Lot details Registration No: EU-Reg Chassis No: 4732909138 Mot Expiry: March 2012
By the late 1960s, Porsche was looking for a replacement for its 912, while Volkswagen needed a substitute for the outgoing Karmann Ghia. The companies agreed on a collaborative solution and the 914/4 and 914/6 were born in 1969. A mid-engined chassis was penned and manufactured by Karmann Ghia. Versions to be sold by Volkswagen (914/4) were initially equipped with a 1.7-litre version of the company's air-cooled flat four unit and other VW hardware, while examples destined for Porsche showrooms (914/6) were sent to Stuttgart and fitted with the same 2.0-litre flat six engine as used in the 911T, together with appropriate 911 suspension and brake items. Both cars utilised the 911's '901' gearbox suitably modified for the mid-engined configuration. It was felt double-branding would be risky in America, so both versions carried the Porsche badge there. Though the quicker and better handling of the two cars, the 914/6 suffered from slow sales and was discontinued in 1972 after a production run of some 3,350 cars. The resulting gap in the line-up was filled by a second Volkswagen engined model powered by a 95bhp 2.0-litre version of the company's fuel-injected Type 4 unit. 914/4 production ceased in 1976 after in excess of 115,646 examples had been made, making it Porsche's best selling model of the time.
The left-hand drive 2.0-litre example on sale was manufactured in 1972 and first registered in Italy. Finished in its original colour of Azure Blue complemented by Black trim, the car comes complete with an MOT into March 2012 and condition assessment by the ASI. The vendor currently regards the bodywork, trim, engine and transmission as "good" and notes that the otherwise smart looking paintwork "has a little rust on the right-hand door". A seemingly nice example of a model that is appreciating in both interest and value.
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