40 years ago (I'm 60 now) a lady I worked with asked me to drive her husbands 914-6 from LA to Utah. For some crazy reason she thought I was a very responsible kid. That was the drive of my life. The trip took 3 days because they were driving a huge moving truck. They'd tell me which motel to meet them at each evening and let me loose. What a great trip for a 20 year old kid. I was responsible enough to not hurt their car, but boy did I have fun.
They're lucky they didn't asked someone like me when I was that young and stupid...that probably would have been a disaster with a trail of future fatherless child left behind driving this car in the 70 s .
a real nice experience ,i had a 280S(68) from mercedes given to me by an old man that their grandsons didn´t want to be seen in the car, didn´t understand why but was after my father selling his agricultural property to a danish person, who came to live in the sunny all year region of Portugal, Alentejo(relativ humidity 0%)
When I was a kid in Indian Guides another kids Dad had one . One day they were driving past the local shopping mall and there were cones set up and a car club was racing their cars around em . They pulled in and found out that they could race their Porche 914 which most of the people had never seen before . Long story short, the Dad won a trophy with both of his kids in the car .
Met Hans father Tony Lapine 19 years ago in Stuttgart. First thing I asked was if he ever finished putting a Fiat twin-cam in his MG TD. He asked how in the world I knew that and got an invitation to dinner with the answer. There were four of us..he talked, we listened...mesmerized. He was the most sophisticated and entertaining person I've ever met. Watching and listening to Han's tells me the fruit did not fall far from the tree. Thanks Jay...you, Hans and Eric made my day.
You are so welcome Lukas. It's too bad I can't post the drawing he made for me on the back of a business card (which he signed.) I have a long history of all things Porsche but found out he was involved in the creation of another car I have, the Corvette Stingray (63-67, mine a 1965.) I'll remember that evening as long as I live. How proud you must be of the legacy he left the automotive world.
Camp Walosi Camp Walosi Camp Walosi actually my name‘s not really lukas, my real name is Andrej :D I‘m the youngest child of my dad. I didnt even know he designed that car. Happy to learn something new about him. Yeah it‘s funny how my dad is still suprising me :D. He experienced so much and had so much to tell and after all that he lived in peace in Baden Baden . I didn’t really have much time with him but I hope u enjoyed that evening like i did every single time i met him.
I miss my little 914. It was the start of my move into Porsche. Now I have my fourth and fifth Porsches. I met Tony Lapine back in the 1980s when he was visiting the states for a PCA tech session. He was a stellar Porsche designer! I could see some of his time at AMC in the Porsche 928! Reminds me of a Gremlin--in a weird way! The 914-4 had a problem that came up often in warmer places--fuel vapor lock. The hot air, dumpling out of the heat exchangers (when you had no need for heat in the cockpit) would pass directly over the fuel pump and heat it up. I moved the fuel pump a few inches and solved the problem. My first car. Bought it for $5,000, put 55,000 miles on it, and sold it for $5,000 two years later, putting that toward a new 911S which I picked up at Zuffenhausen in 1977. 29 years later I was picking up another new Paint To Sample Carrera S Cabriolet at Zuffenhausen again. It's shares my garage with a '64 356C coupe and a '77 Rolls Royce! No other Porsche gave me the mileage that 914 gave me. 520 miles on a tank of gas--34 mpg, with a gallon sloshing around inside somewhere. (They had a 16.4 gallon fuel tank).
I loved my 1973 914 2.0 liter (4cyl)! Owned it for almost 6yrs before being coerced into selling it. Mine was baby blue and had the chrome bumpers. It's been 25yrs and I still miss my poor man's porsche!!💯😎
I wish I could give this a thousand thumbs up. The best and most exciting car Jay's had on the show in a long time. Canyon carving scream machine for sure.
This was a very underrated car in its day. As had been said in the video, it is very competitive because of its mid engine layout. Fact is, the 2 litre four when modified, produced more HP than the 6 and weighed less too. The front suspension is literally a bolt on swap-out for a 911S suspension with its magnificent brakes. The car had some flaws, the most grievous being that the battery sat under the grill in the back and would get inundated by rain water and acid would drip down onto the right rear suspension point which rotted out that area. Someone eventually made a replacement section for this and sealed batteries made a permanent fix when they became available. The cars low beltline and tall greenhouse gave the driver a commanding position for such a low car. Properly maintained and driven for performance, this car will surprise you.
Explains why the rear suspension on my '76 collapsed and now looks like a 'stance-nation' poster-child...or 'poser-child'. ;) Dunno what I'm going to do with it, now.
If you feel you want to invest in it, there was a company called PPOA (Perfect Panels of America) that made the critical piece called a Suspension Console. I don't think they exist or provide that part anymore but just google 914 suspension console and good stuff comes up. It must be installed and welded precisely because that is your location point for the suspension. Far be it for me to judge whether it is worth putting that kind of investment into it, I just blew an obscene amount of money on a new (not rebuilt) engine for my Harley-Davidson motorcycle. If the rest of your car is good and you can do it, why not? As I've told people, I don't ride a motorcycle because it makes sense. I ride it because it makes me smile. I'm sure your 914 did the same for you. Good luck!
I owned a 1970 914 and loved it. Even with the 4 cylinder engine, it flew. Nothing broke and it was easy to work on except the fuel injection I left alone. The best thing about these cars is the 50-50 weight distribution so it handled beautifully.
To be fair, it's possible Jay knew already. As an experienced TV host it would be normal for him to ask questions he already knows the answer to for the benefit of the audience.
I understand why some people don't appreciate its looks (I like it though), but you can't deny the awesome mechanical configuration, it being mid engine, light weight, and in this case with the 6 cyl. engine. The Porsche for people who care more about the driving experience, than impressing people with your Porsche.
My grandfather on my moms side was Colonel Robert Hartvigsen who brought the 001 916 car known as "Brutus" to the US. When he died, my mom and her siblings sold it to a local mechanic in Columbia, SC and lost track of it, not really knowing the significance of the car at the time (1989ish). Subsequently they lost track of it, and in 2017 at a Christmas dinner with my dads family, my cousin mentions that his old friend and room mate's dad was a Porsche mechanic that had just sold a rare 70's Porsche. I had him call his room mate and confirm that it was THE 916. Sure enough it was. My father later got in contact with the Porsche factory in Atlanta who handled the restoration and they were invited to go behind the scenes and see the car (My family lives in GA). My mom used to have pictures of her sitting in the car and remembers cleaning the elephant hide interior when they were stationed in Stuttgart. Unfortunately I was on a deployment when my family had the opportunity to see it and I did not. Always wish they would've held on to that car, talk about the one that got away.
This is a beautifully designed car. It does take a bit of time to get used to, but it is a wonderful car. Having it lowered and in that colour makes it all the better.
So so so good. I love Eric's approach to -6ising it. He's clearly a great student of Porsche design and has done a wonderful job on this car. 13/10. Well done.
I owned a 73, 914s 2.0. Was a crazy car. Very simple and raw. I have never driven a car that handle like that. Came with factory sway bars. Just incredible. I miss it
Bozzani worked with me, a recent divorcee, when I decided to trade in my 1970 VW blue and white Van as a down payment for my green 1972 Deluxe 914, which meant that I got a vinyl top and some fog lights. I still have a photo copy of my invoice thought unfortunately, the car is long gone. This video is so cool because this was my first new car ever that was solely my own. I raced mine only once. That was a PCA novice event at Willow Springs. 13 entrants. I had the third fastest time despite not really setting the car up. I got fifth over all in that 914 because I didn't respect the chicanes enough. I didn't renew my PCA membership so that, "early number," went the way of the Do-do bird. Now I have a later number that is a few years old. This car wound up being the most fun to drive for me. I drove a 2.0 liter later and was thrilled with the power. Of course, today the fours are built up or specialty motors or sixes are put into the cars so that you can enjoy them. I drove that car everywhere. I filled up at a gas station in Hollywood at one point at Highland and Fountain or something like that and then drove nice and easy, just above the speed limit to San Francisco. I looked down at the fuel guage and it showed 3/8 of a tank of fuel still in the car. I wound up connecting with this car like I've connected with so few. A couple of cars have crept in there since then. I've always wanted to get one again. I've waited so long that I doubt I would spend the kind of money needed to get one of these cars now. AF
I've vintage-raced a 914-6. They are some of the best track cars of all time, totally underrated. They are fun, well balanced, and they are still relevant because they are a great price point to race recreationally.
It reminds me of what my mother used to say of Richard Boone ("Paladin" in "Have Gun Will Travel"). She would say, "He's so ugly he's almost good looking". She might say that of the 914 as well. 😇
After my parents finally got their 7th child into school my father got a ‘71 914 for my mother. It lasted long enough for the kids to learn to drive in it.
I always loved the 914. Back in college I drove one. Had to change a CV joint. Porsche dealer wanted $300 (that I didn't have) for it. Somebody told me VW used the same part on an earlier van. VW dealer had the exact same part for $40.
I had gotten a bug joint that was dimensionally identical except for the roll pins and the hole they sat in. I was going to have a machine shop drill it and try to transplant the pins when I was pointed to, as best I recall, a mid '60s bus. The package had the VW number on one flap and the Porsche number on the opposing flap. The new one was an identical replacement. This was almost 40 years ago but I'm certain of most of it.
Mid sixties bus is swing axle no CV's, later bus the CV is physically bigger than the bug or 914. The 914 CV is NLA so we modify the IRS beetle CV for the roll pins and gasket. I own a 67 bus, 67 bug (converted to IRS with a 911 5-speed) and a '74 914 converted to a /6.
I'm not surprised. From my experience I know that parts for the 1971 Porsche 914 were outrageously expensive! Some parts were actually the same as used on the Volkswagen with the same engine but neither Porsche nor Volkswagen dealers would admit it. Eventually Volkswagen dealers became authorized to service Porsche 914s.
I am 35 year old, so i did not live at the launch, but i always loved the styling, i think its absolutely gourgeus :-) and this one is surely a gem :-)
It was great to see 'ERC' (as we call him on 914 World) and our little 914s showcased on your show, Jay. Eric is a really dedicated 914 enthusiast and supports the 914 community with a passion that the 914 deserves. I've owned two 911s, two 912s and have owned six 914s so far (still have one 911, one 912 and two 914s). 912s are more nimble than 911s due to the lighter weight motor and more centralized drive train's weight distribution, but 914s flat out out handle the both the early 911s and 912s in the 'twisties' ... as well as some other more expensive, larger displacement 'sports cars'. I haven't forgotten, Eric - I still have that set of '66 912 calipers that I need to send up to your shop for restoration ... will get them shipped in early 2018 ;)
Always liked the 914. One of my high school teachers had one. There was a 914 with a Mazda rotary engine in it that ran in SoCal autox in the late 70s. FTOD king back then.
I had a 72 914 w/1.7 and rebuilt it with 1.8 cycender kits because they were interchangable and the same price. 1982, It was my first sports car of several that followed. Loved it. Told my buddy that my 914 was louder from 0 to 60 than his 928.
My dad had a 914. He bored and stroked the 2 liter to about 2.4 liters and turbocharged it. There weren't any turbo kits available back in the early 80's, so he fabricated his own parts. It took a a few months to get sorted out, but when he got it dialed in it was scary fast. He used to blow away 5 liter Mustangs with it. I drove it a few times, and it was pretty intense. Watching the video brought back memories I didn't know I had; they way the car handled, in particular, and the adrenaline rush when the acceleration would push you into the seat.
I would expect a 914 bored and stroked to 2.4L and fitted with a turbo while weighing half as much as a 5.0L Mustang would easily outperform said Mustang. You stated the early 80's...The 3rd gen Mustangs fitted with the stock 302c.i. Windsor were making a paltry 140hp. The 914 in question was likely making well north of 200hp and again...in a car weighing significantly less than the Mustang. In 1993 the Mustang Cobra SVT with the same 302 block was still only making 235hp. It's just not equitable to compare a factory Mustang with a modded Porsche...
@@1969EType All he really said was he built it in the early 80's. If I'm not mistaken, the first 5.0 was in '83 or '84. He didn't say how long he owned it after that.
Its truly a great car. My dad had a 1973 2.0 in yellow and I was absolutely heartbroken when it got lost in my parents divorce. Im definitely very biased but what I can tell you is that its hard to find a good mechanic for them. At least that was the case here in germany where im from. The old tech and weird unreachable engine layout leaves many unwilling to work with a largly uncommen and unknown complicated engine, so keep that in mind
Working on the engine was surprisingly easy. I adjusted the valves every 12 months. Never went out of adjustment though. The popup headlights were fun, too. But the best was the removable hardtop. Fiberglass.
In the old Porsche Museum when it still was mainly one room, there was a dark green 914-8 a special gift to Dr Porsche equipped with a 8 cal racing engine of the time... :-). It was pretty elegant and subtle.
They're talking about how people rejected the 914 because the 4 cylinder VW engine didn't have enough power. That's not what killed it. There were plenty of British roadsters that were just as slow in a straight line. Beyond that, Porsche sold 119,000 over seven model years, making it their most successful car by far to that point. What killed it wasn't the pedestrian styling, or the straight line speed that rivaled a six cylinder Detroit compact. It was that the CEO of VW who negotiated the body contract with Porsche died. Instead of the 914-6 being a low cost alternative to the 911T, VW's new management demanded prices for the bodies that exceeded Porsche's internal cost to produce a 911 body. There was nothing Porsche could do to price a 914-6 above a 911 without putting in their best engines and brakes and rendering the 911 a quaint grand touring car, so instead they sold a few at a loss with performance deliberately hobbled to below that of the heavier, clumsier 911. One might think that the 240Z providing 60% more power and 50% more comfort and presence for the same price stopped the 914, but instead if was just the standard inanity of the relationship between VW and Porsche.
CJinSD1 yup my 73 took a few 240z to the grave in the mountains, I just didn’t drive my car to work and back. I was a skier and tennis pro drove it across the USA on summer tennis circuits and in the mountains during ski season. Best handling car Porsche made until the boxster and 917s caymans.
if one ownes another what is the name for that, check the facts, mr.Porshe created VW ,than later his son mr.Porshe jr. transformed VW bodies in Porshes to pay the ransom for his father , what hard to understand?and the datsun 240Z was far better than the same time Porshes ,just try them, regards
I think jay should start letting people that bring their cars for him to drive have a pick of one of his cars to drive. Would be great content and a way to thank them for bringing in interesting cars.
My dad had a 914 when I was a kid and I drove it in high school. I always thought it was beautiful and it handled extremely well. That is the car that made me a car fanatic, asking my dad to take me for a ride in the race car. It had a bad rap but in reality was the car that saved Porsche in the 70s
I had one of these, a '73, from new for 16 years. It had the 1.7 motor and an AM radio. Interesting to read peoples comments on how well it handled. On its original (as I remember) 165/15 Michelin tires it was the definition of lift oversteer. Don't know how many times I went off the road backwards. In the beginning I added adjustable front and rear sway bars (it had none), Bilstein struts and aluminum 914 wheels with 225/15 tires. The handling was amazing after that. You could play the rear end with the throttle, adding or removing whatever amount of oversteer needed. The original brakes were faultless. I have never driven a car that I could have more confidence in. In some corners the oil light would come on the sideways acceleration was so great. At about 75000 miles I took it to a guy who worked on VW motors. They installed larger barrels (1.8), lightened the flywheel, balanced parts and added 2 40idf Webers with velocity stacks. WHP was measured at 120 versus the original 79. It weighed 2100lbs. Except for the engine rebuild I did everything on the car, can't do that anymore. Bought it for $4500 sold it with 88000 miles 16 years later for 5000 with no haggling. Sorry I don't still have it.
Its called snap oversteer or polar moment of inertia. Spun my 914 at about 80mph in the wet. Miracle I didnt hit anything that time but a few others I did. People praising its handling obviously never pushed it near its limits. While it changes direction well and feels go cartish, a solid FR chassis from the same era like a 240z or 2nd gen F body is a lot more fun to drive and not likely to kill you. Still my 72, my first car, may be my favorite. I didnt know about that snap oversteer thing until I played gran turismo 2 on playstation in the late 90s believe it or not. The licensing stages has you trying different chassis and I finally learned why my 914 kept trying to kill me and later cars didnt.
@@johnlucier5654 interesting that your experience with the 914 was similar to mine although I did several off road treks before I modified the suspension. Porsches in general were noted for this especially the early swing axle 356. The adjustable sway bars and upgraded tires (probably helped the most) plus my mishaps led me to a place where I could play the oversteer like a tool by letting up on or increasing the throttle. Oddly my car before the 914, a SAAB Sonett III was a front drive which would oversteer at the most unpredictable times. Maybe that gave me some practice for the Porsche... Regards and have fun driving!
I had the 914 version living in LA and what I remember was when it rained the car wouldn't start because it was missing the plastic cover inside the engine lid. Just a blast to drive, kinda like a go-cart.
Had a friend in college who had a 914 4 cylinder. Scared me to death the first time I road with him, when he took a 30 mph curve at 45. Those things could really corner.
This car was my first car! I had a used one in college, and it was so fun to drive! Not without its mechanical problems, but isn't that part of owning a sports car?
My first car too, after 4 street bikes. It was 10 years old when I got it and looking back, I did have to do a lot of repairs but I was 19 and wrenching on jets in the navy so was up for fixing anything. Had to put a clutch in it a month after I bought it, book said "remove engine and transaxle as a unit, and place on bench". The hell you say! Loosened the hub spindle nuts, put a floor jack under the transaxle and there was plenty of room for access. I had the car a year and a half and can think of at least a half dozen significant things that broke, and just as many I should have fixed but lived with. One thing that endeared me to the car when I lived with a dying battery for awhile... You could easily push start it yourself on flat ground.
I learned how to drive manual transmission in one when I was 16. It died out on me constantly and always had to push start it on the highway but still got me to where I needed to be. Still to this day it was my favorite car I ever had.
I didn't think much of these until 2 friends got them. The one guy put the flares on just like this car has, it was in black and looked fabulous. He put on 2 - 2 barrel carburetors and it was fun. The air cooled sound behind you and the go- cart like feeling driving was a wonderful feeling. When you took a turn, these cars didn't lean at all. They took turns sitting completely flat. I never felt anything like it. One night we were taking turns driving the car on some windy, narrow country roads. I was always a pretty good, fast driver and I got it going faster than anyone else. I was going 100 mph on the country roads. I then got a job working for VW of America just as these were being phased out. The 914s were sold strictly at Porsche/Audi dealerships and were badged with the Porsche name. VWoA was the importer in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. I was supervisor of Porsche/Audi distribution...the good old days. I only like light weight cars, so I find very few cars exciting these days...namely the Miata and the Elise. Unfortunately the 911s are now built for large (being kind) Americans and they look like pregnant cows. No wonder older 911s are in so much demand. The new ones do nothing for me...I guess that's why the older ones sell for more than the newer 911s. The Boxsters are not reasonably priced. The used ones sell for twice the price of the Miata, so I got the Miata. The Boxsters that I drove had nothing over the Miata, but there seemed to be mechanical issues with the Boxsters and the Miatas just run forever.
Carl Draper, I don't know about the 6, but the radio I installed in the 914-4 1.7L I owned turned out to be useless while driving. Couldn't hear it over the racket that air cooled engine right behind the seats made -- or the music coming from the Bursch Extractor 4-2-1 exhaust it had, especially with the roof stowed. That car probably made a large contribution to the damage I did to my hearing in my youth, but it was so much fun to drive that I' probably do it again if I had the chance, radio or no.
They didn’t say that Porsche built all the cars in 1970 for the 6 cylinders and it took them 3 years to sell them all in the USA. Because they quit production of the 6 cylinder because of fight with vw
I bought a 1974 Porshe 914 in 1979 for $500.00! Only thing it needed was a 3rd gear shifter fork. The friend in Talladega, AL that I bought it from got himself a Lamborghini. Now that's a great buy. I loved driving it from Gadsden, AL to Panama City, FL. Ah, those were good days🥰
In Germany they were called "Volksporsche" - and haters called them short "VoPo". Wich was the abbreviation for "Volks-Polizist", the police officer in the GDR. Btw: There were even two 914-8 prototypes with a 3 liter aircooled 8-cylinder Boxer sporting 260 hp (VIN 914006) and 300 hp (VIN 914111). ;-)
It should have been celebrated as the sportiest Volkswagen of its day, instead it was discounted as the worst Porsche, by people who for the most part couldn't afford a "real" Porsche anyway. It's the kind of "brand over substance" foolishness that really makes you scratch your head.
Hello, Thank you Jay, finally a model of sports car in your garage.. that I have owned. At the time on my driveway in Suburban Peterborough(!!).. I had a 914 (AVS 912M, a 411 le variant (AFL 30 J), a splitty (FBN 362D).. and probably a beetle knocking about. The 914 was totally 'passed over' with its awful sills and shonky headlights.. But what a ride..incredible handling..and all for £800.. Aircooled Bliss..
Yes. It definately was modern looking. The magazines of that era wouldn't say they were beautiful but admitted they were contemporary and that soon whatever it's competitors were would look dated in comparison.
the 914 was also called 'the flexi flyer' by some. I bought and rebuilt one from the ground up a few decades back when they were still readily available and cheap. It was just a 4 cyl, but it had the larger cylinder jugs on it. Sold it after it was wrecked (it was parked at the time). I would call that car the closest thing to a street legal go-cart that you can find. Mine was very low to the ground and it literally just slipped across the road surface due to its low drag and low pressure underneath the car. But it held the ground like it was a rolling suction cup. One excellent car, it even got 35 mph/avg. Some see it as a luxury car. I saw it as practical and an economic means of transportation. Good car, and I've owned many, many cars over the years. Ranks at the very top of my list of favorites to this day.
First time I saw one, I was mesmerized by the look, low to the ground and clean lines. When I saw the Porsche badge, I knew it was special. I don't see many on the roads, but, when I do, it's a slow crawl and usually a friendly chat about the car.
I have always had a soft spot for these. I have wanted one since I was a kid and saw these around. I bet I haven't seen one in 2 years now at least? There was one for sale locally a couple of years ago. Fully restored tub and all the OEM parts in boxes. Was soooooo tempted to buy it, but I would have had to live in it as my wife surely would have kicked me out (too many projects). Still on my bucket / lotto win list. Sounds awesome!
in reality it´s a VW porshe ,it say vw everywhere ,the engine doesn´t say porshe says VW and people tried to hide that fact, the steering wheel as a VW symbol like the beetles in the midle ,but people changed it, this video is really bad making believe that this car is in reality a porshe not a vw and let me explain the audi at the time was second brand for vw´s ,literally equal a vw or audi, i had a audi van ,model 70 dash lights red, my father at the same time bought the vw passat van both the same only the dash lights were diferent were colour green ,outside both were metalized blue ,so audi and VW imported VW´s model porshe ,it´s all the same group, only today they say they are diferent companies for tax purposes ,because audi ended long a o and in late 70´s they were released as another brand for Vw´s they were improving the cars and some might not want a car with the vw badge,they could buy the same car with audi badge,only in the 80´s it changed, so now they want to hide that porshe isn´t a vw but it is ,the first porshes were the left vw´s not assembled beaten down and made lower and called porshe this to be sold in the U.s. so the son of VW creater ferdinand porshe could make money to pay the money asked for the liberation of his father after the WW2 ,and he made it , see the name of VW creator ,named Porshe so for those who think porshe is not relatwed with VW .here´s the truth , about this car in mid 70´s they took the beauty of the car or chromes and trims and re-sell it as porshe 914 wich is the ugly brother of VW Porshe that was a incredible good looking car developed by VW, look for badges on the engine ,doesn´t say porshe, so it´s a cute small car from VW who owned porshe and audi till today, a long time (1948-2020 and counting)
@@deborahchesser7375 it started as a vw porshe ,i had a 72 one with some chrome and beautifull design but when later they tried to sell it with only porshe 914 designation the car lost it´s original look and for the worse ,but it was one of my favorite cars
@@RUfromthe40s Well, Porsche is basically just the sports car division of VW. the Porsche 356 was pretty much just a VW Beetle with 50 extra horsepower and a sportier body. and the Beetle's head engineer was Ferdinand Porsche. So you are right.
@@ForzaMonkey i just said it because, some think that porshe is not related with VW wich are from the same group as audi to ,also skoda and SEAT(this last i´m not sure if they are apart or not but till the 2000´s) they have tdi designation only can be used by VW group turbo diesel injection allthough i thought that all cars diesel were injection at least the mercedes , i´ve driven a train and saw the way it worked this talking about a early 60´s model,the incadescendent plugs were almost with my height , a driver putted is hand in front of the diesel injection and made a perfect circle shapep hole in his hand. Regards
What a beautiful car. Mad respect to the builder. I've always love 914s. I had a 1972 with the VW engine. It was a beautiful car. This one is what I would have if money were no object and I could have someone build me one.
I know everyone else thought these were ugly in the day, but I've always loved the design. The lines were were sharp and clean when most other cars were curvy and round. The 6 cylinder 914 has always been my favorite Porsche, and the GT was the coolest of the 914-6's. Great car
Had the exact same car back in the 80's in college. ( except w/o all his upgrades). Same exterior color. My interior ( what there was of it) was a tan / brown. Got it for $3,500, Dad thought I was crazy...and when the transmission went out I had to agree. That car was a lot of fun to drive. Thanks Jay for.bringing back the.memories.
@@maxprivate3805 LOL no another 914, silly! Apparently he was such an awesome dad, and the stepdaughter was so moved by his act, that she wanted to repay him. She found another 914 the same color as his old one, shipped it clear across the country to where he and her mom ( still together ) now lived, and surpised him with it. She also tracked down his original 914. Allegedly the body of the original was so badly rusted that it was only scrap, but the original seats, lights, trim, etc. were all still there. She bought those too and planned to have them installed in his "new" 914. Many times blended families end up being a dumpster fire, but this one turned out OK.
I always wanted one of those - I always thought they were the coolest Porsche just because it was different. Would love to have that. Lucky owner, and Jay, sheesh - he gets to drive all the best stuff. Love this show!!
You forgot to mention one of the direct competitors, the Fiat X 1/9. Very similar - Targa top, pop up lights, and also mid engine. But, rather than having Porsche DNA, it was related to Ferrari. I had one. Neat car.
thebones, happens to us all. I remember seeing an old ad that showed 2 Ferraris and 2 Fiats. Think there was a 308 and another Ferrari, a 124 Spider, and an X 1/9. All red. I always thought of a Fiat sports car as a cheap Ferrari since then. Probably the exact association Fiat wanted.
I had a '72 Porsche 914-6 2.3 in college for 2.5 years in the early '80's. It was fast, really fun, reliable, great with chicks (they didn't know a 914 from a 956), and I probably did not have a better cornering car for 15 years after selling it. If you haven't driven one, you can't imagine it! One of my cars today is a 2009 Mini Clubman S auto w/ paddle shifter. I've had it about 5 months, and I couldn't be more satisfied. It surprises me every time I drive it. It's handling characteristics are very reminiscent to the best the that 914 had to offer. My primary is a gentlemanly enhanced '86 Porsche 930 I have owned and driven regularly since 1994. It is better than both...
In 1973 I met Peter Porsche (grandson of Porsche founder Dr. Ferdinand) at the Monterey, CA Porsche Parade concours held at Pebble Beach golf course. He smiled broadly at me as he stuck out his hand to greet me and proudly said "Hello, my name is Peter Porsche" using two very distinct syllables. As a Porsche owner since 1968 I too cringe when too many people butcher the Porsche name using just one syllable. Like fingernails on a chalkboard to my ears. I have even hear Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld butcher the name. With over 20 Porsches, Jerry should know better. Why is it nobody owns a "Core-veet" or a "Fair-are-eye".
What a great tribute and video. Very cool nod to Brumos, Jacksonville's gem in the racing world. So incredibly sad we don't have that dealership anymore. Thanks to all these guys for making this video!
40 years ago (I'm 60 now) a lady I worked with asked me to drive her husbands 914-6 from LA to Utah. For some crazy reason she thought I was a very responsible kid. That was the drive of my life. The trip took 3 days because they were driving a huge moving truck. They'd tell me which motel to meet them at each evening and let me loose. What a great trip for a 20 year old kid. I was responsible enough to not hurt their car, but boy did I have fun.
Lovely memory gentleman!
They're lucky they didn't asked someone like me when I was that young and stupid...that probably would have been a disaster with a trail of future fatherless child left behind driving this car in the 70 s .
a real nice experience ,i had a 280S(68) from mercedes given to me by an old man that their grandsons didn´t want to be seen in the car, didn´t understand why but was after my father selling his agricultural property to a danish person, who came to live in the sunny all year region of Portugal, Alentejo(relativ humidity 0%)
And then you ended as her lover...
And now for the Penthouse Forum story...
When I was a kid in Indian Guides another kids Dad had one . One day they were driving past the local shopping mall and there were cones set up and a car club was racing their cars around em . They pulled in and found out that they could race their Porche 914 which most of the people had never seen before . Long story short, the Dad won a trophy with both of his kids in the car .
Met Hans father Tony Lapine 19 years ago in Stuttgart. First thing I asked was if he ever finished putting a Fiat twin-cam in his MG TD. He asked how in the world I knew that and got an invitation to dinner with the answer. There were four of us..he talked, we listened...mesmerized. He was the most sophisticated and entertaining person I've ever met. Watching and listening to Han's tells me the fruit did not fall far from the tree. Thanks Jay...you, Hans and Eric made my day.
WOW! What a lucky guy you are. I wish I could have been there too.
Thx you for your compliment to my dad! I love him so much
R.I.P
6 years you have gone :(
I know in america hes called tony but actually he name is anatole
You are so welcome Lukas. It's too bad I can't post the drawing he made for me on the back of a business card (which he signed.) I have a long history of all things Porsche but found out he was involved in the creation of another car I have, the Corvette Stingray (63-67, mine a 1965.) I'll remember that evening as long as I live. How proud you must be of the legacy he left the automotive world.
Camp Walosi Camp Walosi Camp Walosi actually my name‘s not really lukas, my real name is Andrej :D
I‘m the youngest child of my dad.
I didnt even know he designed that car. Happy to learn something new about him. Yeah it‘s funny how my dad is still suprising me :D.
He experienced so much and had so much to tell and after all that he lived in peace in Baden Baden . I didn’t really have much time with him but I hope u enjoyed that evening like i did every single time i met him.
I miss my little 914. It was the start of my move into Porsche. Now I have my fourth and fifth Porsches. I met Tony Lapine back in the 1980s when he was visiting the states for a PCA tech session. He was a stellar Porsche designer! I could see some of his time at AMC in the Porsche 928! Reminds me of a Gremlin--in a weird way! The 914-4 had a problem that came up often in warmer places--fuel vapor lock. The hot air, dumpling out of the heat exchangers (when you had no need for heat in the cockpit) would pass directly over the fuel pump and heat it up. I moved the fuel pump a few inches and solved the problem. My first car. Bought it for $5,000, put 55,000 miles on it, and sold it for $5,000 two years later, putting that toward a new 911S which I picked up at Zuffenhausen in 1977. 29 years later I was picking up another new Paint To Sample Carrera S Cabriolet at Zuffenhausen again. It's shares my garage with a '64 356C coupe and a '77 Rolls Royce! No other Porsche gave me the mileage that 914 gave me. 520 miles on a tank of gas--34 mpg, with a gallon sloshing around inside somewhere. (They had a 16.4 gallon fuel tank).
Year you had to pop the front trunk as I recall.
I loved my 1973 914 2.0 liter (4cyl)! Owned it for almost 6yrs before being coerced into selling it. Mine was baby blue and had the chrome bumpers. It's been 25yrs and I still miss my poor man's porsche!!💯😎
Had the 2L GB in my 79 Super-Beetle
Eric is a very humble and knowledgeable guy. Great story and Great job on this 914.
I bought one when I turned 30. Weighed my options carefully for 4 to 5 minutes after I found it. Best go kart I ever had.
I wish I could give this a thousand thumbs up. The best and most exciting car Jay's had on the show in a long time. Canyon carving scream machine for sure.
Jay Leno cannot stay in one lane. He's straddling the center line and wandering into another lane.
I used to have a 76' 914/4 with the 2.0 flat 4. I love this car and I absolutely loved my 914. The 914 is a very underappreciated Porsche. Thanks.
This was a very underrated car in its day. As had been said in the video, it is very competitive because of its mid engine layout. Fact is, the 2 litre four when modified, produced more HP than the 6 and weighed less too. The front suspension is literally a bolt on swap-out for a 911S suspension with its magnificent brakes. The car had some flaws, the most grievous being that the battery sat under the grill in the back and would get inundated by rain water and acid would drip down onto the right rear suspension point which rotted out that area. Someone eventually made a replacement section for this and sealed batteries made a permanent fix when they became available. The cars low beltline and tall greenhouse gave the driver a commanding position for such a low car. Properly maintained and driven for performance, this car will surprise you.
I got a replacement battery tray form my 2.0 914/4 but it was too late the rust had already started to set in. Then it caught fire.
Hal Schlesinger
Thanks!
Yeah, I see how that could happen! The 2.0 had the improved gearshift linkage, which helped it not look like you were rowing a boat in there!
Explains why the rear suspension on my '76 collapsed and now looks like a 'stance-nation' poster-child...or 'poser-child'. ;) Dunno what I'm going to do with it, now.
If you feel you want to invest in it, there was a company called PPOA (Perfect Panels of America) that made the critical piece called a Suspension Console. I don't think they exist or provide that part anymore but just google 914 suspension console and good stuff comes up. It must be installed and welded precisely because that is your location point for the suspension. Far be it for me to judge whether it is worth putting that kind of investment into it, I just blew an obscene amount of money on a new (not rebuilt) engine for my Harley-Davidson motorcycle. If the rest of your car is good and you can do it, why not? As I've told people, I don't ride a motorcycle because it makes sense. I ride it because it makes me smile. I'm sure your 914 did the same for you. Good luck!
I owned a 1970 914 and loved it. Even with the 4 cylinder engine, it flew. Nothing broke and it was easy to work on except the fuel injection I left alone.
The best thing about these cars is the 50-50 weight distribution so it handled beautifully.
The 1.8 was a fiesty little motor.
Jay is not only passionate about all cars, but he actually knows cars. Love this 914 6. Very well done
9:15
Jay ~ You're in the car business arent you ?
Guest ~ Yes, you are one of our customers.
Jay ~ Oh
newdefsys That was hilarious lol. Good catch.
Jay has probably had hundreds of contractors and service providers and would not know all of them. He probably remembers that guy after though.
😂😂😂 i did not noticed at First. Its funny
must be nice
To be fair, it's possible Jay knew already. As an experienced TV host it would be normal for him to ask questions he already knows the answer to for the benefit of the audience.
When i was a little boy i absolutely loved these cars.
I understand why some people don't appreciate its looks (I like it though), but you can't deny the awesome mechanical configuration, it being mid engine, light weight, and in this case with the 6 cyl. engine. The Porsche for people who care more about the driving experience, than impressing people with your Porsche.
Looks nice to me, and different. Low, wide, light.
My grandfather on my moms side was Colonel Robert Hartvigsen who brought the 001 916 car known as "Brutus" to the US. When he died, my mom and her siblings sold it to a local mechanic in Columbia, SC and lost track of it, not really knowing the significance of the car at the time (1989ish). Subsequently they lost track of it, and in 2017 at a Christmas dinner with my dads family, my cousin mentions that his old friend and room mate's dad was a Porsche mechanic that had just sold a rare 70's Porsche. I had him call his room mate and confirm that it was THE 916. Sure enough it was. My father later got in contact with the Porsche factory in Atlanta who handled the restoration and they were invited to go behind the scenes and see the car (My family lives in GA). My mom used to have pictures of her sitting in the car and remembers cleaning the elephant hide interior when they were stationed in Stuttgart. Unfortunately I was on a deployment when my family had the opportunity to see it and I did not. Always wish they would've held on to that car, talk about the one that got away.
This is a beautifully designed car. It does take a bit of time to get used to, but it is a wonderful car. Having it lowered and in that colour makes it all the better.
My dad had a 1971 with the 4 cylinder. Thing handled like a slot car!
I think the term "cornering on rails" was invented for this car. I had a 76' 914/4 with the 2 liter.
Agree, my 72 4 cylinder,handled amazingly
Yes. .My brother let Me drive His. .Low Slung. Mid engine. .Trick tight rack and pinion steering. 25 mph.Right turn. Cornering. .
So so so good. I love Eric's approach to -6ising it. He's clearly a great student of Porsche design and has done a wonderful job on this car. 13/10. Well done.
I owned a 73, 914s 2.0. Was a crazy car. Very simple and raw. I have never driven a car that handle like that. Came with factory sway bars. Just incredible. I miss it
I love these shows Jay's sense of humor is spot on. Looks liked he was extremely interested in this car.
Bozzani worked with me, a recent divorcee, when I decided to trade in my 1970 VW blue and white Van as a down payment for my green 1972 Deluxe 914, which meant that I got a vinyl top and some fog lights. I still have a photo copy of my invoice thought unfortunately, the car is long gone. This video is so cool because this was my first new car ever that was solely my own. I raced mine only once. That was a PCA novice event at Willow Springs. 13 entrants. I had the third fastest time despite not really setting the car up. I got fifth over all in that 914 because I didn't respect the chicanes enough. I didn't renew my PCA membership so that, "early number," went the way of the Do-do bird. Now I have a later number that is a few years old. This car wound up being the most fun to drive for me. I drove a 2.0 liter later and was thrilled with the power. Of course, today the fours are built up or specialty motors or sixes are put into the cars so that you can enjoy them. I drove that car everywhere. I filled up at a gas station in Hollywood at one point at Highland and Fountain or something like that and then drove nice and easy, just above the speed limit to San Francisco. I looked down at the fuel guage and it showed 3/8 of a tank of fuel still in the car. I wound up connecting with this car like I've connected with so few. A couple of cars have crept in there since then. I've always wanted to get one again. I've waited so long that I doubt I would spend the kind of money needed to get one of these cars now. AF
I had a used 4 cylinder version from 1970 and it was an incredible handling car.
Thank you Jay for finally featuring a 914. And a proper one at that. Eric does wonderful work.
I've vintage-raced a 914-6. They are some of the best track cars of all time, totally underrated. They are fun, well balanced, and they are still relevant because they are a great price point to race recreationally.
agree, I traded in my 911 for a 914-6 in 1972. I love the styling of the 911 along with everyone else, but the 914-6 was a better car in every way.
I have to agree, having road raced and autocrossed 914’s over the years occasionally. Terrific cars to drive! Balance! Sorry 911 folks
I could listen to that motor all day! Jay nailed it: "Not a beautiful car, but a handsome car."
It reminds me of what my mother used to say of Richard Boone ("Paladin" in "Have Gun Will Travel"). She would say, "He's so ugly he's almost good looking". She might say that of the 914 as well. 😇
After my parents finally got their 7th child into school my father got a ‘71 914 for my mother. It lasted long enough for the kids to learn to drive in it.
jay west rip
i hope you still have it sounds like not just a car but a family one
Its one of the only Porsches I'd ever consider buying...love this weird little thing.
wow...
Brilliant. I hope you guys still have it.
I always loved the 914. Back in college I drove one. Had to change a CV joint. Porsche dealer wanted $300 (that I didn't have) for it. Somebody told me VW used the same part on an earlier van. VW dealer had the exact same part for $40.
Not quite, the later VW bug with IRS had a CV that can be modified to work.
I had gotten a bug joint that was dimensionally identical except for the roll pins and the hole they sat in. I was going to have a machine shop drill it and try to transplant the pins when I was pointed to, as best I recall, a mid '60s bus. The package had the VW number on one flap and the Porsche number on the opposing flap. The new one was an identical replacement. This was almost 40 years ago but I'm certain of most of it.
Mid sixties bus is swing axle no CV's, later bus the CV is physically bigger than the bug or 914. The 914 CV is NLA so we modify the IRS beetle CV for the roll pins and gasket. I own a 67 bus, 67 bug (converted to IRS with a 911 5-speed) and a '74 914 converted to a /6.
Hmm... All I can say is that this was in the '70s and some memories of that era are unaccountably foggy. ;)
I'm not surprised. From my experience I know that parts for the 1971 Porsche 914 were outrageously expensive! Some parts were actually the same as used on the Volkswagen with the same engine but neither Porsche nor Volkswagen dealers would admit it. Eventually Volkswagen dealers became authorized to service Porsche 914s.
I am 35 year old, so i did not live at the launch, but i always loved the styling, i think its absolutely gourgeus :-) and this one is surely a gem :-)
It is very short, but surprisingly roomy inside, especially compared to the MGB and TR6.
It was great to see 'ERC' (as we call him on 914 World) and our little 914s showcased on your show, Jay. Eric is a really dedicated 914 enthusiast and supports the 914 community with a passion that the 914 deserves. I've owned two 911s, two 912s and have owned six 914s so far (still have one 911, one 912 and two 914s). 912s are more nimble than 911s due to the lighter weight motor and more centralized drive train's weight distribution, but 914s flat out out handle the both the early 911s and 912s in the 'twisties' ... as well as some other more expensive, larger displacement 'sports cars'.
I haven't forgotten, Eric - I still have that set of '66 912 calipers that I need to send up to your shop for restoration ... will get them shipped in early 2018 ;)
Always liked the 914. One of my high school teachers had one. There was a 914 with a Mazda rotary engine in it that ran in SoCal autox in the late 70s. FTOD king back then.
I had a 72 914 w/1.7 and rebuilt it with 1.8 cycender kits because they were interchangable and the same price. 1982, It was my first sports car of several that followed. Loved it. Told my buddy that my 914 was louder from 0 to 60 than his 928.
My dad had a 914. He bored and stroked the 2 liter to about 2.4 liters and turbocharged it.
There weren't any turbo kits available back in the early 80's, so he fabricated his own parts.
It took a a few months to get sorted out, but when he got it dialed in it was scary fast. He
used to blow away 5 liter Mustangs with it. I drove it a few times, and it was pretty intense.
Watching the video brought back memories I didn't know I had; they way the car handled,
in particular, and the adrenaline rush when the acceleration would push you into the seat.
5l mustangs in the 80s? Loool nice lie
Doesn't take much to blow away a 5.0 Fox Body. They just make noise lol
I would expect a 914 bored and stroked to 2.4L and fitted with a turbo while weighing half as much as a 5.0L Mustang would easily outperform said Mustang. You stated the early 80's...The 3rd gen Mustangs fitted with the stock 302c.i. Windsor were making a paltry 140hp. The 914 in question was likely making well north of 200hp and again...in a car weighing significantly less than the Mustang. In 1993 the Mustang Cobra SVT with the same 302 block was still only making 235hp. It's just not equitable to compare a factory Mustang with a modded Porsche...
Robert Fobian good point
@@1969EType All he really said was he built it in the early 80's. If I'm not mistaken, the first 5.0 was in '83 or '84. He didn't say how long he owned it after that.
I have owned two 914's. An original 1970 914-6 and a 1975 914-4. Fun cars all around. And fast with a 6.
My all time favorite sports car. I'd love to own a 914-4 one day, in blue. I drove one, a 1.7, in beautiful shape. Loved it.
Its truly a great car. My dad had a 1973 2.0 in yellow and I was absolutely heartbroken when it got lost in my parents divorce. Im definitely very biased but what I can tell you is that its hard to find a good mechanic for them. At least that was the case here in germany where im from. The old tech and weird unreachable engine layout leaves many unwilling to work with a largly uncommen and unknown complicated engine, so keep that in mind
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to have lunch with Tony Lapine many years ago. He was my hero.
914s are great, really fun to drive through the bends... in my opinion good looking too :)
the mid-engine layout makes it handle rather well
My dad had one when I was a kid. He would whip that car around like no other car Ive ever been in.
The term "Cornering on rails" was invented for this car! I agree.
its uglyness turn out pretty, i dont know how to explain
The design has aged very well.
Working on the engine was surprisingly easy. I adjusted the valves every 12 months. Never went out of adjustment though. The popup headlights were fun, too. But the best was the removable hardtop. Fiberglass.
Coming in sixth to 917 and 912's is an incredible statement.
In the old Porsche Museum when it still was mainly one room, there was a dark green 914-8 a special gift to Dr Porsche equipped with a 8 cal racing engine of the time... :-). It was pretty elegant and subtle.
That is so cool.
A 908 engine in a 914? Why not? A 908 probably weighs less...
The 914 in any variation is the most wonderful car it really is fabulous fun!!!
Love Eric's passion and commitment.
Always had a soft spot for these little guys. What a lovely example he's built.
They're talking about how people rejected the 914 because the 4 cylinder VW engine didn't have enough power. That's not what killed it. There were plenty of British roadsters that were just as slow in a straight line. Beyond that, Porsche sold 119,000 over seven model years, making it their most successful car by far to that point. What killed it wasn't the pedestrian styling, or the straight line speed that rivaled a six cylinder Detroit compact. It was that the CEO of VW who negotiated the body contract with Porsche died. Instead of the 914-6 being a low cost alternative to the 911T, VW's new management demanded prices for the bodies that exceeded Porsche's internal cost to produce a 911 body. There was nothing Porsche could do to price a 914-6 above a 911 without putting in their best engines and brakes and rendering the 911 a quaint grand touring car, so instead they sold a few at a loss with performance deliberately hobbled to below that of the heavier, clumsier 911.
One might think that the 240Z providing 60% more power and 50% more comfort and presence for the same price stopped the 914, but instead if was just the standard inanity of the relationship between VW and Porsche.
CJinSD1 yup my 73 took a few 240z to the grave in the mountains, I just didn’t drive my car to work and back. I was a skier and tennis pro drove it across the USA on summer tennis circuits and in the mountains during ski season. Best handling car Porsche made until the boxster and 917s caymans.
The political decision that spiked the cost of production spelled the end for sure.
The 2.0 4 cylinder 914 Porsche had 100 hp and the Engine in the 914-6 had the same engine as the 911T which had 110 hp.
if one ownes another what is the name for that, check the facts, mr.Porshe created VW ,than later his son mr.Porshe jr. transformed VW bodies in Porshes to pay the ransom for his father , what hard to understand?and the datsun 240Z was far better than the same time Porshes ,just try them, regards
This owner should have his own show, very smart and well spoken!
I think jay should start letting people that bring their cars for him to drive have a pick of one of his cars to drive. Would be great content and a way to thank them for bringing in interesting cars.
Dude, great idea!
Yeah, not a good idea on any level. Good try though.
As long as it's of equal value. But seriously doubt he would do that
No change, Jay does really well .
Yeah, that would play havoc with his insurance rates.
Always had a soft spot for the 914 and especially the 914-6. This tribute model is excellent. Great job
You never see 914s anymore. A fun car to drive. You can get three people in the front, with a pad insert for the console. I met my wife in this car.
I could listen to that engine all day. Great car!
well that engine is not original. GT came with 2.0 engine
My dad had a 914 when I was a kid and I drove it in high school. I always thought it was beautiful and it handled extremely well. That is the car that made me a car fanatic, asking my dad to take me for a ride in the race car. It had a bad rap but in reality was the car that saved Porsche in the 70s
Jay's shirt finally evolved
Breaking in a crispy new one
So did his stomach
It's cool to see him lose the denim for once lol
Look again. It's the same denim shirt worn unbuttoned and untucked. He's gain weight and covering it with the blue t-shirt.
Thats cuz's he's put on a good 15 lbs
FWIW: I had a friend in the very early 80's who had a yellow 914. He took me for a ride in it once or twice. I loved it....
I owned a couple 914s as a kid. I miss every one of them.
I had one of these, a '73, from new for 16 years. It had the 1.7 motor and an AM radio. Interesting to read peoples comments on how well it handled. On its original (as I remember) 165/15 Michelin tires it was the definition of lift oversteer. Don't know how many times I went off the road backwards. In the beginning I added adjustable front and rear sway bars (it had none), Bilstein struts and aluminum 914 wheels with 225/15 tires. The handling was amazing after that. You could play the rear end with the throttle, adding or removing whatever amount of oversteer needed. The original brakes were faultless. I have never driven a car that I could have more confidence in. In some corners the oil light would come on the sideways acceleration was so great. At about 75000 miles I took it to a guy who worked on VW motors. They installed larger barrels (1.8), lightened the flywheel, balanced parts and added 2 40idf Webers with velocity stacks. WHP was measured at 120 versus the original 79. It weighed 2100lbs. Except for the engine rebuild I did everything on the car, can't do that anymore. Bought it for $4500 sold it with 88000 miles 16 years later for 5000 with no haggling. Sorry I don't still have it.
Its called snap oversteer or polar moment of inertia. Spun my 914 at about 80mph in the wet. Miracle I didnt hit anything that time but a few others I did.
People praising its handling obviously never pushed it near its limits. While it changes direction well and feels go cartish, a solid FR chassis from the same era like a 240z or 2nd gen F body is a lot more fun to drive and not likely to kill you. Still my 72, my first car, may be my favorite.
I didnt know about that snap oversteer thing until I played gran turismo 2 on playstation in the late 90s believe it or not. The licensing stages has you trying different chassis and I finally learned why my 914 kept trying to kill me and later cars didnt.
@@johnlucier5654 interesting that your experience with the 914 was similar to mine although I did several off road treks before I modified the suspension. Porsches in general were noted for this especially the early swing axle 356. The adjustable sway bars and upgraded tires (probably helped the most) plus my mishaps led me to a place where I could play the oversteer like a tool by letting up on or increasing the throttle. Oddly my car before the 914, a SAAB Sonett III was a front drive which would oversteer at the most unpredictable times. Maybe that gave me some practice for the Porsche... Regards and have fun driving!
Excellent. Always dreamed of having a 914... never happened. Great to see this tribute model. Superb
I have had two 914, both 2L. Loved them and Ia want one again! just pure and simple fun!
I'm a simple man I see pop up headlights & I click on the video dude is obsessed with the gt & that's good cause now l like what he drives is awesome
The pop-up headlights were troublesome.
@@frankeggers4024 not really...
I had the 914 version living in LA and what I remember was when it rained the car wouldn't start because it was missing the plastic cover inside the engine lid. Just a blast to drive, kinda like a go-cart.
You're right, there is a plastic cover under the engine cover.
Had a friend in college who had a 914 4 cylinder. Scared me to death the first time I road with him, when he took a 30 mph curve at 45. Those things could really corner.
Impressive. Thanks Jay and guest for sharing the cars and their histories with us car fans
This car might have its many critics, but i really like this little car. Top Porsche for me being the 917.
Pedro Chevez : 917...the Porsche whose racing dominance made the FIS change the rules so other cars could compete...
I had two 1976 2.0 liter versions, my two favorite cars of all of twenty one cars I’ve owned. Absolutely loved them!
This car was my first car! I had a used one in college, and it was so fun to drive! Not without its mechanical problems, but isn't that part of owning a sports car?
My first car too, after 4 street bikes. It was 10 years old when I got it and looking back, I did have to do a lot of repairs but I was 19 and wrenching on jets in the navy so was up for fixing anything. Had to put a clutch in it a month after I bought it, book said "remove engine and transaxle as a unit, and place on bench". The hell you say! Loosened the hub spindle nuts, put a floor jack under the transaxle and there was plenty of room for access. I had the car a year and a half and can think of at least a half dozen significant things that broke, and just as many I should have fixed but lived with. One thing that endeared me to the car when I lived with a dying battery for awhile... You could easily push start it yourself on flat ground.
I learned how to drive manual transmission in one when I was 16. It died out on me constantly and always had to push start it on the highway but still got me to where I needed to be. Still to this day it was my favorite car I ever had.
Dropped my coffee when you said this car is pretty much 50 years old. It's just a little over 40! I was born in 1976, dont rush me J! &Thanks...
2017-1970=47
orbits2, but this particular one’s a ‘74:
2017 - 1974 = 43
Its a tribute car built on a 1970 body. It should have a 1970 title/registration. He built it to look like a 1974.
My dad owned a '70 914-6 for a number of years and I always enjoyed riding in it.
Finally a 914, I sold my 911 and built one of these instead. Long live the underdogs!
ruclips.net/video/vXNzR7L_FRY/видео.html
How dare anyone call that car ugly.
Actually they were limited in IMSA to 2.0 litre and a 911 could run a 2.2
@@eurocarman exactly. this GT is nothing original. Never had more then 2.0 engine. wouldn't pass the safety test. too light.
I didn't think much of these until 2 friends got them. The one guy put the flares on just like this car has, it was in black and looked fabulous. He put on 2 - 2 barrel carburetors and it was fun. The air cooled sound behind you and the go- cart like feeling driving was a wonderful feeling. When you took a turn, these cars didn't lean at all. They took turns sitting completely flat. I never felt anything like it. One night we were taking turns driving the car on some windy, narrow country roads. I was always a pretty good, fast driver and I got it going faster than anyone else. I was going 100 mph on the country roads.
I then got a job working for VW of America just as these were being phased out. The 914s were sold strictly at Porsche/Audi dealerships and were badged with the Porsche name. VWoA was the importer in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. I was supervisor of Porsche/Audi distribution...the good old days. I only like light weight cars, so I find very few cars exciting these days...namely the Miata and the Elise. Unfortunately the 911s are now built for large (being kind) Americans and they look like pregnant cows. No wonder older 911s are in so much demand. The new ones do nothing for me...I guess that's why the older ones sell for more than the newer 911s. The Boxsters are not reasonably priced. The used ones sell for twice the price of the Miata, so I got the Miata. The Boxsters that I drove had nothing over the Miata, but there seemed to be mechanical issues with the Boxsters and the Miatas just run forever.
Who knew jay owned a t-shirt?, it's not even denim!
He rented it.
Or it's a supplier hand out with their logo in the back ! Jay hates spending money on clothing !!
Anyone else find themselves revisiting older clips and enjoy them just as much as the first time?
I'm getting old(er)
You don't need a radio with that flat six sound :)
Carl Draper amen
Carl Draper,
I don't know about the 6, but the radio I installed in the 914-4 1.7L I owned turned out to be useless while driving. Couldn't hear it over the racket that air cooled engine right behind the seats made -- or the music coming from the Bursch Extractor 4-2-1 exhaust it had, especially with the roof stowed. That car probably made a large contribution to the damage I did to my hearing in my youth, but it was so much fun to drive that I' probably do it again if I had the chance, radio or no.
They didn’t say that Porsche built all the cars in 1970 for the 6 cylinders and it took them 3 years to sell them all in the USA. Because they quit production of the 6 cylinder because of fight with vw
I bought a 1974 Porshe 914 in 1979 for $500.00! Only thing it needed was a 3rd gear shifter fork.
The friend in Talladega, AL that I bought it from got himself a Lamborghini.
Now that's a great buy. I loved driving it from Gadsden, AL to Panama City, FL. Ah, those were good days🥰
In Germany they were called "Volksporsche" - and haters called them short "VoPo". Wich was the abbreviation for "Volks-Polizist", the police officer in the GDR.
Btw: There were even two 914-8 prototypes with a 3 liter aircooled 8-cylinder Boxer sporting 260 hp (VIN 914006) and 300 hp (VIN 914111). ;-)
It should have been celebrated as the sportiest Volkswagen of its day, instead it was discounted as the worst Porsche, by people who for the most part couldn't afford a "real" Porsche anyway. It's the kind of "brand over substance" foolishness that really makes you scratch your head.
I am so thankful for Jay having an interest in cars. So many fantastic clips.
Hello,
Thank you Jay, finally a model of sports car in your garage.. that I have owned.
At the time on my driveway in Suburban Peterborough(!!)..
I had a 914 (AVS 912M, a 411 le variant (AFL 30 J), a splitty (FBN 362D)..
and probably a beetle knocking about.
The 914 was totally 'passed over' with its awful sills and shonky headlights..
But what a ride..incredible handling..and all for £800..
Aircooled Bliss..
I loved these as a little kid.
I recall thinking, in it's time, that the geometric 914 was a forward looking design. And I think it holds up pretty well even today. Wish I had one.
Yes. It definately was modern looking. The magazines of that era wouldn't say they were beautiful but admitted they were contemporary and that soon whatever it's competitors were would look dated in comparison.
I think many of us look back and say why didn’t I buy one of these when they were reasonable to afford. A buddy of mine had one and it was stupid fun.
I fell in love with the 914 and esp. the /6 as kid. I have a magazine cover somewhere in my archive of one with a nice model.
This was my favourite car to drive in the PC game GT Legends. It handled so well.
I can attest that it handles just as well in real life.
Great game!
for the age of the game it handles quite well on modern computers...its one of my favorite games to play...
mrnicktoyou great in forza as well
I really enjoyed it in NFS: Porsche Unleashed.
the 914 was also called 'the flexi flyer' by some. I bought and rebuilt one from the ground up a few decades back when they were still readily available and cheap. It was just a 4 cyl, but it had the larger cylinder jugs on it. Sold it after it was wrecked (it was parked at the time). I would call that car the closest thing to a street legal go-cart that you can find. Mine was very low to the ground and it literally just slipped across the road surface due to its low drag and low pressure underneath the car. But it held the ground like it was a rolling suction cup.
One excellent car, it even got 35 mph/avg. Some see it as a luxury car. I saw it as practical and an economic means of transportation. Good car, and I've owned many, many cars over the years. Ranks at the very top of my list of favorites to this day.
I've owned a ton of cars... and the 914 was the most fun. It's a go kart!
First time I saw one, I was mesmerized by the look, low to the ground and clean lines. When I saw the Porsche badge, I knew it was special. I don't see many on the roads, but, when I do, it's a slow crawl and usually a friendly chat about the car.
This was a fun shoot.
Thanks for convincing Jay to do this Jaime!
I have always had a soft spot for these. I have wanted one since I was a kid and saw these around. I bet I haven't seen one in 2 years now at least? There was one for sale locally a couple of years ago. Fully restored tub and all the OEM parts in boxes. Was soooooo tempted to buy it, but I would have had to live in it as my wife surely would have kicked me out (too many projects).
Still on my bucket / lotto win list. Sounds awesome!
Cool guests. I would have loved to see this in the canyons!
I had a 1975 Porsche 914-4. It was so much fun to drive.
Small and cute car from Porsche...
in reality it´s a VW porshe ,it say vw everywhere ,the engine doesn´t say porshe says VW and people tried to hide that fact, the steering wheel as a VW symbol like the beetles in the midle ,but people changed it, this video is really bad making believe that this car is in reality a porshe not a vw and let me explain the audi at the time was second brand for vw´s ,literally equal a vw or audi, i had a audi van ,model 70 dash lights red, my father at the same time bought the vw passat van both the same only the dash lights were diferent were colour green ,outside both were metalized blue ,so audi and VW imported VW´s model porshe ,it´s all the same group, only today they say they are diferent companies for tax purposes ,because audi ended long a o and in late 70´s they were released as another brand for Vw´s they were improving the cars and some might not want a car with the vw badge,they could buy the same car with audi badge,only in the 80´s it changed, so now they want to hide that porshe isn´t a vw but it is ,the first porshes were the left vw´s not assembled beaten down and made lower and called porshe this to be sold in the U.s. so the son of VW creater ferdinand porshe could make money to pay the money asked for the liberation of his father after the WW2 ,and he made it , see the name of VW creator ,named Porshe so for those who think porshe is not relatwed with VW .here´s the truth , about this car in mid 70´s they took the beauty of the car or chromes and trims and re-sell it as porshe 914 wich is the ugly brother of VW Porshe that was a incredible good looking car developed by VW, look for badges on the engine ,doesn´t say porshe, so it´s a cute small car from VW who owned porshe and audi till today, a long time (1948-2020 and counting)
The 6 saved it from being my least favorite Porsche. But with some massaging, that little 2 liter would move. I’d love to have a 914/6
@@deborahchesser7375 it started as a vw porshe ,i had a 72 one with some chrome and beautifull design but when later they tried to sell it with only porshe 914 designation the car lost it´s original look and for the worse ,but it was one of my favorite cars
@@RUfromthe40s Well, Porsche is basically just the sports car division of VW. the Porsche 356 was pretty much just a VW Beetle with 50 extra horsepower and a sportier body. and the Beetle's head engineer was Ferdinand Porsche. So you are right.
@@ForzaMonkey i just said it because, some think that porshe is not related with VW wich are from the same group as audi to ,also skoda and SEAT(this last i´m not sure if they are apart or not but till the 2000´s) they have tdi designation only can be used by VW group turbo diesel injection allthough i thought that all cars diesel were injection at least the mercedes , i´ve driven a train and saw the way it worked this talking about a early 60´s model,the incadescendent plugs were almost with my height , a driver putted is hand in front of the diesel injection and made a perfect circle shapep hole in his hand. Regards
What a beautiful car. Mad respect to the builder. I've always love 914s. I had a 1972 with the VW engine. It was a beautiful car. This one is what I would have if money were no object and I could have someone build me one.
"Gotta get one" made me chuckle!
I know everyone else thought these were ugly in the day, but I've always loved the design. The lines were were sharp and clean when most other cars were curvy and round. The 6 cylinder 914 has always been my favorite Porsche, and the GT was the coolest of the 914-6's. Great car
Thanks Jay for another great video
Had the exact same car back in the 80's in college. ( except w/o all his upgrades). Same exterior color. My interior ( what there was of it) was a tan / brown. Got it for $3,500, Dad thought I was crazy...and when the transmission went out I had to agree.
That car was a lot of fun to drive.
Thanks Jay for.bringing back the.memories.
that engine sounds like its running top notch
Just drove a 914-6 and can tell it’s one of my dream cars !
Had a 914 in College, sold it to buy my wife an engagement ring. My favorite car ever.
Idiot
Life changes, that was over 40 years ago. Moved on to an old Corvette, then old Ducatis now an ancient suburban. Same Wife :-)
A saw a story about another guy who did the same thing. Years later, his stepdaughter bought him another one.
@@Cougar111469 Another wife?
@@maxprivate3805 LOL no another 914, silly! Apparently he was such an awesome dad, and the stepdaughter was so moved by his act, that she wanted to repay him. She found another 914 the same color as his old one, shipped it clear across the country to where he and her mom ( still together ) now lived, and surpised him with it.
She also tracked down his original 914. Allegedly the body of the original was so badly rusted that it was only scrap, but the original seats, lights, trim, etc. were all still there. She bought those too and planned to have them installed in his "new" 914.
Many times blended families end up being a dumpster fire, but this one turned out OK.
I always wanted one of those - I always thought they were the coolest Porsche just because it was different. Would love to have that. Lucky owner, and Jay, sheesh - he gets to drive all the best stuff. Love this show!!
You forgot to mention one of the direct competitors, the Fiat X 1/9. Very similar - Targa top, pop up lights, and also mid engine. But, rather than having Porsche DNA, it was related to Ferrari. I had one. Neat car.
+Todd Wall a 'direct competitor' would be a car from the same era. The Fiat X 1/9 is from the 80s
Todd Wall Bertone body
Blacques Jacques, at the time, I do believe Fiat owned Ferrari. So, they were cousins.
+ToddWall +DavidHill sorry you're both correct, had a brain fart! :-)
thebones, happens to us all.
I remember seeing an old ad that showed 2 Ferraris and 2 Fiats. Think there was a 308 and another Ferrari, a 124 Spider, and an X 1/9. All red. I always thought of a Fiat sports car as a cheap Ferrari since then. Probably the exact association Fiat wanted.
I had a '72 Porsche 914-6 2.3 in college for 2.5 years in the early '80's. It was fast, really fun, reliable, great with chicks (they didn't know a 914 from a 956), and I probably did not have a better cornering car for 15 years after selling it.
If you haven't driven one, you can't imagine it!
One of my cars today is a 2009 Mini Clubman S auto w/ paddle shifter. I've had it about 5 months, and I couldn't be more satisfied. It surprises me every time I drive it. It's handling characteristics are very reminiscent to the best the that 914 had to offer.
My primary is a gentlemanly enhanced '86 Porsche 930 I have owned and driven regularly since 1994. It is better than both...
It's refreshing to hear someone from the US who knows how to pronounce "Porsche" correctly. I always flinch when someone says "Porsh". Or "Porshay"
In 1973 I met Peter Porsche (grandson of Porsche founder Dr. Ferdinand) at the Monterey, CA Porsche Parade concours held at Pebble Beach golf course. He smiled broadly at me as he stuck out his hand to greet me and proudly said "Hello, my name is Peter Porsche" using two very distinct syllables. As a Porsche owner since 1968 I too cringe when too many people butcher the Porsche name using just one syllable. Like fingernails on a chalkboard to my ears. I have even hear Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld butcher the name. With over 20 Porsches, Jerry should know better. Why is it nobody owns a "Core-veet" or a "Fair-are-eye".
They don't pronounce "Wankel" properly either.
What a great tribute and video. Very cool nod to Brumos, Jacksonville's gem in the racing world. So incredibly sad we don't have that dealership anymore.
Thanks to all these guys for making this video!
Jay's shirt has been sucked clean out of the window!
Most fun car I ever had! Mine was a 1.8L. Straighten any curve and all top end.