The Mid-engined Porsche 914: A Simple Time of Simple Fun

Today's vehicles are dependable, have almost race car (of a decade
ago) horsepower, are complicated (Have you been under a hood lately?),
and they provide a fairly "standard" driving experience.

As enthusiasts know, Porsche is famous for its rear-engined sports
cars. However, the very first Porsche and the company's pure
race cars have had mid-engine designs. The Porsche Carrera GT
has a mid-engine V10 pumping out 650 hp and a price of $440,000.

Although the Porsche 914 of the '70s did not have the horsepower
of today's vehicles, it was a car from a simpler time. It emphasized a
pure driving experience or a simple kind of fun!

The 914 was targa-topped two seater. It had distinctive styling and
showcase handling. To produce the car, Porsche joined forces with
VW and in Europe it was marketed as the VW-Porsche 914. In the U.S.,
it was just the Porsche 914.

It all started in September of 1964 at the Frankfurt Auto Show when
the 2.0-liter 914-6 was unveiled. The car was to be a replacement for
the 912 (basically a 4 cylinder 911).

The 914 had a unique look however, it was a commercial success as
almost 119,000 4 and 6-cylinder cars were sold between 1970 and
1976. On the one hand, some people questioned the 914's heritage
as it was a joint venture between Volkswagen and Porsche. On the
other hand, the car eventually developed a cult following with racers
and back road enthusiasts.

The 4- cylinder 914s were assembled by Karmann for Volkswagen
and Porsche. The 6-cylinder car bodies were provided by Karmann
and completed at Porsche's Zuffenhausen factory. The 914-6 actually
shared some components with the 911 of the time. This included the
911's front suspension design. Additionally, the 914 used a modified
version of the 911's transaxle (derived from the 901). As with the 911
and 912, the 914 had disc brakes at all four wheels.

The 1970 914-4 had a 1.7-liter version of VW's type IV engine.
It was equipped with Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection making 80 hp.
The base 914 came with 15x4.5" wheels, pained bumpers, and no
external vinyl trim. The optional appearance group added chrome
bumpers, fog lights, and vinyl trim as seen on the 914-6. For the 1972
model year, the car's ventilation was improved and the passenger's
seat became adjustable.

In 1973, a 2.0-liter 914-4 making 95 hp was introduced to replace
the 914-6 which ended production in 1972. In addition to a bit more
horsepower, the car featured a new "side shifter" manual transmission
that had a much improved shift action. Initially, the car came with all
the equipment found on the outgoing 914-6. This included a vinyl
covered roll bar, chrome bumpers, fog lights, a leather covered steering
wheel, a center console with instruments, and 15x5" Fuch alloy wheels.
The price of this well equipped 914-4 was almost as expensive as the
Porsche 914-6.

In 1974, the 1.7-liter 4 was bored to become a 1.8-liter and it was combined
with a new Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system providing 76 hp. Of note
is that much of what was standard equipment on the 1973 914-4 become
optional equipment on the 1974 car.

In 1975, the 914 1.8 and 2-0-liter cars received larger bumpers front and
rear which changed the car's appearance. The car's fuel pump was relocated
to a position in front of the fuel tank thus eliminating the vapor lock that
sometimes affected earlier cars. In addition, the exhaust system was changed
to meet stricter emission standards In California, a catalytic converter was
added to meet the state's emissions requirement.

For 1976, the 1.8 engine was dropped leaving only the 2.0-liter 914-4.

In summary, here is a list of the 914 engines and the approximate number
of cars that were built:

914-6 2.0-liter 1970-1971 approximately 3,360 were built

914-4 1.7-liter 1970-1973 approximately 48,550 were built

914-4 1.8-liter 1974-1975 approximately 45,072 were built

914-4 2.0-liter 1973-1976 approximately 22,000 were built

Regardless of what 914 you decide to buy, the car's light weight and
excellent weight distribution provides great levels of driving fun. Depending
on the rarity of the car, 914s that are in good condition range in price from about
$4,500 up to $20,000.

The Porsche mid-engine 914. A simple time of simple fun!

To check out a future 914 like car from Volkswagen/Porsche visit: Future 914.

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price..." He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site:
www.DriveTheBestBook.com.