1973 Porsche 914
Lot Closed
Overview of 1973 Porsche 914
Item Details
- Fabulous original car
- Meticulously maintained
- Never modified
- Rare 5 speed transmission
Since the demise of the 356 in 1965, Porsche relied on the 912 essentially a 4-cylinder 911 as its entry level model but they needed an all-new car to attract young buyers to their showrooms. Concurrently, VWs flagship Karmann-Ghia was proving very expensive to build and due for replacement. Porsches Ferdinand Piech had the idea of a joint venture between the two companies; one sports car could be built and offered with the choice of flat-four or flat-six engines. VW would market and sell the 4-cylinder cars while the 6-cylinder cars would be sold as entry level Porsches. Porsche lacked the money to develop the car, so an old verbal agreement was brought into play that would see VW financing the tooling and manufacturing. As the 914 project was well into its development, the chairman of VW died, paving the way for a new chairman who had no such loyalty to an old handshake agreement. VW pulled the financial plug on the 914 and Porsche was stuck with the bill to develop and build the new sports car, causing the price to rise dangerously close to that of the 911.
While the 914 had a difficult gestation, it did prove to be a brilliant little car: Light, fuel efficient and even practical with two trunks and a removable roof panel. The mid-engine design contributed to perfectly balanced handling. The 914-6 found success in motorsports, and could have done more had it not come dangerously close to outperforming the 911. In spite of high prices and the stigma of being considered a rebadged VW when new, the 914 sold well between 1969 and 1976. Todays enthusiasts have finally recognized the 914 as a true Porsche and an all-time great drivers car.
This 1973 914 1.7 has been kept in remarkably original condition, believed to have been carefully stored for 35 years by a previous owner. It just takes one look to see this is a truly superb 914. The Zambezi Green paint is excellent and the bodywork is straight and absolutely solid. Rubber trim and seals are all intact and supple. Even the typical trouble spots in the trim around the rear window and tail lamps show zero evidence of decay. Opening the rear trunk reveals a correct trunk mat, original jack, and even the insulation pad which is nearly impossible to find in one piece. Even the vulnerable original fog lamps and grilles are in perfect order. The interior trim in fine original condition with no rips tears or cracks. The 1.7L engine runs strong and maintains the original fuel injection system. Correct Michelin tires on original steel wheels give this 914 a pleasing look and accentuate the light and direct handling. This is easily one of the finest original 914s available today.
