This Porsche 914-6 Is Forgotten Only by Those Who Don't Know
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- After expressing an interest in racing, saying it "looked like fun," Mr. Jack Griffin found himself strapped to a race car contesting the 12 Hours of Sebring. Sure it was his first time sitting in a proper race car, but he had four days of training in a Nissan 280ZX at Bondurant a week or so earlier. In spite of his ample experience he found himself crunched against one of Sebring's concrete barriers only fifteen laps into his stint.
Fortunately, he's had better luck with this 1970 Porsche 914-6 that he has now owned for thirty-eight years. Even though he'd been looking for a 911 (and has since owned several), he has completely fall for its light, quick manner and very predictable, solid handling. And while he doesn't consider the Porsche beautiful, Jack does think it looks "interesting" and loves the rarity. It may not be as popular as the 911, but this 914-6 ensures that the model, far from forgotten, will grow in prestige.
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This is the granddaddy of the Boxster, completely underrated. It's a sleeper. I'm glad that someone has shown love for this car.
Yes it is .The granddaddy.
a 914-6 is like a 718 boxter s, doesn;t have the reputation but has the quality.
there are a lot of jokes about this "vw porsche". some people buy it because they want to say they drive a porsche. others say it is not a porsche at all. i genuinely like it and i would drive it with pride. its a classic with a unique design, it deserves love.
An underrated car. Then again so were most Porsches like the 928 and 944. Unfairly overlooked.
968 too
I wouldn't say the 944 is overlooked, at least not in Europe.
MrManBuzz The 924 was seen as a glorified Audi with a Porsche badge on and this was at a time Audi was seen as a car for retired people. It also wasn't particularly brisk even by the standards of the 70's.When the 944 appeared Porsche did fit their own engine in it but the damage was already done. For those that actually drove one they considered it too civilised and a bit bland for a Porsche - especially compared to the 911. Old habits die hard. The 928 wasn't that popular either at first but that one at least had a V8. When people saw the 944 they thought "924".
In the mid 90's many used 944 appeared on the market and were suddenly praised for being overlooked gems. Some even say they were a bit ahead of time with their formula of a practical, well-balanced and driver friendly performance coped with good reliability.
James Shunt Well I was talking in todays sense, sure at the time they were out they may have been, after all they didn't get the name "poor mans Porsche" for no reason, but they're not overlooked nowadays.
Ok, thanks for clarifying. I should also have mentioned that what people in general think of the 944 and what those that have enlighted themselves about them isn't the same. Among the so-called posers a 944 isn't "legit" (or whatever they say). That's actually a blessing or else they'd be abused.
About 27 years ago one of my employees owned a 1973 914 1.7 and even though it was underpowered, it was very neutral in it's handling and had decent braking. I had a souped up 1973 Ford Capri V-6 and would just run away and hide from him, but come some tight corners and some twisty stuff and I literally had to drive beyond normal limits to stay any sort of distance ahead of him. If he had just put a 2.0 Bus engine in it, I'm pretty sure I'd see taillights in the twisty stuff. I've always had a deep appreciation for 914s and the 6 version is a super sweet machine(I totally dig the 6 with the factory style boxed fender flares at the rear to give some more tire clearance). Anyone remember when guys back in the day would convert 914s and 911s to Chevy V-8 power? Yes, sounds like a bad marriage, but when done right, the results were just devastating.....
Oh man, what a cool car. I’ve always adored the 914; it was one of my earliest toy cars, probably three or four years old. I’ve had an obscene amount of Hot Wheels, Matchbox, models, RC cars, slot cars, all of it, but that baby blue metallic 914 still stands out.
They weren't very good cars. They are still not very good cars. The nostalgia is what people seem to be snorting.
I'll bet it is a blast to drive with the 2.5 in there. 200+HP, in a car of that size, is definitely enough to have some fun.
"more than enough". It saddens me when i see kids thinking you can only have fun with 500-600+ Bhp cars.
ghosthunter2006 I agree. Not that I am against big power, but without balance it's just a waste.
ghosthunter2006 well when they weigh 4000lb you need that power. Everyones first sports car should be a Miata or an mr2
peter wyatt middleton. there are a few 914/6 with the Carrera RS 2.7 Engine(210hp) build and for Ferry Porsche and Ferdinand Piech they built two 914 with a flat-eightcylinder or more a 180° V8 with over 250hp. greetings from germany ;)
you cant appreciate a 914 unless it has 200+ hp, seriously
My father had two 914s. A 1970 and 1973. The 914-6 was a true Porsche as it was manufactured alongside the 911 in Zuffenhausen. The only problem was that it cost as much as a 911.
all 914 rolling chassis were manufactured at the same karmann plant. they got their powerplants and brakes and chassis bits at their respective plants.
heres the deal tho... who designed the vw beetle and its engine?
Ferry Porsche. Porsche did all the design work for vw up until the death of vws chairman in 68.
The reality is that until around the 70s vw and porsche were pretty much the same company.
My first introduction to Porsche was in a 914. I was 13 years old and was instantly hooked even though I never drove it, just a passenger. I went through the obligatory V8's growing up then rediscovered that less is more. The first time I sat in a Subaru WRX and heard the sound of the 2.5L boxer with unequal length headers it was music to my ears. I didn't know why until I realized just how Porsche like it sounded. Currently I have a 1997 Miata and every time I turn the lights on and they pop up out of the hood, I'm reminded of the 914 and the same pop up headlights. The 914 wasn't fast but it handled like it was on rails. It is a great car with tons of charm and excellent manners on a canyon road.
I described mine as "cornering on rails" to everyone I talked to.
My father purchased his 914-6 from Richard Tharp, who was a funny car racer for the Blue Max team. Cliff Harris, the safety for the Dallas Cowboys borrowed it from my father and totaled it. My dad said it was the coolest car he ever owned.
1987; I bought a 1970 914 1.7 for $93. in Ojai Ca;..... and actually drove it home!☺
It was filled with decaying California Scrub Oak leaves; & I found $12.45 in change in and under the seats.
It was one of the most fun cars I have ever owned; "Go Kart" always came to mind.
I had 126 phone calls when I put it up for sale for $950. (Half wanted to trade a VW Bug.) Ironically out of 126 callers only 2 showed up..... and one bought it.
914 is a ridiculously great handling car. The engine is far forward of the rear axle, with a longitudinal transaxle mated to the rear of it driving the rear wheels - very much a race car like layout.
in the hands of a race driver on a closed course with brake markers you are correct. in the hands of even a better than average driver on half familiar roads exploring its limits Im afraid to say its a terrible combination. Look up "polar moment of inertia" and understand why GM has never produced a mid engine corvette... and why youtube is filled with showoff lotus elise owners spinning off track... into trees... into traffic.... mid engine cars are real happy coming out of corners but going in you better get it right or else. a rwd car you can be real careless the worst that can happen is a chance to drift exiting.
funny when i learned to drive that was a mistake. somewhere they started to consider it stylish?
My first car was a 1974 914 2.0, orange. Loved that go kart. Awesome handling. I believe this lost out in the US due to the introduction of the 240z.
yeah and wasnt the 240z cheaper? far more refined of a driver, considerably more power and much more forgiving handling. (i have owned a 72 of.each)
Of course the datsun did not finish first of all production cars and sixth overall at Lemans
Racing the 12 hours of Sebring after 4 days worth of training at a Bondurant school. Amazing. I'd jump at the chance if someone offered me a seat in a race car.
I almost forgot this was about a 914. I've always appreciated them for their simplistic purity.
I had a high school buddy who owned a brown 914/6. Sadly, he wrapped it around a tree not long after graduation. Neat little car!!
Had a humble 1.7 914-4 years ago. Nothing like this gem, but damn if I didn't love it.
Those 914-6 Porsches are really expensive now. I’ve only found a couple for sale and they’re all over 100 thousand euros. This is sad, as i would love to have one.
The one in the video is gorgeous. It’s in such good shape. The colour is flawless and the interior is wonderful.
Great car. I hope to own and restore one myself one day. I've been in love with the 914 since I was six years old. I am thirty now.
My dad used to own a 914-6...Such a lovely but truely underestimated sportscar...
Hi Guido! Great to see your comments also in this spectacular channel!! One of your fan!
TheGetawayer truly*
Amazing underrated gem.
Awesome! I love the fact that nearly nobody knows about the inner values of the 914-6
914 sounds amazing... great story too.
I sold Porsche Audi in 1975 , '76 . I only saw one of these come in for service . A Dr in Butner owned it , and I always talked with him about the car when he came in. A few months ago some guy broke down in his on my road in Chatham co , NC . This was only the 2nd time I have ever seen one. I asked him if he was bringing it to me ! lol
Great video. I traded in my 911 for a 914-6 in 1972. I know everyone loves the 911 styling (as I do) but that 914-6 was a better car in every way.
I've always loved the 914 ..
Another great car video from petrolicious. Jack does a lot to support the local car community and is an overall great car guy. That 914-6 sounds pretty good...
What a beautiful car Jack. I almost bought one of these in the 90's. I finally bought a Boxster S last year. I'm loving it.
My uncle's a rather talented man who's been working on Porsche's most of his life, He loves the air-cooled engines and refuses to touch the water cooled one's. Last time I visited him he had 14 Porsches that he was working on, either for himself or others. One I particularly remember was a 914 that he dropped a 3.3L turbo engine into. Obviously that took a huge amount of planning, work and effort but it was all rewarded by creating an amazingly quick car. I've often wondered what became of that car and where it is now. He recounted a nice story about leaving a BMW 635i dead at the lights with that car.
That blue color is awesome!
My 76 914 was a similar color blue, just a little darker. Have owned 3 914s, great cars.
👍
I drove racing gokarts as a kid. later I bought a 914 2.0. I was incredible fun because it drove just like the gokart! One day I slid the 914 through an intersection and a cop saw me. He could tell the joy I was experiencing and let me go! I believe he was a kindred speed demon spirit.
Great 914 ,thanks for sharring your story.
I've had the pleasure of meeting Jack and visiting his garage a few years ago. what a great time.
Need For Speed Porsche Unleashed...
that game is the reason why I know all them Porsches :D , it was a fun game back then
I remember hating having to drive this ugly slow car in Porsche Unleashed. Now I own one in real life. I've changed.
Bought one in 1982 Munster Germany serving in the military. Cost about 800 UK pounds. Bright yellow black interior Missing a heater!!
Watching that video makes me miss my 73 2.0 I owned for a number years. It was a wonderful car that sadly was totaled shortly after it was sold. Another great video, keep up the good work Petrolicious.
I've always like the styling of the 914. This car with the bright blue paint and those spider mags, I'm guessing they're Empi, looks just perfect.
Pretty car.
My 1970 - 914-6 was the same color. Adriatic Blue. Black interior. I did 130mph in mine 3 times on the 405 freeway in SoCal at 2am... Back in 1972... It was like driving a large go kart, with the 911 T engine at 200 horsepower with Two Three Barrel WEBER carbs - All Stock from the factory. I added the 911 - five spoke mags to the car and Yes They were Polished!! Still Miss that car!!!
I remember my driver's ed teacher, who was also my 6th grade teacher, talking about how he wanted one of these more than anything. That was about 1972...nice vid
Over here original 914/6 are very sought-after, their price-increase is stronger than most 911's.
But a lot are 914/4 with the engine swapped in, and/or more or less well-done race-conversions.
Lightweight / Balanced power... You just can never go wrong with that mixture. Nicely done sir. nicely done.
When my wife and I lived in Germany in the mid-late 70's we really wanted a Porsche. We couldn't afford a 911 so we bought a 914-4. That car was such a blast to drive and we had hoped to keep it forever. We brought it back to the US and my intent was to keep it forever, but on one outing the magnesium engine caught fire and the car was totaled. Our insurance company said they would find us another comparable 914 or they would just pay us the value of the car (as valued in the Mid-west......the car was more valuable on the West Coast than in the Mid-West). Well, we were starting to have kids and my wife insisted we take the cash payout so we could buy a stationwagon. I can't tell you how awful I felt losing that car and buying a stationwagon.
Amazing thank you for conserving such a piece of history
I want to see his entire collection!
Nice
Your content is absolute top quality stuff.
This dude is loaded.
I've spent alotta time driving 914's and they're a car that'll just never get properly appreciated. I love the 914-6,even though I'm a 911 guy. Back about 2003 I dated a girl whose brother had a black&gold 71 or 72 914-6 RS.It's just sat outside for years but was still in great shape but in need a of a full restoration. He was asking $36,000 and sold it a collector on the East coast for $28,000. HUGE money for a car that only the most ardent Porsche collector would just dismiss+regular car guys would've sold for scrap.
not many people have tried to buy it from me....I'd love a 2021 update on that. These cares are configued much better than 911's...a 914-6 is potentially one of the most fun cars ever planned to be built for mass production.
Man of Fortune!
Awesome! When I was growing up my dad had a 1973 914 1.7L and it was a great car to cruise around in. I had a lot of fun in it.
I used to be hellbent getting one of these as my first ride about 20 years ago. But even at the time, most of them were so run down that it would have been a mistake, and so I am glad I didn't get one in the end :)
The one in the vid is nicely preserved, of course.
I have one in my garage. It is a 70 it has a 2.7l motor in it from a 911 most of the suspension was from a wreaked turbo 911. Of course, it is turbocharged two plugs per cylinder. Rollbar.
It's a race car just street legal.
It has a motec data recorder. Very old school. Black with tan leather (ish) interior wide body kit. Etc. Got it exactly the way it is in 1987. Love that car and the other Porsches I have.
One of those cars I characterise as interesting rather than desirable. You see so few of them around. Nice video, as always.
Some of the plainest, most comfortable seats I've ever sat in. Where are the original Fuchs wheels? The dogleg 1st gear and 5 speed makes all 914's better cars. Oh! And the 914 does not have one angle that detracts from its beauty with the ultimate expression being the truly rarest of the rare 916.
For a while I thought how much of a collectible "sleeper" the 914 was. It's good to see that other people share my same belief
Wonderful, wonderful story. Thank you Jack.
I've always liked these little cars and think they are beautiful in an understated way. They aren't all swoopy but but have nice crisp lines and some gentle curves. Plus the targa top is cool. I bet this one is just a blast to drive.
I like the looks!
Love it. I bought a new one in that color back in 70. A 4 cylinder. Would love that 6.
Hats down to this sir, congratulations for this beautiful piece of history
saw one in an olive green at laguna seca this august. breathtaking shit man
The aesthetics of this car do not appeal to me. The film about this car, however, is so very DOPE! All hail Petrolicious!! Keep it coming folks.....
Great exhaust note!
As the owner of a 1974 2.0 I have to say great video as always Petrolicious. I'm more of a fan of the flared GT style bodywork - it's amazing how it changes the lines of the car to make it less boxy. I also think people forget or don't realize that the '73/'74 2.0L/4 cars were slightly quicker than the 6 cylinder because the horsepower was nearly the same, but they didn't have the added weight of the larger engine. The car in the video would benefit greatly by losing the 80's BBS basketweave style wheels and putting on period-correct Fuchs or Panasports.
I can remember seeing a few on the road years ago. That styling is actually starting to appeal to me now.
Oh nice, he's got a 911 3.2 Speedster too. Pretty rare, they only made just over 2000 of those worldwide.
Really cool little car. Almost the same color as my mariner blue miata!
Nice video, the 914 is one of the most underrated Porsche but in my opinion coolest cars around.
No apologies from me. I like the look of the 914's and the 6 adds to it's beauty in another way. I've never been lucky enough to own a Porsche but I have always been drawn to them as well as Corvette's. Why these two very different sports cars you ask. Mostly because the people that own them drive them, tune them, modify them, and do silly things to and with them. I would like to have some time with any 911 from the T to a RSR. I don't see anyone inviting me to take the wheel of their GTLM so I would be just as happy with a 964 Coupe as I would be with any 911 variant. Wait, did I mention the 914 would make me smile.
His garage is sick
Great car, dude. I would make one adjustment: get rid of the wires and fit Fuchs instead. But apart from that, it looks great and sounds even better.
What a wonderful story.
I think this car would look better with a black set of Fuchs wheels. I never cared for the look of those gold BBS style wheels, but I guess some people like them.
I have owned many 914's and it is a great car with an average engine. The amazing thing is all the trunk space (front and rear) in such a small car.
I used to have a 76' 914/4 2.0 liter and I loved it. Unfortunately the purists don't consider the 914/4 to be a real Porsche. Its by far the best car I've ever owned. The term "cornering on rails" was made for this car. Thanks.
Porsches usually leave me cold, I don't lust after them. But this. Oh my. I look at these like I look at a Dino.
sweet ride with the exception of the rims
Guillaume Laplanche Those rims are, 'Forgotten Only by Those Who Don't Know' ;)
we actually did a 914-6 at the shop and it was not fitted with those, but it was a German car initially.
There's a yellow one in Curitiba - PR - Brazil.
Porsche914, I've never forgotten! It's too expensive to fully restore and I can't afford it. Therefore, I would be grateful if you could show me a lot of images.
mind blowing first race experience!
Knew a guy who put a big V8 in one of these. It was a BEAST!!!
Great story and cool little 14 ///thanks poster
Thats a beautiful 914, Id love to own one some day.
I've been flirting with one of these for a while now...of course with a beefier powerplant and transmission. than stock. But man they are crazy expensive now if you want a good one to restore and modify. My 1750GTV is starting on its 2nd resto, 12 years after the first one was done a bit sloppily...So a 914 is going to have to wait...but i can see it coming...Ka-ching!
I love your car
I had a 914 that I redid. It only had the 4 cyl but was a blast to drive. It under steered quite a bit . the engine was really hard to access and the god awful rubbery shifter was always a huge frustration
Wonderful video, as to be expected from Petrolicious. Thank you for sharing.
I for one always react like a giddy 6 year old when I see any 914. A 914-6 is so rare, I've only seen one and know the owner of another. The most extreme 914 I've seen is a Subaru swap, which on piping contortions alone is scary.
You are very fortunate to have several nice PORSCHES! I may be an oddball but I have Always loved the look of a 914, and have always wanted one, but just could not ever afford a nice one. So I drive a Bug and I enjoy that, always getting asked about it. People always go , oh you have a Herbie, and I tell them no, this is Herbie's younger brother Henry, and then we all laugh!
The cayman/boxter predecessor.
Wrong. The 550 spyder is the boxster predecessor.
Nice story!!!
Cool car; if you can find one that hasn't been infected by the tinworm it would make a great project.
Great video! Really love hearing from legends.
You can virtually go at some pretty insane speed, make a 90 degree turn an it's really pretty solid. I've scared plenty of people going around corners init. Did I mention that ma daddy give me the smarts and moneys to git on that youtube?
sound stunting and rare to own ! enjoy the beautiful machine !
So After you crashed your friends car into the wall, while racing, are you still friends ?? Great story .thanks for sharing .
There's one of these by my house in a silver color that's just sitting in weeds, very sad
Caden Grajeda do you have any idea of who it belongs to?
The biggest issue with the 914-6 at the time was its price - it was nearly that of a 911. The other issue is the fact that the id-engine makes for a better racing platform than the 911 and the factory couldn't have the jr model out performing its older sibling, thus they kept the motor to it's somewhat low power. Same thing happened again with the Cayman which is a better racing platform as mid-engine than it's 991 and 992 senior stable mates. Porsche knows not to mess with the 911 in the hierarchy - it's a cash cow with huge margins.
914s are gorgeous!!!!
A porsche that doesn't look like a beetle?? Wow!
914.
928.
944.
My favourite Porsches.
Agree "not a pretty car but an interesting one". And with that 6 it's a keeper
love the 914. currently on the hunt for a good restoration candidate.
Super car. I have a '73 914 2.0, and I love it, but I bet the 2.5 is great in this car...sounds amazing...but please, get rid of those wheels.
I agree. The original Fuchs would be so much better.
I love these Porsche's what misunderstood car!!!