1974 PORSCHE 914 2.0

This Porsche 914 2.0 is a fine example of the marque’s first mainstream mid-engined car, presented in restored condition and with a fully rebuilt engine. Its 2.0-litre fuel-injected flat-four, which was taken from a 1976 912E, was crafted by renowned Porsche specialist Francis Tuthill. Producing around 100bhp, this drives the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. The odometer indicates 70,102 miles.

Launched in 1969, the Porsche 914 was developed as a joint venture between Porsche and Volkswagen, with the former looking to replace its entry-level 912, and the latter seeking a replacement for the Type 34 Karmann Ghia.

The result was a lightweight, mid-engined targa, which was badged as a VW-Porsche in Europe and most other markets, but which was identified solely as a Porsche in the U.S. – hence the badging on this example, which was first registered in Texas in October 1973.

As is to be expected of a 47-year-old car, this 914 changed hands a number of times before being acquired in 2006 by its previous owner, who was based in Florida, and carried out extensive restoration work to its body and paintwork during his eight years of ownership.

Having been sold and transported to Michigan in 2014, the car then made its way across the Atlantic and was first registered in the UK in March 2015. It was acquired by the seller the following year, purchased from the individual who imported it.

Today, the distinctive flat body panels present extremely well and feature event shut lines and tight panel gaps. This is thanks in part to the previous owner, who also carried out rust repairs on the rear jacking points and firewall, as well as replacing most of the car’s rubber seals. Resprayed to a very good standard, the factory-correct Bahia Red paintwork has a bright and glossy appearance across the entire body.

There are some small blemishes which can be seen in the photo gallery, including on the bottom front corner of the right-hand door, the bottom edge of the left-hand front wing and the rear lock panel, these are minor issues, and hardly detract from the overall high quality of the finish. Providing the 914 with its open-top credentials, the removable targa roof panel is presented in excellent condition, with its black vinyl covering showing no signs of fading, rips or other damage.

The gold ‘Porsche’ script decals provide an attractive contrast on this 914’s flanks, while its chrome bumpers have been converted to the European style appearance and polished to a mirror-like shine – as have the trim strips, door handles and slip-on exhaust tip. The car rides on a set of 15-inch Fuchs-style wheels, manufactured by EMPI. All four are in very good shape with only minor age-related marks on their faces.

Inside, the cabin is wrapped in black leatherette, which is fantastic condition throughout. There is a handsome patina present on the door cards and steering wheel, and the seats appear well cushioned, while their smooth bolsters and perforated centres present in very good order.

The dashboard also presents extremely well, as does the grey carpeting, which is protected by black ‘914’-branded mats, which are slightly worn. While the seller notes that the analogue clock only works intermittently, the rest of the interior electrical items, buttons and switches function without fault.

Well cared for by its enthusiastic owners, this 914 is reported to be in very strong mechanical health. In August 2020, classic Porsche specialist Greatworth Classics fitted a 2.0-litre 912E engine which was rebuilt by renowned expert Francis Tuthill. It is still being run-in, and the fuel injection system may require a little fine tuning as more mileage is covered.

During the seller’s ownership, the throttle cable has also been replaced and general maintenance and servicing have been carried out by Pickup Motorsport in London, which also rebuilt the gearbox and fitted a new clutch.

Though it is exempt due to its age, this 914 2.0’s last MOT test was conducted on 28 August 2019 at 68,969, when it secured a first-time pass without a single advisory. The wheels are fitted with a brand-new set of 195/60 R15 Toyo Proxes CF2 tyres, which are in excellent condition.

Accompanying the car are its original sales brochures, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, MOT certificates from 2014 onwards and a file detailing its last 12 years of history, including information provided by the previous owner on 914 World and a printout of a BringaTrailer article from 2014.

This Porsche 914 2.0 is an agile ‘70s design icon, presented in its vibrant factory hue of Bahia Red and benefitting from extensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration. Powered by a slightly later 2.0-litre 912E engine rebuilt by Tuthill, it delivers spritely performance, which marries perfectly with its engaging handling. It would make an excellent addition to any collection, or a fine introduction to classic Porsche ownership.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.