As the market values of more and more Porsches are sent soaring, so the charming little 914 stands out as being a fantastic entry point into classic sports car ownership.
What the four-cylinder 914s may lack in raw horsepower, they make up for in mid-engine handling balance, lack of mass, carefree ‘70s style, and attainability – the latter point especially as all the parts are still available one way or another.
This cherished and recently restored example is ready to drive whenever you are and comes with all the supporting literature needed for even a 914 novice to know what they’re looking at in plenty of detail and work on it correctly.
11 owners; seller has owned it since November 2014
Personalised number plate (pictured) included in sale
MOT passed in March 2022; V5 present and correct
Porsche certificate of authenticity
Large stack of paperwork, recent history with specialist garage; invoices going back many years for services, respray and restorative work on the engine and body
Spare key with Porsche keyring
User manual, repair guides, info books, magazine articles and engineering specifications booklet all included
All carpets and vinyl panels in very good condition
Immobiliser fitted
Inside, you will find that the seats have been re-trimmed to replace the factory plaid pattern with a new, colour-matched Scottish tartan design that looks much smarter inside the otherwise all-black cabin (a sample square is included with the car’s paperwork should you ever need more of the fabric).
The black vinyl outer panels are all smooth and plush as well, making it a comfortable place to sit. Everything inside works except for the trip meter and cigarette lighter, although the door locks are also described as stiff by the seller.
A period-correct Grundig radio sits in the dashboard, while the factory-option centre console with three gauges (battery voltage, oil temperature, time of day) reaches down the meet the gear lever for the five-speed transmission and neighbouring lift-up storage cubby.
Both boots are in very good condition with equally well presented carpets and linings in place.
Up front you will find the spare wheel beneath the carpet, while in the rear boot the toolkit and jack are present and correct as well.
Recent respray with fresh paint correction as well, freshly undersealed
This 914 beams like sunlight on the street thanks to its one-year-only Berber Yellow paintwork, which was re-done in 2018 with a further paint correction on the rear boot lid earlier this year to ensure it is immaculate from nose to tail.
Before this, bodywork refurbishment was carried out on the outer sills, sail panels, door jambs, jacking doughnuts, scuttle and windscreen surround. The fresh bodywork was then topped off with fresh door handles, mirrors and windscreen trim which all remain in as-new condition, whilst the body side is adorned with black Porsche side stripes from specialist Design 911.
Elsewhere, the pop-up headlights work correctly and the pop-out roof section clips in and out easily, with fresh plastic mounting clips fitted in the rear boot so it can be stowed ready for rain showers.
Being a US-market car, large circular side marker lights are fitted from the factory – although the seller has replaced them with clear-lens units for a subtler look (the orange originals are included with the car).
Unlike many a hot-rodded 914, this example also features original all-silver Fuchs alloy wheels on correctly sized 165/SR15 tyres, with a fresh Michelin XZX on the spare wheel in the front boot as well.
The large rubber bumpers demanded by US safety regulations are unmarked front and rear.
Later-year 914s like this one feature a broader array of Porsche’s own parts in place of VW components that are a legacy of the two companies collaborating on the model’s development.
One example is the switch to a 911’s wind-up window system, which on this car works remarkably smoothly. The new-for-’74, 1.8-litre flat-four engine originally featured an early electronic fuel injection system (Bosch L-Jetronic), but it was common for owners to swap the system for a time-honoured carburettor setup and this is true of the car you see here, featuring twin Dellorto carbs.
The 914’s gearbox is known for slightly recalcitrant synchromesh, and while the shift linkage was improved in later model years the seller reports that this car is no exception in this regard.
The engine was overhauled in 2019 and received fresh cylinder pots, pistons, camshafts, oil seals and a new clutch. The braking system has equally been refreshed with new callipers and handbrake cables, whilst the car also features an aftermarket immobiliser for extra security.
Before the end of the auction, the engine will have received a fresh tune-up, so the winning bidder will be treated to smooth running when they drive it home on collection day.
For the days that follow, the seller is also including spare gaskets and a new oil filter with the car to ease future maintenance.
With looks that will brighten your day whatever the weather, a freshly set-up engine and pristine bodywork, this is a joyful car for taking out on sunny pleasure drives and even to the occasional show.
Whether you pop the roof off to enjoy the elements or leave it in place for more solid weather protection than a traditional convertible, this is a classic Porsche that consistently draws positive attention from onlookers, being a rare sight on our roads and a pleasingly different shape in any case.
If you fancy a 914, one in such good condition as this is not to be missed.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1974 Porsche 914 1.8 LHD
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