Porsche 914’s are easily one of the most enjoyable Porsches to own and operate.  They are not the fastest cars Porsche ever made but they have phenomenal handling characteristics, are a joy to drive and are very inexpensive to maintain.   

The 914’s story began under a contractual arrangement between Porsche and VW.  The car was designed by a team lead by Ferdinand Piech, a grandson of Ferdinand Porsche and the current chairman of the supervisory board of the Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG).  The directives given to Piech were simple – design a light, rear wheel drive, 2 seat roadster utilizing “off the shelf” powertrains which could be economically mass produced for both companies.    

Originally both Porsche and VW intended to market a version of the 914 (similar to the plan under which the Porsche Cayenne and VW Toureg are currently marketed).  Thus, Porsche would use the car to replace the 912 while VW would use it to replace the venerable Karman Ghia.  However, out of fear that this dual use would hurt American sales, Porsche convinced VW to permit it to exclusively sell the car in the United States through Porsche – Audi stores.  In contrast, in Europe the car was marketed as a Volkswagen-Porsche (or Vo-Po).

The car’s chassis was manufactured by Karmann and then shipped to Porsche for final assembly.  Initially, the car came in two variants: the 914/4 with a VW sourced 1.7 litre engine and the 914/6 with an engine sourced from the 911T.  

The 914 was initially received with much fanfare and even earned Motor Trend’s Import Car of the year for 1970.  The 914’s initial strengths were easy to see:  it had a Porsche badge, it was lower and wider than a 911 with a longer wheelbase yet it weighed less, could comfortably seat two adults, had two trunks with an easily removable targa top which could be stowed in one of the aforementioned trunks and, it was hoped, a much lower price point.  At first blush, it seemed to be modern (and much tamer) variant of the heralded 550 Spyder. 

Sales numbers for the car were initially impressive with the car selling 15,980 units in 1970, 16,674 in 1971 and 21,820 in 1972.  However, the use of the Porsche engine in the 914/6 drove the car’s asking price to what was thought to be astronomical levels and placed it a mere $2,000 below the 911.  Thus, after a three year run, the 914/6 was discontinued.

In 1973 the car reached the nadir of is sales numbers with 27,660 units being sold that year.  Incidentally, most 914 aficionados consider this year – 1973 – to be the most collectible year for 914’s.  By 1974, the luster of the 914 was beginning to wear off and sales numbers dropped to 21,370.  In 1975 sales plummeted to 11,268 and a mere 4,075 units were sold in 1976.  Thus, despite strong initial numbers, the 914 ceased production. 

The reason typically given for the 914’s demise is tied to its use of the VW engine.  The Type IV engine was quite advanced for its time and employed a horizontally opposed, air cooled, 4 cylinder cast aluminum block with cast iron cylinders and cast aluminum heads.  In 1973 the engine utilized Bosche D-Jetronic fuel injection.  Displacement varied by year and came in three forms: 1.7, 1.8 and 2.0 litres.  The 1.7 litre engine sold in 1973 was capable of producing approximately 80 HP which could power the 914 to a top speed of 110 miles per hour (albeit with a less than blistering 0-60 time of roughly 12 seconds).

Despite its advancement, this engine simply was not then recognized by Americans for its sophistication.  Further, the lack of knowledge about this engine (and the common roots between VW and Porsche) gave the 914 the weighty stigma of being a VW engine in a Porsche body.  This may be the true reason for the car’s demise – its perception as something less than a Porsche. 

After production of the 914 stopped retail prices plummeted and the 914’s became, quite literally, a dime a dozen.  Porscheophiles shunned the car because of its VW powerplant while VW’s enthusiasts craved them for their sleek bodies and Porsche name plates.  Unfortunately, many in the VW crowd did not fully understand Bosche fuel injection systems and converted the cars to carburetors (a very bad idea because of the 914’s camshaft design).  Further, many in the VW crowd (and I used to include myself in this category) could simply not afford to properly maintain the vehicles.  Thus, many 914’s fell into disrepair and suffered greatly for it.

The one bright spot in this era of bleakness was on the racing circuit.  Amateur racers noticed the 914’s major benefits over the 911 (think lower, lighter, wider) and began to tweak the car’s powerplant.  This tweaking showed immediate possibilities and the car’s reputation on the track began to grow.  Within ten years, the 914 had developed a lethal track reputation and it became to be widely feared as an agile, nimble and track-worthy competitor to every Porsche model.  This reputation still exists today.

Today, the car’s perceived weakness – the Type IV engine a/k/a the pancake engine – has become one of its major selling points.  This engine is, quite simply, the greatest air cooled 4 cylinder ever designed.  Its initial benefit was durability because, when properly maintained, they can last well over 200,000 miles (Type IV’s routinely last into the 160,000 mile range).  A second benefit of the Type IV engine is its modifiable fuel injection system.  With the benefit of aftermarket solutions, the fuel injection system can be modified into a programmable/mapable fuel injection system which greatly increases the car’s power output.  A third benefit of the Type IV engine is the ability to easily increase its displacement.  For example, for a modest investment, a 1.7 litre engine can easily be made into a 2.7 litre engine.  This “jug and piston” swap will permit a horsepower increase from 80 to approximately 120.  

Given its success on the track and the “massive” innovations developed for the Type IV engine, 914’s values have finally begun to ascend and today “beaters with carbs” can routinely obtain $6,000 price tags.  Further, parts which were once scarce have become increasingly available through numerous sources, e.g., eVW Parts, Pelican, Stoddard, Auto Atlanta, etc. 

The example presented here is an immaculately maintained 4 owner car which was originally sold by Mr. Payton Wiggin of Beverly Porsche Audi at 8423 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California 90211.  A copy of the original window sticker in the file indicates that the car originally sold for $4,350.50 ($4,870.65 after TT&L!), on December 29, 1972.  Seemingly, this would have been a very nice holiday present for the car’s first owner, Mrs. MC.  Of the documents Mrs. MC received at the time of the sale, the following are in my possession and will accompany the car: Owner’s Manual, 5 Year Lubrication Guarantee, Emission Control System Booklet, Specifications Brochure, Maintenance Record booklet.  Each of these documents is believed to be original to the car and assist in proving its provenance. 

As shown by the Maintenance Record booklet and the other maintenance records in my possession, Ms. MC was something of a maintenance fanatic.  According to the combined maintenance records, she had the following services performed:

DATE                    MILEAGE                          SERVICES PERFORMED                                                               

12-29-72              0                                          Car purchased.

12-01-73              600                                      Initial service performed. 

09-??-73              5000                                    5000 mile service performed.

4-30-74                9825                                    10000 mile service performed.

12-1-74               14890                                  15000 mile service performed.

6-12-75                20279                                  20000 mile service performed.

12-17-75              25126                                  25000 mile service performed.

7-13-76                30461                                  30000 mile service performed.

12-9-76                35145                                  35000 mile service performed.

7-12-77                Not recorded.                      40000 mile service performed.

12-1-77                45816                                  45000 mile service performed.

6-6-78                  51800                                  50000 mile service performed.

9-6-78                  54874                                  55000 mile service performed.

2-23-79                59969                                  60000 mile service performed.

7-26-79                64537                                  65000 mile service performed.

10-22-80              69200                                  70000 mile service performed.

9-27-84                74997                                  75000 mile service performed.

6-12-86                81620                                  80000 mile service performed.

3-18-91                83710                                  85000 mile service performed.

After this final entry, the Maintenance Record booklet does not contain any further stamps.  However, the maintenance records do continue and show as follows:

DATE                    MILEAGE                          SERVICES PERFORMED                                                              

6-1-87                  82856                                  Passed California smog inspection.

8-5-87                  82307                                  Replace battery.

8-11-88                82856                                  Repair fuel and brake lines.

6-27-89                83210                                  Replace push rod tube O-rings.

3-18-91                83710                                  Adjust valves, replace fuel filter.

6-28-91                83854                                  Perform service.

8-25-93                86670                                  Minor engine tune up.

9-21-94                87369                                  Replace front motor mounts.

11-7-94                87467                                  Replace distributor, fuel injection and ignition points; reset idle.

12-12-94              87526                                  Replace rear shocks.

4-1-95                  87668                                  Adjust fuel injection.

9-25-96                88318                                  Replace gear oil and fuel hoses.

6-25-97                88542                                  Passed smog inspection.

10-24-97              88604                                  Replace left, rear brake caliper.

11-3-97                88862                                  Turn front rotors, replace wheel bearings, replace pads.

8-19-98                89438                                  Oil service.

The records I have from Mrs. MC show that Akly’s Auto Tech at 4455 Ocean View, Unit #D, Montrose, California 91020, performed the majority of the work previously described.  There is a break in the maintenance records from 1998 to June 16, 2006.  While the maintenance records for this period have been lost to history, there are insurance cards and registration receipts which show that the car’s second owner, Mr. TB, acquired it in 1999.  If any maintenance was performed from 1999 to 2006, I cannot identify what it was.  However, on June 16, 2006, I did find a record which shows that Mr. TB had the engine serviced.  Based on this record and the mileage previously reported, it is my opinion that the second owner placed the car into long term storage.  At some point in 2006, he revived the car and sold it to its third owner, Mr. JW.

Mr. JW, like Mrs. MC, was also something of a maintenance fanatic and his stewardship of the car reflects that he had the following maintenance items performed:

DATE                   MILEAGE                          SERVICES PERFORMED                                                              

6-28-06                90940                                 Replace shifter lever ball socket, install new accelerator cable.

7-8-06                  91308                                 Tire repaired.     

9-20-06                92191                                 Install interior light.

10-2-06                92412                                 Check tires.

3-22-07                95229                                 Install new headlights.

11-28-07              98340                                  Repair lower splash pan.

9-4-08                  Not recorded.                      Adjust valves, fix oil leaks.

10-9-08                100483                                Replace fuel injector.

3-31-09                101853                                Oil service.

5-25-09                102347                                Tires replaced.

6-26-09                Not recorded.                      Perform front end alignment.

10-5-09                103490                                Oil service.         

6-24-10                105437                                Adjust valves, oil service.

In 2010, the car was sold by Mr. JW to its fourth owner, Mr. PK.  This owner lived in Georgia initially and later in New Jersey.  The car seemingly left its beloved homeland, California, for the very first time in 2010, was in Georgia for approximately 2 years before it migrated to New Jersey.  While under Mr. PK’s ownership, the car received the following items of maintenance:

DATE                    MILEAGE                       SERVICES PERFORMED                                                              

8-30-10               Not recorded                    Complete exterior repaint.

5-4-11                 107764                             Tires balanced.

6/29/12               108988                             Oil service, chassis lubed.

There are receipts in the file to document each of the events previously described and, more importantly, to document the mileage of this car.  Further, the car still has its original jack, original spare and original tool kits.  Given the car's 40 year age, it has been driven, on average, less than 2,600 miles per year.   The maintenance history, the presence of original tools, its lengthy residence in California and low average yearly mileage make it easy to see that this car has led a pampered life.

After I obtained the car, I performed the following maintenance items:

• Replaced spark plugs & wires;

• Adjusted valves;

• Installed new heater hose;

• Changed engine oil and replaced oil filter;

• Installed new antenna;

• Installed new points, condensor, rotor and distributor cap;

• Installed new alternator belt;

• Installed new driver's side door seal;

• Installed new oil sump gasket;

• Instaled new flywheel O-Ring;

• Installed new transmission front seal;

• Installed 2 new axle gaskets;

• Installed new transmission shifter connector bushing;

• Purchased a newplastic dash cap (not installed);

• Installed new storage brackets and rubber bump stops for targa top; and

• Installed four (4) new EMPI Fuchs replica rims.

To be perfectly honest, this maintenance was not absolutely necessary but I am also a maintenance fanatic and wanted to ease any concerns the next owner might have about his or her investment in this exemplary vehicle.  I also wanted to get rid of the ugly Rivera rims! (FYI - the original rims are still available and can be shipped with the car).    

Finally, the dash as it exists looks great.  However, it does have 3 vertical cracks in the passenger side facia.  I do not find these cracks to be asthetically displeasing.  In fact, I really don't even notice them.  However, in the hope of alleviating the innumerable dash crack questions I am sure to receive, I did purchase a new plastic dash cover and it will be sold with the car.  I like the car as is and therefore have chosen to drive it without the dash cover.

Currently, everything on this car works and, to my knowledge, it does not need a single item repaired or replaced.  The car looks and runs great, rides wonderfully and handlles like a dream.  It is everything you could ever want in a 914 and, as it sits, this car needs nothing.  Therefore, please feel free to buy it, drive it and enjoy it.

If you are interested in obtaining this wonderfully balanced, gently driven, rapidly appreciating asset then please contact Mark at 713-320-3059.

We are a licensed lender in the State of Texas and can assist you in obtaining financing for your automobile purchase.

If you need assistance with financing then please contract Mark counts at 713-320-3059.

Please ensure that you have obtained financing prior to bidding on one of our cars.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, our cars are sold "As Is" and without warranty.

However, some of our cars are eligible for extended warranties.

Please discuss the potential purchase of an extended warranty with your sales representative.

Unless stated otherwise in the vehicle's listing, shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer.

There are many reputable transporters across the country and the Buyer is required to contract directly with one of them.

If required, we can locate a shipper for the Buyer but will not assume responsibility for the vehicle once it is consigned to a shipper.

Terms and Conditions

All vehicles we sell have clean and clear titles. 

We do NOT sell salvage vehicles or vehicles with reconditioned titles.

All vehicles are sold "AS IS" and there are no representations or warranties except those contained in the written sales contract or bill of sale.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to start the transaction.

The winning bidder must respond within 2 days after the auction with a $500 deposit required via wire transfer, Visa/MC, or certified funds(cashier's check) to start the transaction.

It is understood that the vehicle is sold on an "As Is" basis. 

Buyer are free to purchase with or without an inspection.  

We strongly encourage pre-purchase inspections.  These inspections are relatively cheap and help ensure  that the Buyer is completely satisfied with their purchase.

All sales are subject to a state inspection fee of $40.75 and a Vehicle Inventory Tax based at .2271% of the purchase price. Ex. $10,000.00 X .2271% = 22.71.

Texas residents must pay applicable sales tax and a registration fee.

Out-of-state customers may pay tax and register the vehicle in their own applicable state. Upon request, we may be able to complete the buyer's home state registration.

The buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. We will arrange for shipping, if requested. Also, transportation to and from the airport and our location is buyer's responsibility.

We make every attempt to deliver our vehicles to our clients with two keys, key fobs, manuals, booklets, NAV CDs, wheel locks, tool kits, etc..., however, from time-to-time, a vehicle may be missing one or more of these items and we cannot guarantee that they will be included in the vehicle at the time of sale. Please call for the exact accessories included for the vehicle.

Our vehicles are pre-owned vehicles and they are sold in "As Is" condition. At time, some of our vehicles may still be in factory warranty or an extended warranty may be purchased. Ask for details.

For Canadian car buyers: If the title is to be released at the time of delivery (which is much mandatory to move the vehicle through customs), a wire transfer is the fastest  way to complete the sale.  If the payment is not by bank wire transfer, i.e., certified bank check or approved loan check, the title will only be released when all funds have cleared. Please keep in mind that the funds verification process can take up to 15 days. We will assist you with the documentation needed to clear Canadian customs, but knowing exactly which documents are required by your home province are the buyers responsibility. Requirements for Canada can be found at www.riv.ca under "Registration of import vehicles, Canada".

Notice to All Bidders

Please remember your eBay obligations. When you bid, you are entering into a legal and binding contract. Do not bid if you do not intend to buy this vehicle!

All bidders must have pre-approved loans or other financing.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to complete the sale and to receive a purchase order via fax.

Major Credit Cards are accepted.

Please call for limits and details (credit card charges may incur a service fee).

Payments are accepted through paypal.com (Deposit only-$1,000 max.). Please call for limits.

We do not accept Escrow or E-Loan. Please call for exceptions prior to bidding.

Please remember that you have the option to call for the reserve price direct at 713-320-3059.

We appreciate your interest in this auction and look forward to seeing your bid. Good Luck and Happy Bidding!