This 1970 Porsche 914 appears to be a nicely preserved survivor, with just one repaint in its history file and no apparent sigs of modifications or rust. The seller notes it does have records of being stolen in the 1980s and later recovered by the California Highway Patrol, and that it’s equipped with a six-cylinder engine from a 2.2L 911S. The 914 is listed here on eBay with an asking price of $40,500 and the option to submit a best offer.
The car presents well in the limited overall pictures, with decent paint and panel gaps. The black trim shows no obvious signs of sun damage, and the modest steel wheels and hubcaps are a nice change of pace from the usual Fuchs we see on the six-cylinder cars. The seller claims this is a genuine, two-owner car accompanied by extensive documentation from the 1970s.
The interior is in excellent shape, with standard 914 buckets showing no obvious signs of wear; the same goes for the door panels. The dash does show cracks, which is one downside to the otherwise pleasant weather of always-sunny southern California. The targa roof panel is said to be in excellent condition, and the carpets appear quite tidy as well.
The listing presents the car as a 914-6, which I understand it technically is – but that’s a much different representation than a 914 with a six-cylinder engine swap. Provenance is a big factor when considering a limited production Porsche, so while the 911S mill is likely heaps of fun, this car doesn’t present the same value proposition as an original 914-6. Agree or disagree?
The wheels tell you the brakes have been upgraded , at least in front. Front suspension pulled off the 911s gives you the 5 bolt hubs and larger disc brakes. It’s a bolt on process.We used to just redrill the rear hubs to take the 5 lug wheels which left you an adequate rear disc brake with the hand brake intact. Car’s in nice condition.
Room for a turbo and intercooler?
VIN number, left ignition key placement and windows sticker indicates its a true 914-6–although not the original engine. Cant remember if the 914-6’s came standard with 5 bolt hubs.
With that motor, this thing will go like the hell! Who cares about provenance!
I’m with you on that Jack,
Non-original motor and a salvage title and $40k. I would think there is some room for negotiation there.
I do like the looks of the car and having a lively 6 would be all kinds of fun but California car or not I would be doing an inspection for rust in all the logical places — battery holder, rockers, etc. Note white paint is the best way to hide existing body work, esp when photographed in low light conditions.
If it’s really an S motor, 40 is a fair deal. But, these cars are kind of a chore to drive. Engineer in power steering, and it would be fun to drive.
It’s had an engine swap, but it IS a genuine 6 as evidenced by the VIN, as well as several details such as the instruments and ignition key location. Conversions usually don’t bother with that last bit. Original color was Canary Yellow (#11 on Karmann tag) and the car appears to be straight and dry. As always, an inspection will tell all, but it’s a reasonable buy (IMHO) at $40K even with the engine replacement.
$40K for a clone? Be my guest. Good luck if you ever need to sell it.
Bob… If it’s a real six it came with the 911 brakes, hubs and steel wheels. Paperwork says 914-6. It’s real.
When I lived in Tampa Fl in the late 70’s I bought a 914-6 from TX for 4,300. It was being used for racing and had a roll bar, 5 strap seat belt and a wild motor. I bought it around 6pm at dusk and hit I-10. In 10 hrs I was sitting in Tampa.
I redid the interior black and painted it red. Loved that car. It was a ton of fun. When the timing slipped a few years later I sold it to a 16 yr old kid whose dad was a VW micanatic for $4,000.
About a month later the state police had it on a flatbed trailer showing everyone what doing 140 mph will do when you put it UNDER the guard rails….. I cried…..
And yes, if it’s a real 916 the wheels are 5 bolt.
Well, at least the VIN plate is real. Whether it’s riveted to that chassis of the subject stolen 914 is another manner. These things, real and fake, have a tendency to break themselves via horsepower and ineffective design. But they are a hoot to drive right up until something lets loose. In my case the velocity joint just spun loose from itself and made a godawful noise. More than once.
One thing that worked really well from an engineering standpoint was the breakaway collapsible impact reducing front end. When someone ran a light and the car Tboned it, the front end folded up like an accordian and practically broke off.
Your personal results may vary.
This one sold for the 40,5K asking price. With CA salvage title & all the “peculiarities” you other guys mentioned. Perhaps one of the two “original” owners blew up the first 6, or it was removed by the car thieves. I suppose that if I were to up-grade to an “S” engine after whatever happened, I’d also upgrade wheel/tire package. But that’s me. That original sticker price of $ 6,409 (and change) is what turned me away from the 914-6 in ’71 and I went and ordered a BOSS 351 for way less. Far more practical as a daily driver & having a wife & small child. If anyone out there considers a BOSS a practical daily driver, LOL !
With a repaint and the wrong engine, its survivor status is immediately removed.