Registration: FMW611J
Chassis: 4712902201
Odometer:
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt

• ex-California car
• Recent renewal and strengthening of sills
• Lots of history from the US
• Converted to carburettor
• Supplied with NOVA

The Porsche 914, introduced in 1969, was a collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen aimed at producing an affordable, mid-engine sports car. Initially conceived as a Volkswagen project, it became a joint venture, with VW providing production facilities and Porsche focusing on the design and engineering. The 914 featured a unique Targa top and a mid-engine layout, offering exceptional handling for its price range. It was available with either a flat-four engine (badged as a Volkswagen-Porsche in some markets) or a more powerful flat-six engine under the Porsche name. While its unconventional styling was divisive, the 914 gained popularity for its performance and accessibility. Production ended in 1976, and despite its mixed reception at launch, the 914 has since become a cult classic among enthusiasts, valued for its innovative design and role in Porsche’s evolution.

We are pleased to offer this 1971 Porsche 914 in yellow with black interior. It is understood to have been supplied to the US, which was the 914’s biggest market, and was originally Willow Green, a colour only offered for ’71 and ’72. It came to the UK in 2018 and, unusually for an import, it was accompanied by a good size bundle of invoices from the US. On arrival the 1.7 litre flat four had its fuel injection system removed and replaced with a Progressive Weber carburettor. This is a good thing as those early fuel injection systems are notoriously unreliable and hard to repair. The vendor says that the current carb is fine but he felt the engine deserved better and bought a pair of Italian Weber 40 IDFs which he has included with the car together with manifolds, filters and linkage kit.

A very important thing to watch with 914s is rot in the sills which compromises the structural integrity of the car. Alive to this issue, in 2023 the vendor had the sills repaired with new jacking points on both sides and body chassis strengtheners welded in. The bodyshell was realigned to factory specification and threshold sills were welded in. It’s pleasing (and quite rare in 914s) to see the doors sitting neatly within their apertures with even door gaps. Please click on the “Further Photographs” button to see photographs of the work.

The vendor had intended to respray the car its original Willow Green - the original colour and its rarity being a reason he bought this particular example. However, his head has been turned by his first love, Karmann Ghias, and the Porsche has to go. He believes the existing paint job dates back to the mid-eighties and it is a little tired with some blemishes, however, if you prefer driving to polishing, it is still entirely presentable and you could use it as is without embarrassment. It certainly sits well on its rare, polished Ronal Kleeblatts, having been lowered at some point. Pleasingly, it lacks the ugly federal bumpers of the later models. The interior is very original, save for some period additional gauges. The driver’s seat has been retrimmed using material from a donor seat, the remainder of the donor being included with the car for repairs to the passenger seat. It’s always nice to see the original stereo present.

A rare car in the UK, even in period, it’s good to see that 914s are beginning to be appreciated for the fine little sports cars they are. This example has scope to be improved but could also be used and enjoyed as it stands. Like all classic Porsches, the long term trajectory for the model can only be upwards, so don’t miss the chance to jump in now.