In the mid-1960s, an interesting joint venture between Porsche and Volkswagen was beginning to brew. Porsche was on the move to replace their 4 cylinder powered 912 with something less “911 like” and Volkswagen was conjuring up their own ideas for a halo car that wasn’t the Beetle or the Bus. With both companies in need of a new car, the timing could not have been better and so, the 914 was born. It was a mid-engine design, two-seater, with a targa top. Originally, it was agreed that Porsche would produce a 6 cylinder version of the 914, while Volkswagen produced one with a 4 cylinder. In an interesting marketing move, the 914 would be sold as a Porsche in the United States, and a VW-Porsche in Europe. In 1969 the car debuted as initially described, but received some initially harsh criticisms due to its funky styling, perverse shift linkage, and its slow acceleration in the 4 cylinder model. 

Volkswagen’s deal with Porsche meant that the 914/6 was almost as expensive as the entry-level 911, and after selling a mere 3,349 copies, Porsche ended production of the six-cylinder variant in 1972. In its place, the ’73 914 got an optional 100-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder along with a smoother-shifting transmission, and in 1974 the 1.7-liter engine was replaced by an 85-hp 1.8-liter, with all four-cylinder engines featuring fuel injection. This means that for the US market only around 1788 914/6s were built, with the surviving total being likely much lower today. With total production numbers for the 914 eclipsing 119,000 that means only 2% of the total 914s are 6 cylinder models. 

The period directly following the 914s production enthusiasts, particularly Porsche enthusiasts worldwide, generally dismissed the 914 as a glorified Volkswagen. As of late though, the 914 has finally begun gaining popularity by collectors and younger enthusiasts for what these cars are, an unrepeatable roadster that’s fantastic to drive and relatively easy to maintain given it is still a Porsche. 

The example on offer here, chassis #9140432050, is a three-owner example, starting its motoring in Hermosa Beach, California after being delivered to Vasek Polak, one of the first exclusive Porsche dealerships in the United States. From there it went through only one other home before arriving with its current owner who 914/6. A full engine rebuild was carried out on the car through a specialty shop called RM Motorsports, in Wixom, MI, and has extensive paperwork to commensurate the job. The engine rebuild included bigger and stronger pistons, 911 E specific camshafts, as well as fresh valve guides, springs, and stem seals. Additionally, the Weber carburetors have been rebuilt along with an oil cooler and tank flush. As a nod to the originality of this example, the factory heat exchangers are still on this car, and not the Danko branded ones that typically end up on these after a restoration. While the engine was removed, the clutch and throw-out bearing were replaced. The chassis is showing around 114,000 miles, painted in its original color, canary yellow. It has been repainted only one time since. A keen eye will note that all of the carpets throughout the cabin are the correct for the 1970 model year along with the Porsche branded mat on the driver side. All new brakes and upgraded fuel lines from plastic to stainless steel to increase longevity connected to the original fuel pump. Continuing the theme of originality, the consignor decided to keep the 1970 shift linkage as well, which was updated in later models to be slightly easier to live with. It certainly takes a little getting used to, but when done right it is very rewarding and engaging. This restoration spared no expenses and the results are apparent when heading out for a drive. Today, the car presents very well showing minimal scuffs on the exterior while being 100% sound mechanically. 

Included in the sale are its original tools, manuals, restoration receipts, and targa top. 

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