Description
Experience the iconic Porsche 914, a masterpiece of automotive history born from the collaborative genius of Porsche and Volkswagen. This mid-engined sports car graced the roads from 1969 to 1976, offering a unique blend of style and performance. The Porsche 914 was exclusively available as a targa-topped two-seat roadster, packing the punch of a flat-4 or flat-six engine under its hood.
In the late 1960s, both Porsche and Volkswagen sought to redefine their lineups. Porsche needed a successor to their beloved 912, while Volkswagen aspired to create a sports coupé to crown their lineup. With Porsche's long-standing partnership in handling Volkswagen's development, the 914 emerged as their final joint project. Led by Ferdinand Piëch, the Porsche team took the reins of this remarkable endeavour.
Originally intended to feature a flat four-cylinder engine for Volkswagen and a flat six-cylinder engine for Porsche, the development journey took an unexpected turn. Concerns about the American market led Porsche to persuade Volkswagen to market both versions as Porsches in North America. The first 914 prototype emerged on March 1, 1968, but complications arose after Volkswagen's chairman, Heinrich Nordhoff, passed away in April 1968, leading to a breakdown in the verbal agreement between the two companies.
Kurt Lotz, Nordhoff's successor, believed Volkswagen had full ownership of the model and no incentive to share it with Porsche. This shift in perspective increased the price of the 914, ultimately placing the 914/ 6 in a price range similar to the 911T.
Despite the challenges, the 914 went on to become Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1970. Slow sales and mounting costs prompted Porsche to discontinue the 914/ 6 variant in 1972 after producing 3, 351 units. Production of the 914 as a whole concluded in 1976.
The 2. 0 L flat-4 engine continued to shine in the 912E, while the 914/ 4 became Porsche's best-seller during its model run, significantly outselling the Porsche 911 with over 118, 000 units sold worldwide.
Featuring the iconic Volkswagen Type 4 flat-four engine in the Volkswagen versions, or the distinctive 2. 0 L air-cooled Type 901/ 3 flat-six engine in the Porsche 914/ 6, this mid-engined sports car was a marvel of engineering. With its dynamic performance and timeless design, the Porsche 914 remains a symbol of the golden age of sports cars.
Throughout its seven-year production span, the Porsche 914 saw several changes, from cosmetic updates to safety enhancements. From the choice between chrome or painted bumpers to the evolution of interior elements, this classic sports car showcased continuous improvement and adaptation to the evolving automotive landscape.
From its inception in the late '60s to the end of its production run in 1976, the Porsche 914 stands as a testament to collaboration, innovation, and timeless design. Embrace the legacy of this classic sports car and make it a part of your own history.
Our model is in immaculate condition, with low-mileage and badges denoting its participation in the 1990 Porsche Parade in the UK. The vehicle is still on its Irish registration, meaning licensing proves no issue for UK buyers.
