PORSCHE 914 1971

Cute little mid-engined Porsche which I bought for a short-ish road trip in the States (Chicago-Alabama) back in May and then decided it was too good to leave behind.
The 914 was never imported into UK which was something of a tragedy as the mid-engined configuration makes its nippy. precise. and accurate handling - a revelation for the age. especially compared to the tail-happy 911.
This is not a show quality car. but a very good driver. that in Europe I wouldn't hesitate to take into the country for the weekends.
The engine is very solid and dependable with no traces of smoke. either from the exhausts or the gaskets and clutch and gearbox are similarly satisfactory. There is a very slight backfire on 1 cylinder undoubtedly due to the draining of the tank for shipping which often causes the worst of the awful yank petrol to get sucked into the carbs and undoubtedly the ultimate answer is to remove the tank and blow it through as I have had to do with more than one old 911 suffering the same curse.
Like all the classic Porsches. the 914 just doesn't feel 40 years old despite the manual steering. Speedo shows 59. 00 and there is no reason to doubt it or the originality of the drivetrain. 914s generally being used more as weekend cars in the states than daily drivers.
Interior is original and generally good condition. although the steering wheel is worn with a crack and one of the headrests is not quite right - though to be honest I haven't actually worked out exactly what is wrong with it! Targa top is good for its age and the paint and bodywork are very good. having been totally renovated only a year ago. with just one piece of trim missing under the bumper where it caught on the trailer deck in the states before export and needs replacing. Gaps are great. one or two of the seams are actually original (!!) and there is not a single blemish on the deep orange paint. I think it's just about the best bodywork I have seen on a 71. I can't find any rust in either the trunk or the boot. the hell-hole is not so hellish and the lone corrosion is on the passenger floor. though not so bad as to cause the car to fail an MoT.
Headlights pop up smoothly. the stereo works well. the fuel tank is new. although the spare wheel is missing.
Have just MoT'd the car which in itself came to around £1. 00 to make the headlights and sidelights EU compliant and to finish all the small details like hand brake. side lights etc. There is also a brand new exhaust.

This is a genuine private sale. not a dealer spray-over. and with £1. 5-2. 5k (spent the car would be worth 15. 00 which is the average UK price.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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