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Porsche 914

The Ultimate Model Guide

The Story / Timeline / Model Guides / Specs / Data & Research / Technical Data / Pictures & Videos / News & Updates

The Porsche 914 was a joint development between Porsche and Volkswagen and was the new Porsche entry-level model as of model year 1970.The two-seater, also known as the "VW Porsche", was a mid-engine Sports Car. Striking design features included the very long wheelbase for the vehicle length, short overhangs, the removable roof centre panel made from glass fiber-reinforced plastic as well as the wide safety bar. The 914 also featured pop-up headlights. At the time of its launch, the 914 was available with two engines. 914: 1.7-liter flat-four engine with 80 hp from Volkswagen and the 914/6: 2.0-liter flat-six engine with 110 hp from the Porsche 911 T. These were followed by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 100 hp based on the 1.7-liter engine in model year 1973 and a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 85 hp in model year 1974.

Porsche 914 Basics

Manufacturer: Porsche (Type 914/6), Karmann (Type 914/4) / Production Years: 1969 - 1976 / Body Style: 2-Door Targa / Layout: Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout / Engines: 1.7 L Volkswagen Type 4 Flat-4, 1.8 L Volkswagen Type 4 Flat-4, 2.0 L Volkswagen Type 4 Flat-4, 2.0 L Type 901/36 Flat-6 (914/6) / Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed Sportomatic / Premiere: 1969 September 11, IAA Frankfurt motor show / Predecessor: Porsche 912 / Successor: Porsche 924

Porsche's New Entry Level Car - The 914

A collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen.

Porsche 914

The Porsche 914 Story

Porsche needed a car to replace the 912 and Volkswagen needed a car to replace its Karmann Ghia. They joined forces.

Porsche 914 Timelines & Details

This graphic breaks out the Porsche 914 in terms of timelines and how to tell all the models apart. Click on the image to see it in higher definition.

Porsche 914 Timeline & Models

Porsche 914 Model Guides

The standard 914 was powered by Volkswagen’s horizontal four-cylinder engine, producing a power output of 80 hp. Even with the lightweight Porsche body, acceleration suffered. The solution to this was to offer a second version: the 914/6, powered by a six-cylinder engine, total power output exceeded 100 hp. The latter engine was peaky and could be made to do great things–sixth overall at the 24 Hours of LeMans in 1970, for example–but its low take rate demanded a more suitable replacement. This came in 1973, when the fuel-injected variant of Volkswagen’s air-cooled Type 4 engine was dropped in behind the two seats, staying there through 1976, when series production ended. 

Porsche 914:6

Porsche 914/6 (2.0 L)

The standard 914 was powered by Volkswagen’s horizontal four-cylinder engine, producing a power output of 80 hp. Even with the lightweight Porsche body, acceleration suffered. The solution to this was to offer a second version: the 914/6, powered by a six-cylinder engine, total power output exceeded 100 hp. Unfortunately, this came with an extra cost– the 914/6 was nearly as expensive as a standard 911.
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Porsche 914/4 (1.7 L)

The Porsche 914 was first shown at the 1969 Frankfurt Auto Show was, as intended, a true conglomeration. The front suspension was largely derived from the 911 with some VW components, and the interior was a blend of both companies' parts bins. The initial engine offering was Volkswagen's 80-hp fuel-injected 1.7 liter flat four, while the 914/6 had a twin-carburetor 2.0-liter Porsche flat six tuned for 125 hp.
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Porsche 914/4 (2.0 L)

This came in 1973, when the fuel-injected variant of Volkswagen’s air-cooled Type 4 engine was dropped in behind the two seats, staying there through 1976, when series production ended. (The engine continued on in the 912E, which succeeded the 914 as Porsche’s entry-level car.) The short-stroke, overhead-valve powerplant displaced 2.0 liters (1971 cc) and made its 100 hp at 5000 rpm, whereas the six had made 110 hp at 5800 rpm. Yet the four matched the six’s torque output of 118 lb-ft, achieving this figure at 3500 rpm instead of 4200 rpm. And it was lighter in weight.
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Porsche 914/4 (1.8 L)

For 1974 a 1.8-liter engine replaced the 1.7 and had a new type of electronic fuel injection called AFC (air flow control), or ‘L’ Jetronic. This same basic injection was used on 911s in the late-’80s. Unfortunately, due to emissions regulations, the 1.8 made just 76 hp, less than the smaller engine it replaced. The standard steel wheels were changed to 5.5-inch wide VW units. Rubber bumper guards now adorned the rear and the headlight surrounds were changed from white to black plastic. US cars got the infamous ignition seat-belt interlock buzzer. This was also the year of the limited edition series.
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Porsche 914 Special Model Guides

In terms of special edition and race Porsche 914s, there were several iterations. The Porsche 914-6 GT was a race car built by Porsche, based on the 914 model with a 6-cylinder engine and GT package. The 914-6 GT was a race configured version of the 914-6. Porsche only built 2 914/8s. The first was a development mule that Piëch used to prove the concept of a 914/8. The second was built for Ferry Porsche as a birthday present. Both are very unique 914s still owned by Porsche and regularly shown at the museum in Stuttgart. They had a 300 HP 3.0L 908 engine and a 916 transmission, and was never registered for the street. This was a test bed and a prototype, with many unique features that did not end up on the production 914s. Porsche produced two limited edition 914 models: the Creamsicle and Bumblebee, the latter created to celebrate the Porsche's domination of the Can-Am series with the Type 917. There was also the Porsche 916 and Tapiro concepts.

Porsche Tapiro Concept (1970)

The Porsche Tapiro is a concept car built by Porsche in 1970. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and has a traditional 1970s wedge design, which critics say somewhat resembles the De Tomaso Mangusta. The chassis is based on the Porsche 914/6, and it features gullwing-style doors. First shown at the 1970 Turin Motor Show, it will be remembered as one of the most unusual Porsches and the first car to receive Italdesign’s signature wedge shape.
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Porsche 916 Concept (1971)

After a highly modified 914 finished sixth overall at Le Mans in 1970, Ferdinand Piëch saw potential for a higher-performance, luxurious version that could be registered for highway use, and pursued the idea of what would become the Porsche 916. Planned for the 1972 model year, the Porsche 916 program was cancelled after eleven prototypes were built.
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1974 Porsche 914 LE

Porsche 914 LE

Porsche produced two limited edition 914 models: the Creamsicle and Bumblebee, the latter created to celebrate the Porsche's domination of the Can-Am series with the Type 917. The Bumblebee was finished in black with contrasting Summer Yellow lower sections. Many otherwise optional items were standard on these limited edition models, including driving lights, dual horns, a leather covered steering wheel, and a centre console with clock etc. 500 of each type were manufactured.
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Porsche 914/8

Porsche only built 2 914/8s. The first was a development mule that Piëch used to prove the concept of a 914/8. The second was built for Ferry Porsche as a birthday present. Both are very unique 914s still owned by Porsche and regularly shown at the museum in Stuttgart. They had a 300 HP 3.0L 908 engine and a 916 transmission, and was never registered for the street. This was a test bed and a prototype.
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Porsche 914-6 GT

The Porsche 914-6 GT was a race car built by Porsche, based on the 914 model with a 6-cylinder engine and GT package. The 914-6 GT was a race configured version of the 914-6. The factory offered the GT option, which was distinguishable by its box-like steel fender flares. It quickly became known as the 914-6 GT and was raced employing different engine configurations. This included the 'T' specification, which was a basic 911 engine. Another popular configuration was to use a converted Carrera 6 engine.
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Porsche 914 Specs Summary

The VW van engine in Porsche’s mid-engined 914 didn’t inspire enthusiasts like other Porsche models. Its humble roots divided the Porsche faithful who couldn’t agree on the 914’s purpose. While the performance numbers weren't spectacular, the Porsche was fun and a true Porsche in nature.

Porsche 914 Data & Research

We dig into some of the data surrounding the Porsche 914, including production numbers, specifications, chassis numbers and much more.

Porsche 914 Specs & Technical Data

All the technical stuff, broken out by model and year.

Porsche 914 Pictures, Galleries & Videos

The Porsche 914 is definitely unique when it comes to looks. It is also small, fun and relatively fast. Enjoy our interactive galleries and awesome videos of the Porsche 914 below.

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Porsche 914 News & Updates

Recent auctions, awesome review videos and all the latest news and posts regarding anything to do with the Porsche 914.

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