Porsche 914 1.7

The vehicle in detail

On March 1, 1968, the first prototype of the 914 was completed but a few months later, Heinz Nordhoff, then boss of Volkswagen, died suddenly. Nevertheless, the project continues and in April 1968, a joint venture in equal parts was formed to ensure its commercialization, the VW Porsche Vertriebgesellschaft GmbH. The VW-Porsche 914 is presented on September 11, 1969 in Frankfurt and the start of production starts at the same time at the German coachbuilder Karmann.

In 1970, the VW-Porsche 914 appeared in dealerships with two engines to choose from. The 914-6, as its name suggests, receives a 6-cylinder. However, it must be satisfied with 110 hp but compared to the entry level of the 914 (-4), equipped with a 4-cylinder flat 1.7L Volkswagen is 30 hp additional. Aware nevertheless of the weakness of the motorization, the French importer (Sonauto) proposed very quickly a kit 150 ch for the 914-6.

In fact, the main advantage of the 4-cylinder injection, in addition to its much lower price, is its low consumption. An argument that will weigh at the time of the oil shock of 1973 but is paid by an excessively long fifth gear. Coming from the 911, the type 901 box with its inverted grid (1st down) requires a certain acclimation because of its slow and imprecise selection which requires to properly break down the gear changes.

The self presented is a 914-4 from November 1970 originally equipped with a 1700. It was prepared by the previous owner in a 914-6 GT look. The original engine has been replaced by a renewed 1800 T4 with carburettors double body of 36 mm, prepared cylinder head, silencer on measure (quite sound, the original silencer is available), reconditioned box, … The block of origin as well as the injection system are delivered with the car.

The body was made in 2015 with the GT sheet metal wing graft, an Irish Green paint, new seals.

The car presents rather very well. The paint is very correct, only bumpers deserve a small upgrade. In mechanics, the car works perfectly. It starts a quarter turn, the box goes well without any report hangs. The engine with its custom exhaust is very audible, the original exhaust is supplied with the car for use in the city, it seems better to reassemble it.

This car is absolutely perfect to go for rhythmic ballads or regularity rallies. Her look is very friendly, something confirmed by the number of questions we had during the photo shoot of the car.

It is visible by appointment in our premises.

Photo credits Kevin von Campenhout for Eleven Cars.