime when dialed in; the epitome of go-kart like handling.
The 1.7L flat-four was good for about 80 horsepower and the seller claims it starts right up; however, he also notes that it doesn’t run particularly well. There’s a whole list of new parts thrown at it, from brakes and weatherstripping to new headlights and heater controls. This car strikes me as being a bit of a rushed restoration project, with nothing done to a particularly high level but every area of the car touched in some way. The good news is the price is very fair and the seller is adamant it has no rust. With no rot to worry about, you can afford to deal with the minor running issues.
Prior yellow with no rust for a great price. Only weak point is the 1.7 engine which can be easily be replaced with a 2.0 or easily modified to produce at least 130 hp.
Runs but not great? Sellers words, not exactly a ringing endorsement. If this were any closer I’d be tempted though. I always liked the poor man’s Porsche.
This looks like a steal. If it was closer, I would be going to put eyes on it. The weak 1.7 is not a problem, I have what’s needed to take care of that. Why do they always have to be so far away.
For fifty years now I have lived out a 28 mile long winding, up and down, gorgeous challenging highway through a river canyon. Paved, two lane, with usually predictable challenges for road hazards. The 914, and I have had two, is just about the most fun of any vehicle I have ever used to regularly commute that highway. Big smiles, every time. A V8 pickup could smoke it on the very few straightaways, but could never catch it in the turns, of which there are many. No regrets, great car. They are just fifty years old by now and I used both of mine up.
I want to see the hellhole!
There are lots of photos in the eBay ad…
As said the “hellhole” under the battery is a crucial area on 914s as those early batteries would spill acid,it would get down on the chassis and then you are in for a big problem.If that is solid then this car is indeed a bargain and I would jump at it if I had room.I had one with the 1.7 and it was fine..did over 100,000 miles in it..got it up to 110mph and it even got 42 mpg on a run to Key West and back..If I ever sold my 912 I’d grab another 914 in a heartbeat.
The jack points are important to check too. People focus on the hell hole but I’ve owned 914s that were solid there but rotted out around the jack points. You need to pull the rockers off and poke around because water enters the hole on the side and rots things from the inside out.
Wonder what hit that drivers side front fender after it was painted?
No rust? On 914s that alone is enough to pique one’s interest because these were practically a tin worm magnet. And the mechanicals shouldn’t be too difficult to iron out. If the buyer has a little gumption, they could end up with a very interesting ride.
Run away, if you see the word “project”, in a car ad! A tip-off of grief to come.
I’ve wanted one with a Buick turbo 3.8 transplant for ages… hmmm… I wonder if…nah, I better not start ANOTHER project!
But still, it’d be interesting!