| Back in 1969 Porsche was about to make a lasting | | | | just a little impressed. The 2.0 L used in the 1973 is |
| impression on the world with the introduction of the | | | | probably the most popular of the three engines |
| sporty, mid mount 4 cylinder boxer engine, two | | | | released. It's a blast to put the petal to the metal |
| seater Porsche 914.The design of the 914 was the | | | | and listen to the sound of that rpm band and oh yes |
| result of the Porsche and VW working together to | | | | let's not forget the power.From 1970 to 1972 the |
| produce a new sports car for each of the companies. | | | | 914-6 was released but it didn't last very long with |
| VW was looking to find a replacement for the | | | | less than 3500 actually produced. There were also a |
| Karmann-Ghia and Porsche was looking to use the | | | | small number of 914-6 GTs produced at the same |
| 911 components but get a fresh new model.In | | | | time. They were given the higher performance 911 |
| Europe Porsche took the 914 body and finished it as | | | | engine and suspension designed for the race |
| the 914/6s while VW took it and finished it as the | | | | track.The 914-6 was agile with quick acceleration and |
| 914/4s. When marketed in North America both were | | | | good handling and breaking. In fact in many aspects it |
| sold as the Porsche 914.The 914 did not look like any | | | | was considered superior to the 911. To drive it felt |
| other Porsche on the market. It featured pop up | | | | much like the 914-4 but in the upper RPM it definitely |
| headlamps, flat deck lid over the rear engine, no | | | | had more punch.1974 the cars destined for North |
| backseat, and a vertical rear windshield.The low | | | | America saw the introduction of the 1.7 L engine |
| profile seats mean you are almost sitting on the | | | | which was bored to 1.8 L. It was combined with the |
| floorboards and the firewall is located right at your | | | | Bosch fuel injection system for the emissions control |
| back. There's nothing fancy about the inside, in fact it | | | | required in North America.1975 saw the end of an era |
| is very basic. But it also has all the equipment you'll | | | | when production of the 914 was ended. Eventually it |
| ever need.It features a nice large tach which | | | | would be replaced by the 924 and the 914's 2 L |
| remained popular in many models. It has the same | | | | engine was continued in the 912E considered a level |
| transmission that's used in the 928 where you'll find | | | | entry model.When it comes to cool and "gotta have" |
| first down and over to the left.The suspension is | | | | the 914 definitely fits the bill. This is a great little |
| hard, the car rides low gripping the road, and the | | | | sports car that's nice and peppy, has great handling, |
| steering is nice and tight. This is a really sporty little | | | | and lots of snap. And with today's high fuel costs it's |
| car and when the suns out and the winds warm you | | | | a real treat in that department too. You do need to |
| can pop the targa top off, roll down the windows, | | | | watch for rust though. It is the biggest enemy of |
| and relax.The flat 4 cylinder mid mount was available | | | | the 914.If you love the look of the sports cars from |
| in a 1.7 L providing 80 HP, 1.8 L providing 79 HP, and | | | | the 1970's, understand the value of a Porsche, and |
| 2.0 L providing 95 HP. All engines come with a 5 | | | | like to stand out in a crowd the Porsche 914 is |
| speed manual transmission. It has the independent | | | | definitely a car to consider. So is this the car for |
| front with lower control arms, anti roll bar, spring | | | | you?Wayne has been owned and ridden Porsches for |
| struts. The independent rear has transverse torsion | | | | 15 years. Visit his Porsche site at to learn more about |
| bars and anti roll bars.Wondering what kind of | | | | Porsche 944. |
| performance this little gem is capable of? You'll be | | | | |