1973-1974 Porsche 914 2.0
Average asking price*: $12,900
Collector status: Buy and drive
914

The Porsche 914 was developed as a collaboration between Volkswagen and Porsche, where the same car with different engines was marketed by each, respectively (albeit both badged as Porsche in the US). Volkswagen versions featured a 1.7 liter four cylinder, whereas Porsche’s model was powered by a 2.0 liter flat six, the 914/6. In 1973, amid poor sales relative to Volkswagen’s four cyclinder, Porsche replaced the 914/6 with its own flat-four model, the 914 2.0. Despite strong sales, during its run from 1970-76, the 914-4 struggled to gain acceptance with Porsche purists. Jump ahead nearly 40 years—in a world of Porsche SUVs and four-door GTs—and the 914—at least the “genuine” 914/6 and 2.0—is not only accepted by purists, it is appreciated for its peppy performance and perfect 50/50 weight distribution stemming from the rear-mid engine layout. That, combined with the low center of gravity from the horizontally opposed motor configuration, results in superb handling that is not only worthy of the Porsche name, but is regarded by many as having road manners equal to or better than any of its contemporaries, which include its stablemates. In fact, values of the 914/6 (less than 3,500 made) and the 914 2.0L “Creamsicle” and “Bumblebee” Limited Editions (500 made of each) are often eclipsing those of 911s from the same time period.

The 914 was a car developed under the Nordhoff era for Volkswagen and was a radical styling departure from the Type 34 Karmann Ghia it was meant to replace. Not everyone agreed with Porsche’s design influence but 40+ years after its development, it still looks unique and not at all out of place. Nevertheless, the 914’s real appeal is in the way it drives. It is a car that you immediately feel at one with, sitting low with all controls ergonomically placed in front of you. Handling is extraordinary. 914s have always been all about handling with their mid-engine layout and low center of gravity. It always feels light, never cumbersome. In short, it’s very Porsche-like and with the 2.0-litre motor in particular, the performance is there as well. The 2.0L was sold between 1973 and 1976. 1973 and 1974 are the most sought after as the later models required heavier, homelier black rubber-covered bumpers (as opposed to painted bumpers or chrome that came with the Appearance Group). Narrowing the search to those model years will also limit the number available out of the total 914-4 production run of nearly 120,000. Rust is a significant factor and many have either succumbed or aren’t worth the restoration cost. Others have had their factory fuel injection replaced by dual Webers. Once the search is limited to a rust-free, original 2.0L, the search becomes more challenging but the payoff is a 914 that will follow the trend of skyrocketing air-cooled Porsche prices.