The Porsche 914 was introduced as the result of a joint venture between Porsche and Volkswagen, and has a mid-engine layout that both companies thought had potential for future models. This 1972 example is currently for sale in Crestview, Florida. It can be found here on eBay, with bidding currently over $14,000.
Designed to replace both the outgoing entry-level Porsche 912 and Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, the 914 was a success for both companies. It was even Motor Trend’s “Import Car of the Year” in 1970. In 1972, approximately 24,800 914s were built. This example has a very attractive silver-on-black combo. According to the seller, there is no rust on the body or frame. It was repainted 9 years ago and there are only a few minor scratches around the body from it being driven regularly. Apparently the nose and front passenger fender are replacements. The seller says the car drives well, with some newer suspension parts.
This example has the 1.7 liter flat-four producing 80 hp. A 2.0-liter flat-six engine was also offered, but very few examples were made (in 1972, only 248 of them were produced). Although low in power, the light weight of these cars coupled with their tight handling still makes them very fun to drive. The 1.7-liter engine here is not original to the car, but is reportedly in very good running condition. The seller says there are new brakes, fuel lines, distributor, and long-throw shifter with bushings. The transmission has a hard time downshifting into first gear, but otherwise works correctly.
The interior is in excellent condition. The dash has no cracks, the seats and door panels look to be almost brand new, and the targa top is in great shape. Even the carpet looks to be mostly clean. There isn’t really anything fancy here – a full array of gauges, radio, and ventilation is pretty much it. I especially like the big tach centered in the main instrument cluster. It doesn’t appear this car came with it, but an interesting option for the 914 was a sort of small jump seat/armrest between the main seats, making it possible to drive a total of 3 people. I can’t imagine that would be comfortable with anyone other than a child, though! This is a great example of a sporty little car that doesn’t really need any work to enjoy.
The ’72 was the first car I bought with my own money back in ’81. I was a senior in HS and tried desperately to get it running reliably to bring it to school before the end of the school year. Couldn’t get it done. Even swearing up and down I had one, fellow students kept referring to my car as Mike’s phantom Porsche. Lost it in a garage fire 4 years later. The gruesome aftermath:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=1584711
Bummer, Mike.
Old news…. Our first of 2 of these cars was an exact replica of this car. Colors, wheels, engine, all the same. Put about 60K on it as as go to work and shopping cart as well as a couple of cross country trips. Nice looking car here but they either put the wrong springs or the wrong shocks in the rear because the height is too high and that puts a positive camber in the rear wheel alignment. Too fast around a corner and you will be heading the wrong direction even faster. Front height looks factory stock. Sad story Mike.
Believe me with that center armrest/cushion you can carry three adults in reasoanble comfort..I did ot many times..914’s are a fantastic design with a very room, wide interior. If they had put centre seat belts in they could have marketed it as a three seat ( like the Matra/Simca Baheera). Add to that two big trunks and removable top that hardly takes up any trun space and you have one of the best designed sports cars of all time IMHO..and they are finally getting the recogniton of that. I would love this car and that 1.7 really gives these quite enough powdr to have a lot of fun and give amazing gas mileage≥..42 MPG from Palm Beach to Key West and back! Cross country Fla to Ca with two people, fully loaded and two surfboards..these cars can do it all.
This looks very nice and great color.
Front right looks a bit off. Odd that there’s only one picture showing that corner. I think I would have to have an onsite inspection before purhasing.
i like it …………
Awesome looking car. It’s a shame that the 914 wasn’t on the market for very long before being discontinued. I would’ve preferred a 914, with its mid-engine layout, well over the 911, with its rear-engine layout making its handling interesting, to say the least.