Shawn Stanford

Hi there.

I've always kind of had a hankering for a 914, and I love seeing them buzz in and out of Hershey en masse every year. The 928 forum here is widely considered to be the best of its kind in the world, but the 914 forum seems a little quiet.

So, if I wanted to spend some time lurking in a forum learning about the 914 with an eye toward acquiring one someday, where would you recommend?

Thanks in advance!

skl

914 World is very busy. Especially compared to 914 forum here. There's just a few of us regulars here.

Jason @ Paragon Products

www.914world.com

dr914

If you need any detailed information at any time on any 914 feel free to post here and I will answer, or call me at 800 792 4944. I will always give you the correct information and advice! George Hussey dr914

Shawn Stanford

Thanks, George! Very much appreciated.

So, here's a question...

I've been lurking in 914World for a couple days and I'm not sure what to think, yet. All I'm seeing are either low-dollar basket cases that require untold amounts of cutting and welding to clear the rust, or pristine high-dollar examples that I'd be afraid to play with.

But 928s seem to come in four flavors:

• Sub-$2000 basket cases/parts cars.
• $3k-$5k projects.
• $6k-$10k sorted daily drivers.
• +$10k excellent to pristine examples.

All I've seen so far on 914World are the first and last. I'm a 928 owner, so I'm not afraid of a challenge, but the amount of rust on these little guys terrifies me. It's not something that generally afflicts Sharks. If a Shark has an appreciable amount of rust, it's an overall basket case; salvage what (little) you can and move on.

I'm looking for a garage-level project or a sorted daily driver. They seem pretty rare so far.

Jason @ Paragon Products

I'm sure George will comment as well but 914's will be like a 928 or really most any car; buy the best car you can afford. Fixing rust can be expensive and finding a rust free 914 can be difficult. I'd be patient and look for a 73 or 74 2.0 that still has the fuel injection and "minimal" rust.

Shawn Stanford

Thanks Jason.

At this point, I'm a ways from buying. My wife has made it clear that there is no more garage space (she's right), and that one car has to leave before another enters. So, I'm trying to educate myself at this point so, when the time comes, I'll have a little bit of knowledge.

Of course, if a sweet, sweet car fell into my lap for a Good Price, I'm sure I could work something out!

dr914

These cars were not galvanized and had thinner metal than the 911s so rusted. Plus they were originally purchased by non Porsche types and because they were cheaper, abused by them. Hence there are few nice cars available. The misleading thing is that because the 914s had the very reliable type four engine and virtually 911 front suspension and transmission, they were very reliable, so we see even today, 914s that run just fine but are hopelessly rusted and have had poor wreck repair, in addition to funky body and interior modifications and color changes. One can easily get into a 60 thousand dollar restoration on one of these cars. Since GOOD 914s are still available between 25 and 35 thousand, that is the way to go (just like Jason said) Lesser but good cars sell for around 20 thousand. I have seen good and bad cars bring the same money (I watch e bay for sale prices, as well as our sale prices here) so know the market fairly well, feeling for the new owners who paid high money for a lesser car.
I look at 914s for many people and give them my best advice. Anyone is always welcome to send me a picture shoot and particulars about any 914 and I will give them my opinion

OptimusGlen

I purchased a basket case 914 project in February and have been working on it since. Love it.

I have seen some running and driveable 914's that sell in the 5-7k range without scary amounts of rust. Just don't expect to find them from Beverly Hills car club.

cairo94507

They do pop up from time to time. Best advise was given by Jason - buy the best example you can afford. Read all of the build and restoration threads to familiarize yourself with the most vulnerable areas and issues so when you find a car you can assess its value and condition.

Don't be mesmerized by shiny paint. Paint hides all kinds of bond-o, fiberglass and any other assortment of shade tree crappy work flippers use to unload junk on uninformed buyers. Be realistic about your budget for one of these cars and what you actually want when it is all done.

If I were looking for another 914, I would hunt for a 73-74 2.0 Appearance group or fully loaded car with matching numbers and no major modifications. For me it would have to still have the original FI. I am not a fan of carburetors on these cars unless it is a fully built motor that has been professionally done and dialed in. But not for the street.

Cuda911

Shawn, you are 100% correct. The VAST majority of 914's available are either rusted/trashed crap, or high dollar pristine cars. The mid-range cars are extremely hard to find. But, it can be done.

914World.com is where you want to be. The RL 914 forum is pretty lame. (Sorry RL, gotta call a spade a spade). Great people at 914World, and a knowledge base that is surpassed by none.

Here's what I suggest: troll Craigs list EVERY day. As soon as you see a car listed that looks even close to reasonable, go inspect it. You will still find that the vast majority are crap. But, do it diligently and daily, and you will find success.

As stated by Cairo, ignore cars with carbs. And '73/'74 are the best. That's my $0.02.

My Craigslist purchases (blue '73 and silver '74):

skl

Cuda, I can't see your crazy neighbor in any of those pictures...

NaroEscape

Shawn, Good advice here. here's the thing: yes, mostly you see basket cases or pristine concours cars...that's because there are A LOT of basket cases out there, and pristine cars stay on the market for a while until the right buyer comes along. Nice drivers with minimal issues get snatched up quickly....buddy of mine sold a really nice rust free (yes I said it!!) '73 with a Raby built engine for $14k. I think it was for sale for about a week.

I'm helping a friend sell his 3.2 liter/6 cylinder conversion right now that is VERY Nice for low $30k. Relative to others in that market, that's a very good deal.

So they do come up, just be patient....

cairo94507

The car Bob is referring to, the 3.2, is a terrific buy. I wish I had more garage and more $$$$.

CFM928

Lots of good advice here, just wanted to say hello. I've also wondered where the 914 folks are, although I'm fortunate to have a neighbor that worked as a Porsche mechanic when the 914 was new.

Oh, my 914-6 is # 928

;-)