Rust Free Example/Rebuilt 1.7 Liter Engine/5-Speed Manual/Targa Top

1970 Porsche 914

Here's how the 914 came to be, according to Classic Motorsports: In the late 60s, Porsche needed a replacement for the 911's four-cylinder cousin, the 912. At the same time, VW needed a replacement for the Karmann-Ghia that would ideally be more than just a fanciful-bodied Beetle. Perhaps over some hefeweizen and sauerkraut (these are the only things I know about Germany) Ferry Porsche and VW executive Heinz Nordhoff hammered out an agreement where their respective companies would build the car together.

For consignment the joint venture between Porsche and VW in the form of a 1970 Porsche 914. This air-cooled boxer style mid-engine car has the engine of a VW and suspension of a Porsche. Styling was a mixture of square and rectangle design with some aero thrown in for giggles, and an open targa top if you wished. The hidden headlights and mid-engine design lasted until 1976.

Exterior
A fine rust free (rare) example of the 914 here bathed in white respray with stainless steel and black accenting throughout. Its low profile, boxy styled body has straight steel with nicely minded gaps. Hidden headlights are upfront along with some running lights in the lower bumper grille. A black canvas targa style removable center top is seen, and it fits between a mildly raked windscreen and a large black B pillar on top of the slightly sloping downward rear deck. Black crash bumpers are on this version and in keeping with the new federal mandates of the era. The rear valance shows the round hole pipe exit, the only year to have this feature. Doors and lighting features new seals, and the wheels have been upgraded to the 1974 version with trim rings. This boxy little sports car is nicely presenting.

Interior
Simple black vinyl covered doors with an inset actuating handle greet us prior to stepping inside. Once there we sit in German styled high back bucket seats which are a fairly flat design and incorporate tuck and roll vinyl inserts in black. These buckets sit in a sea of black carpeting with coco woven floor mats on top. The original dash with new covers is sitting in front awaiting its driver to get up and go! There is a period correct radio within this original dash, and we can also note the passenger footrest option installed. All black and all nicely presenting.

Drivetrain
Just behind the passengers, for even weight distribution, sits an air cooled numbers matching 1.7 liter 4-cylinder engine topped with dual 1-barrel carburetors. A 5-speed manual transmission with a new clutch disc pressure plate and throw out bearing is on back and a 4.429 final drive is formulating the rear axle. This engine was completely rebuilt by a Lancaster County certified Porsche tech which included pistons, cylinders, machined heads, valves, valve guides seals and gaskets. Now it runs like a Swiss watch.

Undercarriage
Structurally sound, the consigner states the fuel tank has been etched, coated and has new internal filter and hoses. Brake pads were resurfaced, and new calipers are now on. The exhaust/heater muffler exhaust tip hoses and heat exchangers have been reconditioned. Disc brakes are upfront, and matching discs for the rear with independent suspension upfront and independent MacPherson struts on back.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter, smooth runner and good accelerator. Handling and braking were excellent, and it was a fun throwback for this writer who first drove a 914 to learn how to drive with a clutch! (ca.1975).

This not oft seen version, and not oft seen with no rust, but this example well cared for, and rebuilt engine and drivetrain, leaves us with a cost-efficient Porsche/VW collaboration that has its following. So if you are one of those who do follow, this one deserves a close look. It's the only one I've seen here during my storied (sic) career here at Classic Auto Mall.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.