Porsche and Volkswagen combined to design, manufacture and market this mid-engined, targa-topped two-seat roadster from 1969 to 1976.

2 versions were produced. The 914/6 had a flat-six Porsche engine and the 914/4 was equipped with the flat-four from the VW 411.

The all-steel unit body incorporated an integral rollbar to aid in structural rigidity. This type of construction increased the car's weight. The 85-hp 914/4 weighed 1984 lbs, while the 125 hp 914/6 was 2072 lbs.

Model year changes

Over the six model years, Porsche made a number of changes to the 914. Some of these changes were cosmetic and others were in response to changing crash protection standards. From 1970 to 1974, the 914 was offered with chrome or painted bumpers. In early 1970, rear bumpers were produced with a straight crease on either side of the license plate indent. Between 1970 and 1972, both front and rear bumpers were smooth without bumper guards. In 1973, bumper guards were added to the front of the car. In 1974, guards were also added to the rear bumper. In 1975 and 1976, the chrome or painted bumpers were replaced with heavy, rubber-covered units.

The headlight surrounds were white from the first 914s to mid-production of 73 and subsequently black. Cars produced up to early 1972 had a fixed passenger seat and a removable passenger footrest. Later cars featured a movable passenger seat. Other interior differences included changing vinyl designs, gauge appearance, and air vent configurations in the dash.

Limited editions

In 1974, Porsche produced a number of special edition cars for the US market, equipped with unique color schemes and decals. It is estimated that about 1,000 of these units were produced, about 50% Bumblebee and 50% Creamsicle.

The Creamsicle: With a cream color exterior (paint code U2V9), these cars sported Phoenix red decals, rocker panels, bumpers, and Mahle wheels. This light ivory color scheme concept carried over from the 1973 911 Carrera RS series.

The Bumblebee: Featuring a black exterior (paint code L041), these cars sported Sunflower yellow (paint code L13K) negative Porsche decals, rocker panels, bumpers, Mahle wheels, and a specially designed front spoiler.

State of the 914 fleet today

Estimates of the number of surviving 914s vary widely. Probably the best estimate is from the different enthusiast organizations who are constantly gathering data, and one of them currently estimates the remaining numbers to be at approximately 42,000.

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