Porsche 914 Targa

By the late 1960s, both Volkswagen and Porsche were in need of new models. Porsche was looking for a replacement for their entry-level 912, and Volkswagen wanted a new range-topping sports coupe to replace the Karmann Ghia. At the time, the majority of Volkswagen’s developmental work was handled by Porsche, part of a setup that dated back to Porsche’s founding. Volkswagen needed to contract out one last project to Porsche to fulfil the contract, and decided to make this that project. Ferdinand Piëch, who was in charge of research and development at Porsche, was put in charge of the 914 project.

Originally intending to sell the vehicle with a flat four-cylinder engine as a Volkswagen and with a flat six-cylinder engine as a Porsche, Porsche decided during development that having Volkswagen and Porsche models sharing the same body would be risky for business in the American market, and convinced Volkswagen to allow them to sell both versions as Porsches.

The Porsche 914 offered here at Autostorico was first registered in 1974 and is a matching numbers example finished in Sunflower Yellow with Black interior. This exceptional car was delivered new by Porsche of Grand Rapids, Michigan in the US. The comprehensive accompanying history file notes the final US owner was a Mr Ewbank. Mr Ewbank’s purchase was a nostalgic one, in his youth Mr Ewbank was a test driver for Porsche in the US. He bought the car with a view to completing a full restoration but ill health prevented this and his wife ended up selling the car.

RTT144M was first registered in the UK in 1996 and owned by Mr O’Rourke and family for the next 12 years. It was under the ownership of Mr Nie from Kingsbridge that the car underwent a full restoration including a full bare metal re-spray back to the car’s original colour of Sunflower Yellow. The car also benefited from a new interior, new wiring harness and upgraded 914 alloy wheels which are date stamped 1974 plus many more detailed works. The car has had an enormous amount spent on the engine with Raw Speed Engine Tuning, a classic engine specialist in Plymouth. The accompanying file states that the engine has been increased in size from 1700cc to 2000cc. This increase has given the car just over 100 bhp whilst still retaining its original engine (No 013124). Further mechanical works have been completed by Williams Crawford Porsche Specialists and Roger Bray Restorations amongst others.

This stunning 914 will be sold with current V5 registration document, current MOT certificate, two accompanying files detailing the restoration and other mechanical works, a photo album which captures every step of the comprehensive restoration and original owners manual.

A truly unique opportunity to own one of the last affordable air cooled Porsche’s.

Viewing strictly by appointment only.

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