I have been dying for a summer track car/toy car...and one just fell into my lap. Went flying radio controlled airplanes, and ran into an old buddy. He owns (Owned , a 1973 porsche 914. Beautiful blue car, no rust, lovingly owned for the last 7 years. Prior owner was a 93 year old lady who lost her drivers liscence due to age... This car is in fantastic shape. Has an old respray, possibly 10 years old. ZERO rust. Redone interior, new tires, brakes, etc, etc. It basically looks like a nice 10 year old restoration -a really nice driver. 118,000 miles. When he offered it for 4000$ I pretty much ran home to get my check book! This car is a hoot. 70-80 horsepower, and I get to redline it through about 4 gears before I get to 60! Quite a change from the testarossa, where 1st gear is about all you can (legally) play with . No power windows. Only gauges are tach, speedo, and some simple idiot lights. When you press on the brakes, you are really doing no more than suggesting to the car that it stop...and it does it leisurely... 0-60...13.7 seconds...Wanna race? The motor looks like it might fit on top of my lawnmower. There are only 2-3 vacum hoses, and a couple of simple wires. My, how complicated cars have become. I'm not sure why, but I am ecstatic. This little car is so cool, and simple. My wife loves it, its her current favorite. And, after looking at some ferrari parts...hows this for sticker shock: 1) New alloy wheels $80-110 a piece. 2) Pistons $45 3) Spare motor $800 4) Brake rotors $50 Wooohoo... Anyone wanna race??? I will take on any car (as long as only 4 of your 12 cylinders firing) ! Anyone else own one of these? Any other cool cars for $4000 out there?!
The only "expensive" part is the tranny. As long as that is in good shape you should be happy with maint. costs. I have always had a thing for the 914. Congrats on the find. Sounds like a fun toy.
I had a 76 911 before - that was also a cool car. I believe the 914 shares the same 901 trans, right? My car has the 1.7 motor, which is probably the lowest iteration on the horsepower totem pole... Its tough not to smile when you are driving a car that cost so little... Now, who here is a member of PCA, and how do I sign up for an autocross?
I have had 2 914s (I still have one of the two). It is a 73 2.0 fully restored in 2003-04. It is the most fun street Porsche I have owned which is quite a pleasant surprise since I have owned and raced 911s (early S, 930, SC, 964). The mid-engine balance is unmatched by any of the 911s I have had. Whether street or race cars, I'm a big believer in mid-engines. The only downside to the 914s for me is the gear shift; it can't match the positive feel of a warmed up 328 tranny.
I also have always appreciated the 914 - the smiles per mile and smiles per buck are exceptionally high. And as you say, it is exactly the elegant simplicity which makes them so cool. Congrats and have fun! Oh,...and we need PICTURES!!
Yes, I bought my 944 last year at a Lexus dealer last Fall for $2,800! I cleaned it up and am having new front brakes/rotors on it today. Runs really well and is a lot of fun. I have so much fun, almost as much as my NSX. Here's the reason..................When you only spend a tiny amount of money and have low expectations, that when they are surpassed you are enthralled! You are pleasantly surprised. Enjoy the car! Hey, I live just up the road from you(not literally)......let's race!
Wow, a porsche for $4000. ...if you could shove the motor on your lawn mower..ww 80 horsepower lawnmower.
Bo, nice buy - I've seen a couple of 914's pop up on local craigslist, they sure are tempting at that price. I haven't driven one but they look like a lot of fun. Grassroots Motorsports did a restoration of one a while ago, they had a lot of good things to say about the car, while also mentioning its "quirks". Theirs had a mildly built 2 liter. http://www.grmotorsports.com/archives/914.html
www.pca.org You can navigate to your local region's website from there. PCA is awesome, at least in my area. Something for everyone, and they are all about the people AND the cars. PCA can open as many doors as you want it to, activity and socializing wise. For some, it becomes a second family. Plus you get a monthly (?) magazine (Panorama) as part of your membership dues (a decent mag, actually), and in some locales, the Porsche dealer's give 10% off parts and some service to PCA members. You can't beat that! Feel free to contact me if you have questions: [email protected]
Congrads on your new toy. Some people hate them, some love them. Now come over to the largest group of 914 Owners and we'll help you keep it running. http://www.914club.com/index.php
