1975 Porsche 914 1.8L

MiamiIn the late 1960s, Porsche wanted to replace the brand’s entry-level 912 with a sports car that wasn’t quite so closely tied to its halo product – the 911. Still relying on the stout air-cooled flat-4 that kickstarted the brand with the 356, the new car was to integrate more straight lines and flat panels that were both of the moment, and easier to manufacture. When the 914 debuted in 1969, its wide, boxy look was like nothing else on the road and was lauded for its mid-engined handling and ultra-lightweight construction, coming in at less than 2,100 lbs.

This 1975 Porsche 914 benefits from a recent restoration that included a stunning respray in the modern Porsche color of Miami Blue. Originally finished in black, this color looks period correct on the 914’s boxy shape and works wonderfully with the combination of black and stainless trim around the vehicle. Sitting on a set of polished and black Fuchs wheels, this 914 was upgraded with a 5-lug conversion during the restoration, which makes for improved wheel selection and the ability to add better brakes if desired. As with all roadgoing 914s, this car benefits from a removable targa roof that fits in the rear luggage area and makes for spectacular open-air motoring when the weather is nice.

The interior is equally as eye-catching as the exterior, upgraded with tartan centers in both seats that really uplift the otherwise monotone interior. Drop down into the driver’s seat, and a large diameter 4-spoke steering wheel meets you with a leather wrap on the rim, and a Porsche crest emblem affixed to the center. This frames a 3-gauge cluster with a large central tachometer, speedometer to your right, and a combination gauge with fuel and warning lights to your left. The custom leather-wrapped center console has another trio of gauges with a clock, vehicle temperature gauge, and a voltmeter to ensure the vehicle is operating at its peak.

Powered by a hot-rodded 1.8-liter flat-4, this 914 benefits from a Weber carburetor conversion, which replaces the difficult to tune early fuel injection system that originally came on the car. The engine was built by an official Porsche dealership, which added better flowing 2.0-liter heads, along with a number of other performance parts, including a freer flowing 4-tip exhaust. This sends power through a 5-speed manual transaxle to the rear wheels. As a later 914, the gearbox is one of the desirable “side shift” units, which was introduced in 1973. These are known for more precise throws and better shift feel. The 914 is still quite underrated in the classic Porsche world, and they represent fantastic value when compared to 911s of a similar vintage. As the weather is getting warmer, there are few things more enjoyable than sliding behind the wheel of a classic Porsche with the targa roof off and going for a drive – and this car is ready to go!

Key Features

• Repaint in Modern Shade of Miami Blue
• Hot-rod 1.8-Liter Flat-4
  • Weber Carb Conversion
• 5-Speed “Side Shift” Manual Transaxle
• 5-Lug Conversion
• Fuchs Wheels
• Custom Tartan Interior
• Removable Body-Color Matched Targa Top