What year to own?

[Mariof430]

I have a chance to purchase a nice 914 from a guy, my question is: What is the most desirable year to own and drive? I am talking a 914 (no 6cylinder) I tried to do a search and came up with no help! Thanks in advance for any information you can give!

[WearyMicrobe]

really depends on you style, I like the 72 early bumper cars with the 1.7. 73/74 with the 2.0 are not my cup of tea. Rot and neglect are you two biggest issues.

Having said that you need to really think about the car, its a Porsche with Porsche parts pricing, but low entry price. Also there are some quirks like the fuel pump fuse, and the injectors and idle set.

Fun car when they run right and you can build/maintain one on the cheap provided that you keep the cosmetics to a minimum.

[Mariof430]

thanks, a little more on this car,although I have not seen it yet! It is, according to the owner, Rust free,one owner,carb converted car( I believe he still has the Injection system) 1972 almost sounds too good! I'll post more when I can see it. Anymore responses would be greatly appreciated!

[racerbvd]

73 & 74 2.0s are the most popular & valuable next to the six. The 71-72 had a fixed passenger seat 1.7 enginge, 73 changed the passenger seat and offered a 2.0 option, the 74 added bumper pads to the chrome bumpers, 75-76 had the large black impact bumpers. Currently I have a 71, 73, 74 & 76 Check out my other threads here for pix.

[LaneS]

I would only look for a 73-74. Small bumpers, and they drive much better. Side shift transmission was a huge improvement for 1973. I have owned 7 914s. A 1971, 1972, 1974 1.8, 1973 2.0, 1975 2.0, 1975 1.8, and another 1971 1.7. The best of the bunch was the 1973 2.0. The 1973-74 914s are the best!

"73/74 with the 2.0 are not my cup of tea."
Why???

[smj]

I love my '74 2.0 and have been resisting the necessity to sell it. It's too damn much fun to hop in it and go, but it's keeping me from paying attention to what needs doing on the /6.

Pay attention to cleaning up / maintaining the shift linkage, time spent on that pays big dividends. The tail shifter in my 1970 has been incredibly frustrating, and I'd say the difference between it and a cleaned-up side shifter is as big as between that and my 944S.

[heeltoe914]

The best all around year is a73-74 with a 2.0 motor next is 73-74 1.7. both hold value well and handle great.