Porsche 914/4 2.0

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Porsche’s strong historical links with Volkswagen were re-affirmed in 1969 with the launch of the Porsche-designed 914, a mid-engined, Targa-top sports car to be assembled by Karmann of Osnabrück.

At the time Volkswagen needed a new car to replace the ageing Karmann-Ghia while Porsche was looking for another option to add to its line-up. initially fitted with a 1,679cc, four-cylinder engine, the 914 had all-independent suspension – a mixture of 911 and VW parts – to which four-wheel disc brakes and a five-speed gearbox were married.

The 914 always had a reputation for excellent handling, and this competition-prepared 2.0 example is no exception. The car appears to be a MY73 produced in 1972 (according to the V5) as it boasts several year-specific features including the later handbrake shape and was spec’d from new with air con and tinted glass, being finished in Phoenix Red (5910) with black interior trim.

Acquired by our vendor in 2012 as a rust-free 914/4 originally supplied to Texas, he set about building a road legal race car, the intention being to drive to local events, compete and drive home again without the kerfuffle of a van and trailer.

Upgrades include a full race engine built by Paul Foreman, the 2,056cc four-pot featuring uprated Keith Black pistons with Hastings rings; balanced crank; ARP 2000 rod bolts; 44mm inlet valves and 38mm exhaust valves; 9:1 compression ratio; Webcam 163/86B camshaft; oil catch tank; dry sump with Piper cross-port pump; 123 Tune distributor; electronic ignition; Magnecor race HT leads and a plethora of other goodies to help it realise a proven 110bhp and 125 lbft – equal to the power of the six-cylinder version with even more torque.

Rebuilt in 2014, the transmission features an upgraded Rennshift gate and new linkages allowing a faster, more accurate change with a block on reverse, lightened flywheel and fitment of an LSD. The suspension has been upgraded with stiffer springs, the centre of gravity lowered courtesy of the dry sump and a fuel trap fitted to avoid starvation.

The interior has been lightened with a race seat (original included) and Luke 6-point harnesses with the blowers and heating removed. Other weight-saving measures include a fibreglass GT spec hood, boot lid, bumpers and spoilers plus a half-size fuel tank (original available) which have together shaved 40kg off its kerb weight compared to a standard 914/4.

The car has seen regular road use and also won its class in the Paul Matty Sportscars Classic Championship through the 2014 season. In the last year it has only had one competitive outing as our vendor has now turned his attention to building a Lancia for next year’s race season.

The history file contains an MOT to May 2019 with no advisories, eight old MOTs, race win confirmations, a Cerificate of Authenticity and invoices detailing the car’s build by SVP of Droitwich totalling a whopping £25,000.

Considering the way 914 prices have climbed in recent years and the time and money that’s been poured into this highly competitive machine, it looks a snip at the guide price suggested.