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Posted by: CptTripps Apr 15 2021, 12:16 PM

We all know the term, but who was the first person to use it in relation to a 914?

I learned it from the guy I bought my first 914 from back in 2001...long before 914world or any of the 914 communities existed. So how did it spread? Magazine article? Yahoo list?

Certainly someone here knows the origin...right?

Posted by: Bleyseng Apr 15 2021, 12:19 PM

mikez?

Posted by: bretth Apr 15 2021, 12:23 PM

Spinal Tap!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk9aThIovMA

Posted by: burlybryan Apr 15 2021, 12:35 PM

Rumor has it that it was the original German assembly workers, only they called it "das hollenloch". In reality, I'm totally making this up.

Posted by: ClayPerrine Apr 15 2021, 12:57 PM

My first recollection of someone using the words "Hell Hole" was from the 90s when we all were on the email Rennlist servers.

I don't remember who first said it, though.

Clay

Posted by: Superhawk996 Apr 15 2021, 01:30 PM

Heard it in late 80's but applied more broadly to the entire engine compartment vs. the small rust prone pocket that it now refers to.

Posted by: mate914 Apr 15 2021, 06:57 PM

I had just got out of high school and remember and it from Rennlist's east coast get together 1999/2000
Maybe Mr. John Dunkel
Matt

Posted by: mlindner Apr 16 2021, 04:06 AM

The first 914 owner

Posted by: Bleyseng Apr 16 2021, 06:54 AM

It was used at the old 914club list in 1995 when I first joined that

Posted by: Big Len Apr 16 2021, 07:51 AM

I did.
But it was used in regards to my ex-wife.

Posted by: Ansbacher Apr 16 2021, 11:27 AM

According to the book "Cars Are My Life" by Ferry Porsche, the first reference to a "hell hole" in relation to the 914 occurred on 16 January 1970 during an inspection tour of the production line at the Karmann factory at Osnabruck. While bent over peering into the engine compartment of a passing 914 chassis, Ferry's fountain pen slipped out of his breast pocket and down into the bowels of the car beneath the battery tray. A line worker reportedly heard him curse "Oh hell, my pen fell into that hole!". The pen was never recovered and to this day some lucky 914 owner might still be driving around with it. And I better stop here, for fear of being charged with slander (or is it libel). Never could get that straight.

Ansbacher

Posted by: Superhawk996 Apr 16 2021, 11:53 AM

Now wouldn't that be something to find that pen if true.

Surely disolved by battery acid by now though.

Posted by: Root_Werks Apr 16 2021, 12:22 PM

Bought my first 914-4 in 1988 and was told to check the "hell hole" for rust. So at least that long.

Posted by: CoronaMike Apr 16 2021, 04:45 PM

Posted by: Jmkorfha Apr 16 2021, 04:51 PM

When I bought my first 914 in January 1981, it was being called the hell hole.

Posted by: orthobiz Apr 17 2021, 07:41 AM

JP Stein??

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-914-914-6-technical-forum/60223-future-survival-species.html

Paul

Posted by: Bleyseng Apr 17 2021, 08:16 AM

God, I remember him buying his 914 with that shit green paint.I

Posted by: Johny Blackstain Apr 17 2021, 09:53 AM

I prefer live, and I want that ridiculous guitar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2GWUt4dH-A

Posted by: Maltese Falcon Apr 17 2021, 03:55 PM

...and in that Pelican Thread, Otto's of Venice Beach (POC racer John Williamson) , just calling it the rust Hole . John had a great sense of humor ! We were supplying his shop with shorty-headers for the (1 year only) 1976 912e; which he referred to as the oil drippy "Stuttgart Edsel" or the "Exxon Valdez" Some of John's Willow Springs, POC class records (most in 914s) are still standing