82_930

So I walked into this bar... Just kidding, lol

Long time Porsche owner here, and I was thinking of a 914. I came across a '73 914 with no rust, Yellow, original owner, 78000 miles I think.

It's a 1.7 and it was one of the first 1,973 cars built so it has the vinyl around the windshield as well as on the rear targa part. Porsche only did this on the first 1,973 cars for the 1973 model year.

1) What are the pluses and minus's of owning a 914?

2) The car is selling for $8500, is that a good price?

3) What is the maintenance that I will have to perform at this mileage?

Matt Romanowski

Depending on the condition, the price may be ok. It's hard without pictures, but rust is the biggest problem. Check under the battery, the rear inner suspension mounts, and the longitudinals. After that, you want to check the trunks, gasket channels in the trunks, behind the seats, floors, etc. Pictures help with this the most if you want us to help evaluate.

Maintence is much more about age than mileage at this point. Things like oil changes are still mileage based, but most items on the car are 39 years old. Things like the suspension bushings could be going bad, fuel injection parts fail, gaskets leak, etc.

As for the pluses and minuses, that's up to you.

Manny Alban

Interesting about the vinyl around the windshields. I have a very early 2.0 914 and it never had the vinyl around the windshield. Was this a factory option or something the dealer did?

btw, 914's are great. Mine is completely original. It's simply been steady maintenance, but no rust issues to worry about. Even the 1.7 has enough pep to hold its own on an interstate.

Matt Romanowski

I think the a pillar vinyl was part of the appearance (sport) package in early 73. It's pretty rare.

82_930

I have been on this forum for a few years, but I have never been able to put up pics, how do I go about doing that?

Matt Romanowski

Advanced reply then click manage attachments. Then you select them in the window that pops up and upload them. Close that window and then finish your reply. Click submit reply and Bob's your uncle.

skl

I've been around 914's for 42 years and have never seen one with vinyl on the A pillar, including several Parades. I don't even remember a picture of that. Are you sure some idiot didn't put that on thinking it would look "neat."?
I'd love to see a picture of that!

My '73 2.0 is a reasonably early one and I've known the car since it was a year old and it surely never had vinyl on the A pillar...

Matt Romanowski

I know it's mentioned in one of the books. I think it's the Peterson book that has a photo of it.

racer

I've seen a few pics of them over the years, but never seen one in person. 914world has some pics iirc. imho, unless on a dark colored car, it looks a bit out of place, but perhaps thats because the other 117,000 914's don't have it

As mentioned by Matt and others, its a nearly 40 y/o car. Even if "perfect", it will still need some attention. Battery tender would be a good idea. Is it still injected or was it converted to carbs. I hear some parts for the FI system can be harder to comeby these days.

The only downside to a '73 1.7 is that it isn't a 2.0

in boxster or 911 world, is like having a "base" model when you could have an "s" instead

skl

At least it has a sideshifter!! That was a major upgrade (and PITA) to do on my '71, but was worth it. Biggest improvement was the Rennshift from JWest!

82_930

pics

82_930

more pics

82_930

BTW, stupid question, did any of these cars ever come with A/C or can you put it in?

thf944

I kinda like the look of the black on the A pillar. At least on this car with the black wheels and Porsche script.

skl

Looks pretty clean from those pix. Hell hole doesn't look bad either. Idea- take off the pad on the firewall- a REAL moisture trap which leads to you know what. The great radio looks familiar too!!

Had a repaint at some time- front side markers are gone, thankfully!!