1974 Porsche 914

Make

Porsche

Model

914

Year

1974

Listed price

$22,486

Location

Sheridan, Indiana

Transmission

Manual

Mileage

79,766 miles

The Porsche 914, born from a unique partnership between Porsche and Volkswagen, emerged in 1969 as an accessible mid-engine sports car. Initially conceived as a replacement for the Volkswagen Type 34 Karmann Ghia and an entry-level Porsche, its design, penned by Heinrich Klie, was a radical departure from the rear-engined 911. With its targa top, pop-up headlights, and balanced handling, the 914 quickly carved out its own niche, offering a driving experience unlike anything else on the market. The 1.7-liter and later 1.8-liter flat-four engines, derived from Volkswagen's air-cooled architecture, provided peppy performance, while the 914/6, powered by a detuned 911T engine, offered a more potent, albeit rarer, option. Despite initial purist skepticism, the 914 became a sales success, particularly in the US, and is now celebrated for its purity of form and engaging dynamics. This 1974 Porsche 914, a desirable 1.8-liter variant, presents a fantastic opportunity to experience the model's charm. Showing a modest 79,766 miles, this example retains its original engine and 901 five-speed manual transaxle, a testament to its careful stewardship. The beautiful Bahia Red paintwork shines, complementing a great-looking black interior. All gauges and electrics, including the characteristic pop-up headlights, are fully functional. Notably, the critical "hell-hole" and battery box areas are reported as beautiful, and the longitudinals are new, addressing common concerns for these cars. The original L-Jetronic fuel injection system is still in place, and the car runs and drives excellently, with a strong clutch and smooth shifts through all gears. This well-cared-for 914 is poised for its next chapter with an enthusiast who appreciates its unique place in Porsche history.