1975 Porsche 914

Registration No: KKH 661N
Chassis No: 4752911136
MOT: Exempt

• Believed to have had just one previous owner from new
• A highly-original, time-warp example
• Offered with a large history file, including the original service book

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, 1.8-litre (fuel-injected) Malaga Red example on sale was manufactured in 1975 and first registered in the United States of America. Recently brought across the water; it subsequently passed an MOT test in October 2023 and a UK logbook has now been issued. Our vendor states “the car runs and drives very well and it’s really quite fun to drive”. He describes the paintwork as “Good, although there are a few little scratches and some chips which have been touched up, and a couple of small dents (RH front wing top, RH door top)”. Said to be substantially rot free “..save for a couple of small bits - it does have some very minor rust, the battery tray is new, but just pop riveted in, whilst the rear boot has a few small holes”. He also mentioned there being “a couple of rust bubbles on the top of the B-posts and the scuttle area under the windscreen”. The disc shields have correct date stamps on them from the original build, and our vendor did point out some splits to the upholstery, however he described the interior as being “generally very good, with a removable roof also in nice condition.”

Offered for sale with a comprehensive paperwork file, including an original service book which is stamped all the way up to 84,974 miles (covered by September 1995). Now displaying an unwarranted but highly credible 109,000 miles; other paperwork includes an original handbook, period sales brochure, AAA Automobile Club of Southern California documentation, old invoices, parts books and a workshop manual. Our vendor states “My friend in California told me he bought it from the original owner, but it’s difficult to verify if a one-owner car as U.S. logbooks are not as descriptive as UK ones.” Ready to use and enjoy, this "straight and solid' example would also make an excellent basis for a full restoration to show standards.

For more information, please contact:
Adam Sykes
adam.sykes@handh.co.uk
07429 600332