# Porsche 914 (1969–1976)
Mid-engined two-seat targa.
Source: https://porschetrails.com/models/914/

- Engine: 1.7 to 2.0 air-cooled flat-four; 2.0 flat-six in the 914/6
- Power: 80–110 PS
- Weight: about 900–985 kg

The 914 was a joint project between Porsche and Volkswagen: Porsche wanted a replacement for the four-cylinder 912, and Volkswagen wanted a successor to the Karmann Ghia. The result was a mid-engined two-seater with a removable roof panel, pop-up headlamps and a boot at each end.

Most were 914/4s with Volkswagen flat-four engines of 1.7, 1.8 or 2.0 litres, with bodies built by Karmann. In Europe they were sold as VW-Porsches; in North America they were simply Porsches. The 914/6 had a 110 PS 2.0-litre flat-six from the 911 T and was finished at Zuffenhausen. It was expensive, and only about 3,300 were made before it was dropped in 1972.

Close to 119,000 were built in all, which made the 914 Porsche's best-selling model of its time. It was underrated for decades and is now recognised for what it is: a light, well-balanced car with a low centre of gravity.

## Variants
- **914/4 1.7 / 1.8** (1969–1975): 80 to 85 PS, fuel injection or carburettors by market.
- **914/4 2.0** (1972–1976): 100 PS; the best of the four-cylinder cars.
- **914/6** (1969–1972): 110 PS flat-six, five-stud wheels, rare.
- **914/6 GT** (1970–1971): Competition version; a class winner at Le Mans in 1970.

## On a road trip
On a tight pass the 914 makes a strong case for itself: it weighs well under a tonne, the roof stows in the rear boot, and the mid-engined balance is friendly. It is not fast, and the four-cylinder cars need to be worked on a long climb. Check that the fuel lines have been renewed before any long trip, as old ones are a fire risk.

## What to check
- Rust, particularly the area below the battery tray on the right of the engine bay, the longitudinal members, floors and jacking points.
- Vague gear linkage. Cars from 1973 have a better side-shift arrangement; earlier ones can be improved.
- Ageing fuel injection components and perished fuel hoses.
- Four-cylinder cars converted to look like a 914/6; check the chassis number.