1975 Porsche 914 2.0

Coachwork by Karmann

1971cc OHV Air-Cooled Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Twin-choke Downdraft Carburetors
101bhp at 5,000rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
Independent Front and Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes

*Well-maintained and largely preserved example
*Desirable 2.0-Liter version
*Striking Signal Orange over black livery
*Iconic and era-evoking Porsche 914 2.0


THE PORSCHE 914

Porsche's strong historical links with Volkswagen were reaffirmed in 1969 with the launch of the Porsche-designed VW-Porsche 914, a mid-engined, Targa-top sports car to be assembled by Karmann of Osnabrück. At the time Volkswagen needed a new car to replace the ageing Karmann-Ghia while Porsche was looking for another option to add to its line-up. First seen at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the 914/4 used the 1,679cc, four-cylinder, air-cooled motor of the Volkswagen 411 while the 914/6 was powered by the Porsche 911T's 2.0-litre six. Both cars employed all-independent suspension - a mixture of 911 and VW parts - to which were married four-wheel disc brakes and a five-speed gearbox. The 914's reputation for excellent handling was somewhat marred by criticism that the four-cylinder version was too slow, though lack of speed was never a shortcoming of the 914/6. The latter was a relatively short-lived model and in 1973 was effectively replaced by the 1,971cc four-cylinder '914 2.0', which also featured forged alloy wheels, front and rear anti-roll bars and an improved interior incorporating additional instrumentation.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The spectacularly well-preserved example of the 2.0-Liter 914 offered here was finished at the Porsche works in November of 1974 and completed as a 1975 model-year car. The new Porsche was finished in the vibrant Signal Orange color as seen on it today. Compartments and jambs still retain much of the original factory-applied paint to this day, although the outside exterior panels appear so have had a respray in the original color. The interior remains in equally original condition, with the black seats trimmed with Velour center pieces. Original factory decals and ID plates remain in situ, and outside alloy Fuchs wheels shod on Pirelli tries gives the Porsche the right look. A lovely original example of the iconic 914 2.0 indeed.