5k: Grandma Not Included: 1973 Porsche 914 2.0
The Porsche 914 was a sporty two seater born from a collaboration between Porsche and VW. Today, the 914 is an affordable classic that lacks straight line speed, but certainly doesn’t lack fun. The early 1.7 and 1.8 liter engines are a bit light power, but the later 2.0 liter engine almost matches the performance of the 914/6 and can be had in nice condition for cheap. Find this 1973 Porsche 914 2.0 for sale in Phoenix, AZ for $5,000 via craigslist.
This Porsche is being offered by a seller who doesn’t give much info on how long he has owned the car, why he is selling it or who the lady riding shotgun belongs to. Same on the poodle in her lap. We’ve seen cl/ebay ads include the prior owner if being sold by a friend/family/3rd party, but this doesn’t seem to be the case and it seems grandma was just in the car at the right time.
The 2.0 liter 914 puts out 95 horsepower for the US market, but more power is available with the magic of aftermarket components that will ruin the idle, ride comfort and reliability, but you will go faster.
The 914 has a cozy cockpit; you step down and into it and it feels very supercarish. This one isn’t in perfect shape on the inside, but is fine for a Daily Turismo.
The biggest issue with the 914 is the extent of the rust as mentioned by the seller, if it is just a few panels, patch it up and go, but if serious rust exists you could find yourself doing a Fred Flintstone when you least expect it.
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~ i really enjoyed driving the first affordable mid-engine sports car, Porsche's 914. compared to all of my previous cars it handled as if the tires were made of glue. every mile was a joy, every twist in the road brought a grin. when the 914 was introduced the apt description was 'spartan'. nothing included which wasn't absolutely essential to it's function. i regret that when a stranger on craigslist gave me a very early production (modified) car for free, that i parted it out on eBay rather than rescue it. the pieces went all over the planet for good money, such as a couple hundred for the shift knob, plus shipping, to Japan. yet one can still be restored (or improved) very reasonably. Renegade Hybrids can guide you to assemble a V8 screamer like you have never imagined. if you don't mind sacrificing the original character, that is.
"Spartan" is the right word. I don't know if all 914's were equipped this way, but the several I had experience with had a fixed-position passenger seat. No fore-aft adjustment, no recline, no nothing. OK for some maybe, but on one particular trek from NY to WI, it wasn't particularly pleasant.
Larry, Only the 70 & 71s had the Fixed Passenger Seat
Thanks for the info, Anonymous!
Hope it's only a coincidence , but grandma is missing in the last picture and there seems to be a kicked over bucket in the background.