The Porsche 914 was designed under a contractual arrangement between Porsche and VW by a design 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 and his team 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 (sounds simple, right?).    

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 while in Europe it 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.  The car originally 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 received with much fanfare and earned Motor Trend’s Import Car of the year for 1970.  The 914’s strengths were easy to see:  it was lower and wider than a 911 with a longer wheelbase yet it weighed less, the engine was in the middle of the car but it could still comfortably seat two adults, it had two trunks and an easily removable targa top which could be stowed in the rear 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 impressive with the car selling 15,980 units in 1970, 16,674 in 1971 and 21,820 in 1972.  However, the use of the 911T engine drove the 914/6’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.

The 914/4 continued to sell well with 27,660 units being sold in 1973 with 21,370 units sold in 1974.  Unfortunately, after 5 years and lukewarm reviews, the luster of the 914 wore off and sales numbers plummeted to 11,268 in 1975 and to a mere 4,075 in 1976.  Thus, despite its strong begining, 914 production ceased. 

The reason typically given for the 914’s demise revolves around its use of the VW engine.  The Type IV engine was actually 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.  Prior to 1973, the engine utilized Bosche D-Jetronic fuel injection but, in 1974, it was switched to Bosche L-Jetronic.  Displacement varied by year and came in three forms: 1.7, 1.8 and 2.0 litres.  The 1.8 litre engine sold in 1974 was capable of producing 76 HP and 91 foot pounds of torque and could power the 914 to a top speed of 110 miles per hour (albeit with a less than blistering 0-60 time of 12 seconds).

Despite its relative advancement, this engine simply was not recognized by Americans for its sophistication or its ultimate potential.  Further, it came with the weighty stigma of being a VW in a Porsche body.  Thus, numerous 914 owners had to suffer the indignity of attempting to show off their beautiful new 914's while being repeatedly asked “Does that have a VW engine in it?”  One can imagine the repeated gnashing of teeth this must have produced and therein lies one of the major reasons for the car’s demise – its perception as a bastardized VW or, even worse, a “poor man’s 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.  However, VW’s enthusiasts craved the cars for their sleek bodies and Porsche name plates.  Unfortunately, many in the VW crowd did not fully understand the Bosche fuel injection systems and converted them 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 further drug the car’s reputation downward.

Fortunately, there were a few die hard enthusiasts who had the knowledge (and the cash) to harness the Type IV's potential.  These individuals noticed the 914’s major benefits over the 911 (think lower, lighter, wider, with a mid-mounted engine and tight, precise steering) and began to utilize the 914 chassis with tweaked Type IV powerplants.  This tweaking showed immediate results and the car’s reputation on the track began to grow.  Within a few years, 914 racers had developed a lethal track reputation and became to be widely feared as fast, agile track-worthy competitors.  This reputation exists to this very day.

In the current collector market, the 914’s perceived weakness – the VW Type IV engine – has become one of its major selling points.  This engine is the possibly the greatest air cooled, 4 cylinder ever designed primarily owing to its durability (please don't say this to a 356 enthusiast).  When properly maintained, a Type IV engine can last well over 200,000 miles and even when abused they 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 programmed or “mapped” to greatly increases the car’s efficiency and power output.  A third benefit of the Type IV engine is the ability to easily increase displacement.  For example, for a modest investment of roughly $1,400 in parts, a 1.8 litre engine can be made into a 2.3 litre engine.  This “jug and piston” swap will permit an increase of roughly 50 hp (from 76 to approximately 120).   

Given its success on the track, the ever shrinking number of rust free cars and the numerous 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.  Prisitne models are obvioulsy worth considerably more.  Further, parts which were once scarce have become increasingly available through numerous sources, e.g., eVW Parts, Pelican, Stoddard, Auto Atlanta, 914ap, etc. 

The car offered for sale here is a rust free, pristine model which was lovingly maintained by 2 owners.  According to the original owner's manual (which accompanies the car), on August 7, 1974, the car was sold to its original owner (SDP) by Vasek Polak Porsche in Hermosa Beach, California.  The car remained in SDP's possession for the majority of its life and we have service records in the original owner’s manual dating from 1974 to 1984.  The car is also accompanied by its original California blue plates. 

In 2011, the car was obtained by an elderly collector in Arizona (DG) who treated the car to a complete refurbishment.  The car was repainted in a modern Porsche color (Speed Yellow) which is not the original color but is complimentary to it.  The seats were recovered in Persimmon leatherette with contrasting Chocolate Fudge seat cushions.  The second owner had a thorough engine and transmission service performed with the following items being installed:

·       New input shaft seals;

·       New output shaft seals;

·       New shifter seals;

·       New rear main seal;

·       New flywheel seal;

·       New throwout bearing;

·       New clutch cable;

·       New clutch disk;

·       New pressure plate;

·       New pilot bearing;

·       New oil cooler and seals;

·       New front crank seal;

·       New high volume oil pump;

·       New intake seals;

·       New intake hoses;

·       New injector seals (o rings);

·       New oil pressure sender;

·       New valve cover gaskets;

·       New fuel pump;

·       Valves adjusted;

·       Timing adjusted;

·       Points adjusted;

·       CV joints cleaned and repacked;

·       Front wheel bearings cleaned and repacked;

·       Alternator replaced;

·       New belts installed;

·       New muffler gasket installed;

·       New front motor mounts;

·       New front wheel seals;

·       New brake pads;

·       New shifter bushings; and

·       New seals on the front and rear trunk.

There are receipts in the file to document each of these maintenance items.  After they were installed, a compression test was performed and every cylinder reported internal compression in the 125-130 range.

At some point in this car’s life the original wheels were abandoned and the car currently sits on 15 inch, 8 spoke EMPI rims which present nicely.  The second owner installed four new Nanking P165/80/R15’s tires on these rims and then retained Stuttgart Southwest to lower the front ride height and replace the following items: shifter rail, fuel filter, throttle cable, throttle plate housing and the starter.  In December 2012, the prior owner also emplaced a new mass air flow sensor. Again, there are receipts in the file documenting these items.  

After I obtained the car, I performed a thorough inspection and determined that the car was absolutely rust free.  I then removed the original brown carpet and installed soundproofing material in the passenger compartment and front trunk.  I topped the passenger compartment’s soundproofing with new, black, domestic loop pile carpet sourced from 914AP.  As there were two almost invisible, minor cracks on the front half of the dash, I obtained a new dash cap (but did not glue it in place it because it really is not needed).  This dash cap will be sold with the car (with adhesive and installation instructions).  Again, the car does not actually need the dash cap but a buyer prefer it therefore it was obtained.  Finally, I installed a new AM/FM/CD/USB/iPod/MP3/WMA/AUX stereo unit with remote control in the car.  This stereo utilizes the pre-existing speakers which fit into the car using the original speaker panels.

Currently, the only items on the car that are not functioning are the clock, the interior dome light, the window defroster light and the front fresh air fan (the rear heater fan works perfectly).  A new motor for the front fan will be included in the sale and a new dome light with bulb will also be included.  I have not installed either of them because I simply don’t care about the ambient air system or the dome light in a targa top car that I only drive in sunny weather with the top off. 

On the issue of driving, I would be remiss if I did not mention the ride and handeling characteristics of this car.  Those characteristics are - in a word - exemplary.  The car is well poised in all phases of driving and retains a sense of balance that is absent in its tail heavy sibling.  The car's low height only adds to that sense of balance and permits confident cornering in all traffic situations.  The suspension is superb and easily absorbs prototypical roads bumps while the brakes grab and stop the car quickly.  The car's shift pattern does take some getting used to and, like it or not, you will initially shift from 2nd to 5th.  However, once learned, the shift pattern becomes iintuitive.  If you would like to see videos of me driving the car (and who wouldn't!) then please visit our YouTube channel - The Bavarian Motors.    

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!