When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Kevin just asked me what I thought were the most desirable 914s to own after the sixes, GTs and limited editions. Here is my list and briefly why. What do you think?
Kevin, here are my ratings after, like you said, the LE and the 914-6S and GTs. starting with the most collectible
ANY low mile (under 30 thousand) original paint original original untouched 914
next we are assuming that one buy the best of these that can be found in original condition, modifications like color change carburetion and previous wrecks and rust skew this rating, so please keep that in mind
1. 1976 914. Last year of the car, lowest production numbers of all of the four cylinders, all were 2.0 models, all of the latest factory chassis reinforcements
2 1973 914 2.0. had standard all of the factory options and the lighter body with chrome bumpers and fuchs alloy wheels
3 1974 914 2.0. Just as good as the 73 but one has to watch which options were on the cars as they came stripped and one would have to order each option separately that the 73s had as standard
4 1975 914 2.0. The reinforced body, the 2.0 engine, the impact bumpers which made the car actually more stable at high interstate speeds
5 1974 914 1.8. The fabulous 1.8 AFC fuel injection the light body, the standard styled steel Lemmertz wheels, the optional chrome bumpers, fuchs wheels etc
6 1973 914 1.7. The first year of the updated shift linkage, side impact door guards, updated window mechanisms
7 1975 914 1.8. Reinforced body, impact bumpers, styled steel wheels as standard, plaid interiors, and optional fuchs or mahle wheels
8 1972 914 1.7 (all fours 70-72 were 1.7). First year of the movable pass seat, ability to have or add retractible seat belts
9 1971 914 1.7 Naugahyde leather look interior, improved chassis reinforcement
10 1970 914 1.7. Just owning a 914 is a great experience and finding the first year is harder because they were dirt cheap back then and people abused them so very few are available
LOVE my '76 as I'm just finishing restoration after starting 7 years ago, Malaga Red.
Thank you George - now I love it even more! Many thanks for all your help along the way..........
A true "barn find" that found me as it was abandoned in a good friend's new barn in 2005 running perfectly when abandoned. Friend kept bugging me, "You're a Porsche guy - come and get it out of my barn! I need the space and owner/friend won't come get it!" "Dick - I don't want a 914! They are rust-buckets and have a VW engine!" He kept telling my how good a condition it was and finally I went to see it, and he was correct. Scotty Burnett said it was one of most rust-free 914's he'd ever seen. From LA area is why.... 60,600 original (verifiable-by-records) miles.........
Bringing it home on trailer I said, "WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO?!?"
Ever since I first drove it I can't believe how wonderful the car is!
All this time we thought our cars were not desirable to anyone but ourselves
Our addiction pails in comparison to George but includes:
1. 1976 914 2.0 in Magna all original with 41k miles…
2. 1975 914 2.0 in Palma — concourse
3. 1975 914 1.8 in Palma that is being stuffed with a 69 911S 2.0/6
4. 1974 914 2.0 Bumblebee currently being stripped of paint in prep for full restore
5. 1973 914 2.0 in Delphi — concourse
6. 1973 914 1.7 in Phoenix — survivor and our favorite
The 914 is the MOST desirable Porsche for me and always has been since that day in 1974 when I slid under a 600 mile 74 with a folded right rear suspension arm and saw what a marvel in craftsmanship and design it was over my 67 mgb gt I was driving. Never looked back. I treasure my 15 thousand original mile 76
Any thoughts on owing a 73 that has been fully restored without matching numbers engine / tranny . Paint color not standard but a Porsche color . Interior standard other then inserts / door panels that have a funky fabric ( personnel selection )
engine, 2 Weber's heads
,
If the body is straight and "rust-free" go for it. In all honesty, for 914's I think lack of rust is much more important than original engine, etc. Especially for a 4- I mean, you're talking about a type IV VW engine for God's sake!
Yes the most important thing is no crashes and no rust. Both can be very expensive to "straighten out". From there, original color and original factory fuel injection
04-05-2024, 02:09 PM
most desirable 914 to own
