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