1974 Porsche 914 2.0 Targa

By the late sixties, both Volkswagen and Porsche were in need of new models; Porsche was looking for a replacement for their entry level 912, and Volkswagen wanted a new range topping coupé to replace the ageing Karmann Ghia. The Porsche 914 or VW-Porsche 914 was the result of this joint venture and was a mid-engined, Targa-topped, rear wheel drive, two seat roadster designed, manufactured and marketed by both companies from 1969 to 1976. Over the years, engine configurations and sizes varied, but in later years the car was powered by a 1971cc fuel-injected, flat-four producing around 100bhp.

The car we are offering here today is a left-hand drive, 2.0 ltr. Targa and was initially registered in California to Park Porsche of Manchester Boulevard, Buena Park, California in 1974.The original Bill of Sale (with the car) indicates that a number of options appear to have been "No Charge", (Hard Top, Fuel Injection and a Roll Bar) but others were chargeable and they include the Appearance Group (cosmetic I guess), Chrome Bumpers, Tinted Glass and a whopping (in '74) $380 for Alloy Wheels.This 914 has had five owners to date, two in the US, two in Sweden and our current vendor in Denmark.In 2008, work was started, on what was to turn out to be, a six-year restoration completed in 2014.Taken back to bare metal, the body was professionally painted in its original colour of Bahia Red (L30E) and the engine was completely rebuilt using a new block (bored to 2.1ltr), topped with performance cams and Dellorto 45s.

The suspension was rebuilt with Bilsteins, the front brakes were upgraded and the whole system restored. During the re-assembly process all bolts, screws and nuts were in stainless steel. The whole project was photographed, and there are dozens of photos in the file, some taken from three or four inches away, which you don't do unless you are really proud of your work.A GT engine lid and a set of five-bolt Fuchs completes the package and the car was recently serviced and tuned by a specialist.As well as all the photos, the history file contains lots of invoices and service history and surprisingly, the original Bill of Sale.

I don't remember these 914s appearing very exciting in period, and they certainly never enjoyed the dramatic -poster on the bedroom wall -desirability of the 911, however the passage of 40 years has changed that somewhat, and they now have a lovely seventies appeal particularly in this amazing condition. These cars are rapidly becoming sought after, and this sparkling little red Porsche is sitting here awaiting a new owner. You might just feel inclined to take it home, gift wrap it, and pop it under the Christmas Tree.