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Posted by: raynekat Jan 31 2025, 01:53 AM

My 1st Porsche was a 1976 orange 2.0 liter that I drove across the Atchafalaya basin freeway in Louisiana at 120 mph before my buddy got pulled over from a police chopper. Hehe. Took her to a couple of Porsche Parades. Autocrossed the heck out of her. Unfortunately, that car was a nightmare rust wise and bit the dust, but was my entry into the Porsche world.

I’ve had a few 911’s but ventured back into the 914 world with my 71 914 project that I shared here on 914 World. Spent way too much money on the car (way past 6 figures) but loved every second of it.


Still visit this forum all the time and watch the 914’s for sale on BaT religiously along with other websites.

Am I a “914 guy?”
Love you all….

Posted by: Shivers Jan 31 2025, 04:35 AM

Afraid so. Take two 914’s and call me in the morning

Posted by: Superhawk996 Jan 31 2025, 07:38 AM

The ability to revel in the NARP lifestyle.

The joy of reminding the P-car snobs that the VW Beetle was indeed Porsche’s roots.

Reminding them that the 914 is the lighter and better handling than a 911, 924, 944, 928. Keeping up with and/or passing 911’s on the twisties usually shut them up pretty quickly.

Posted by: flipb Jan 31 2025, 08:01 AM

Grew up as a car kid. Had all the posters, magazines, and toy/model cars. Learned to drive stick on my HS buddy's VW Golf.

For some reason, the 914 held the "attainable aspiration" spot for me for as long as I can remember. If you'd asked me at any age from 12 to 25+, I would've told you that someday, maybe I'll own a 914.

Finally hit my 30's, realized I had a small amount of disposable income... my DD was a boring appliance and I wanted an outlet for fun. There was never much question that it was time for a 914.


When people ask me why a 914, it's simple:
Take all the greatest sports cars that have ever existed. Put them into a blender and mix them all together. Then boil down what's left until you have the core essence of "Sports Car."

You'd be left with:

• Mid-engined
• Light weight
• Manual Transmission
• Disc brakes

and pretty much nothing else. No power-assisted anything. No infotainment. Basically, a 914. It's the distilled essence of Sports Car.

Posted by: Front yard mechanic Jan 31 2025, 08:53 AM

No other car looks so bitchen on jack stands

Posted by: ctc911ctc Jan 31 2025, 09:00 AM

my vote for best comment of the day

Posted by: sechszylinder Jan 31 2025, 09:08 AM

What “really” makes you a 914 guy?

Owning the same car for 40 years ??

I would say, that counts

BR

Benno

Posted by: GregAmy Jan 31 2025, 09:25 AM

I've often wondered how they could police speed on that causeway...then again, I read they put camera/RADAR on it recently...

Today some of those heaves would probably get you airborne.

Posted by: SirAndy Jan 31 2025, 10:10 AM

Wine, Cheese, Porsche Design shades, 000 subscription (Sorry Pete )

Posted by: Root_Werks Jan 31 2025, 10:17 AM

Always liked driving an "underdog" car. My Dad was that way as well.

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jan 31 2025, 10:18 AM

like you said, love

Posted by: SO.O.C914er Jan 31 2025, 10:28 AM

Okay then I’m in because come March I will have owned my 914 for 45 years!
Mid-engine madness has consumed me for so long.
Drive on Paul

Posted by: STL914 Jan 31 2025, 10:42 AM

Bought my first 914, a '74 2.2 liter 4 cylinder, in January 1998 following a house fire. Life is too short not to enjoy it. My wife and I immediately joined the local PCA chapter and became quite active. During many road trips, being constantly referred to as the VW, he gladly brought up the rear of the Porsche caravan. While the others in their 911's and 944's had their windows up and A/C on, we had our windows down, roof off and radio on listening to our 70's road music.

On our third car, a '72 Bahia Red 1.7 that now lives with the 2.2 from our first car, a set of steel GT flares and Jaguar Racing Green paint. After a long rest period in the garage I hope to bring it back to life and back on the road.


Attached thumbnail(s)

Posted by: ClayPerrine Jan 31 2025, 12:32 PM

In the summer of 1985, I bought a Porsche 924 and decided to go autocrossing in the hopes of working my way up to real road racing.

On November17th, 1985, I went to an SCCA autocross at Fair Park in Dallas. I went alone because the two friends that were supposed to go with me were too hungover to go. I almost didn't go.

That day I found the two loves of my life.... @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=3255 and 914s.



Three years later, I married the girl in the picture, and I got the "privilege" of keeping her 914 running.

The first time she let me drive her car, I had to get one. It was light years better than the 924. When I found out it was available with a six, I wanted one even more.

40 years later, I still have the same obsession. The 914s have gotten older. Mine has been modified a bunch. But the obsession is the same.

To this day I am glad I got out of bed, said "screw the hangover" and went to that Autocross. That day literally changed my life.

Posted by: Beach914 Jan 31 2025, 12:49 PM

After going 17 years without sports cars, raising my kids and having a heart attack at 50, I ventured into the world of 914's and bought a bus-motored 914 for $900. Met Jim Hoyland at a cars and coffee and joined the group. 914's seem to find me. went to look at a BMW Bavaria 4spd one day and came home owning a $250 chassis that was outside next to the BMW.
Now I've got it down to three and couldn't be happier.....

Posted by: Artfrombama Jan 31 2025, 12:52 PM

What “really” makes you a 914 guy?

Racing heritage
Neutral handling
Unique, not many still on the road
Simple "analog" mechanicals user friendly
Good parts availability
Most of all, the other owners are GREAT!

Posted by: 914werke Jan 31 2025, 01:32 PM

Passion!
the willingness to spend time $'s sweat & blood to repair "a car" knowing full well youll never get back out of it what you put in ....except in experiences

Posted by: technicalninja Jan 31 2025, 01:47 PM

I was fuched from the start!

BORN on 9/14.

First memories of car stuff, many. many 914s dad brought home for the weekend when he worked for Green Oaks.

First real car. 914

That car helped me win my wife 40 years ago.

Started my air-cooled experience. (not sure that's a positive!).

My entry "fee" into Datsun Z cars was that first 914.


And I absolutely LOVE taking larger prey with an underdog...

World's BEST chassis at the time it was built and for decades after.

And a change from yesteryears, this forum!

This place would have been DAMN helpful when I had that first car...

The internet was not available then!

Bunch more aftermarket support now as well!

Posted by: wonkipop Jan 31 2025, 02:28 PM

...........not listening to porsche owner's opinions about 914s.
either then or now - even if they say nice things these days.

-------

been up country on my uncle's farm all january.
away from internet - even phone had no coverage unless i drove around randomly trying to find 1 bar on the dial.

he breeds angus waygu cross cattle.
ate meat meat meat and meat for the month.
steak, lamb, venison, chicken, trout and pork.
with the occassional green thing to go with it.

his latest mob of calfs have hit the 900 series numbers.
hes got a full collection. 904, 906, 908, 911, 912, you know what, 917, 924.
hasn't aquired a 935 yet. next spring there is one coming.

poor little 914 had to get one of its headlights serviced.
had to get her in the "jackstand" and lubricate the lens with special lubrication oitment.
pink eye struck the herd due to dry dusty conditions and dirty disease carrying blowflies. hotter than hell most days. temps between 36 and 40 C.

Posted by: d914 Jan 31 2025, 02:33 PM

Nothing as fun as passing higher hp cars on the track with our narp!!!!

Posted by: technicalninja Jan 31 2025, 02:33 PM

You should add those pics to the 914 "number" thread.

You REALLY installed "head light fluid" there!

Posted by: wonkipop Jan 31 2025, 02:46 PM

i'll see if i can find the topic - will provide other owners with lubrication specs.


- on a serious note its a shocking "disease". no-one knows exactly what causes it.
various theories. generally held view its caused by an irritant getting lodged in the cattle's eyes. either dust or grass seed. causes a bacteria which when it gets bad sends the pupil of the eye white and the iris gets a pink coloured puss filled sore.
sends the cattle blind if you don't knock it off. every three days we were rounding up the mobs - pushing through the yard and syringing their eyes with oitment. you just slather it in. worst cases get an eyepatch which you glue on - keeps the flies off.
the flies spread it from cow to cow once one cow gets it. every farm in the district was afflicted. the vets were running out of oitment supplies.

Posted by: thomasotten Jan 31 2025, 03:12 PM

When your car becomes a member of the family.

Posted by: Geezer914 Jan 31 2025, 04:37 PM

Test drove one in 1972 while attending college in CA. Just got married, moved back to NJ. Kids came along ....... Just happened to be looking for a Triumph TR4 or TR6 as a project. Came across a 75 914 CA car for sale in York, PA for 5k back in 2009. Love driving my adult go kart!

Posted by: SKL1 Jan 31 2025, 05:48 PM

Well, my first car was (is) a early '71 914,(delivered on Veterans Day 1970) and I still have it. It will never leave the family as my boys inherited the rather strong car gene in our family.
I remember distinctly that many in the PCA at the time didn't want the 914 included as it wasn't a real Porsche (NARP). Made it just that more special when I'd beat a 911 in an autocross...

We need to keep 914world going for people like us...

Posted by: URY914 Jan 31 2025, 06:17 PM

I've owned the same 914 since 1979. You do the math.

Posted by: windforfun Jan 31 2025, 07:15 PM

It's a work of art from my perspective. I'd buy another one if I had space in the garage.

CTTOT, I'm trying to sell the one I have. And you know what? I hope nobody buys it.

Posted by: Front yard mechanic Jan 31 2025, 07:30 PM

Nice looking wheels

Posted by: worn Jan 31 2025, 09:22 PM

What a great story!

Posted by: SO.O.C914er Jan 31 2025, 10:23 PM

Have to agree ClayPerine that story hit home!! Bought my car in 1980 met my wife in 83 would drive with the roof off her in dolphin shorts or a miniskirt all legs! Here we are 41 years later driving each other crazy and lovin life!!

Posted by: L-Jet914 Feb 1 2025, 01:05 AM

I (born in 1987) grew up riding around in my father's 1974 1.8L that he bought new. I now drive, show, and maintain the ol girl. A work in progress to freshen everything up.

Posted by: fiacra Feb 1 2025, 09:49 AM

This, without a doubt! The Beetle is a wonderful car, and it is undeniably the genesis of Porsche. We own a Karmann Ghia, as well as a fully restored ragtop Beetle, in addition to two 914s. They are clearly same genus, even if they are different species. Each is fantastic in their own right.

I rarely go to car events because I could care less about participating in a discussion about the esoterica of cars. I love to drive a well sorted, well handling 914 but have no interest knowing which minor detail changed in mid year design, etc. I'm not here to engage in a pissing contest to see who knows more about arcane details, I just want to drive my damn car and enjoy seeing your car. I concede you know more than I do about Ferdinand Porsche's favorite meals, but do you have more fun driving your car? I wonder.

To bring this rant back on topic, you know you embody the true character of a 914 guy/gal when you are willing to sacrifice your personal time to do things like tow a fellow owner's car from California to their home in Oregon simply because you have the ability to do it and your heart tells you it is the right thing to do. That kind of spirit is what keeps me participating here

Posted by: TC 914-8 Feb 1 2025, 10:43 AM

I always loved the mid engine, 4 wheel disc brakes, 2 seat design. Back in the early 80’s I couldn’t afford a Pantera, so I found a wrecked 914, swapped out the 2.0 (sorry H4 guys) for a 2.6 Capri V6 with a inter-cooled Paxton blower,(couldn’t afford a -6 either). Been tinkering on 914 ever since then, on #2 since 2008. Met many gear heads who appreciate the 914 design, I appreciate the community with the feeling of the best P-car brotherhood around. It takes a special kind of mechanical nut job genius to keep our cars on the road.

Posted by: Justinp71 Feb 1 2025, 11:35 AM

I grew up with a 914 as the family car ... We had alot of muscle cars around, but I always really liked the 914-6 and 916 (as a dream car). In high school I got my current 914 with a 2.0, it was a blast to drive. I drove my uncles 2.5 carbed 911 and couldn't believe the instant power, feels faster than it actually was (it was fast but it felt insanely fast thanks to the carb setup). Finally once I made enough money I put a 3.0 six in my 914. Nothing else like it. Had a few muscle cars, but the 914-6 was the next level, just really love the lightweight car with mid engine, also think they look great. Then started getting into autocross and track, 914 is great in Ca because its smog exempt.

Posted by: fixer34 Feb 1 2025, 12:13 PM

Actually, a Porsche dealer used car salesman put me on to one, and it wasn't even his to sell. I was young, single, and had a good job. Been brought up on VWs (had owned 6 by then) but always wanted a 911. Shopped around a bit, on a lark, I went to look at a 914-6 selling by private owner. Yea, it's nice, I'll let you know...
Next day (I think) I was looking at '69 911T at a Porsche dealer. Casual chatting, told him I had just looked at a 914-6 that was right around the price of his 911. He told me to go back and buy the 914-6.
That was in July 1977. The same car is sitting in my garage right now. And it is NOT on jackstands.

Posted by: mlindner Feb 1 2025, 02:40 PM

You are blessed Clay. Wife of your dreams first and car of your dreams later. Nice

Posted by: JamesM Feb 1 2025, 10:48 PM

...well, that and a pair of testicles.

Posted by: sb914 Feb 2 2025, 07:41 AM

I never had money .

Posted by: mlindner Feb 2 2025, 08:50 AM

What makes a 914 guy? a wife that like cars, owning this one for 45 years, a lift and lots of tools and books. Then the car people you have met and worked with. Love it. Mark

Posted by: gandalf_025 Feb 2 2025, 09:21 AM

Can't believe this hasn't been brought up yet.??

Posted by: KELTY360 Feb 2 2025, 09:55 AM

Synonym for abnormal = NARP

Ever since I encountered the 914 discrimination from the Porsche crowd towards my brand new '73 1.7, I've always claimed "I'm not a Porsche guy, I'm a 914 guy." Does that qualify?

Posted by: mb911 Feb 2 2025, 11:19 AM

I had a 70 914 when I was 20 it was under loved by me and sold it to build my first -6, kept the 75-6 for a while until having kids and only fitting one person in the car with me seemed silly . Loved that car but wasn’t practical. Had a 911 project at the time and turned that into a 3.2 ss turbo EFI monster. That was going to kill me if I kept it. Sold that for a 964 and got some cash back in the deal. Drove the 964 for a few years and was bored with it. Sold that and bought a 67 Camaro project. Worked on that for a year and lost steam sold that and built a cabin in the north woods. When I turned 40 it was time to build what I wanted and that was GT tribute. Did that 9 years ago and love the car. Had a 88 g50 911 and a 928s4 in that time and they were great but not what I wanted and the 914 is ultimately what I wanted

Posted by: 930cabman Feb 2 2025, 12:03 PM

Well said, they were similar to being the red headed step child. Even now, we are second class to many "real" Porsche guys.

Posted by: technicalninja Feb 2 2025, 12:26 PM

And many times, in motorsports the 914 is intentionally hobbled by having to be 500ccs smaller than the 911.

Porsche's "super cars" have been mostly mid-engine...

Most the 90X cars were.

917, 962, 911GTR, Carrera GT, 918 spyder.

Lot more mids than rears...


If the car in question sits lower than the 911 in price it is NEVER allowed to be faster.

Until the "RS" versions of the Cayman even those were hobbled in two ways.

100 hp less power vs the GT3

Tranny geared intentionally to reduce acceleration so that the GT3 would beat it everywhere via the numbers.

But, when both of those cars hit the "ring" the Cayman was stupid close to the GT3s times, even hobbled as it was.

At MSRP the Cayman was less than 1/2 the price of the GT3...

More than half a century ago #40 proved this point most decisively.

Mids are better than rears!

Even Porsche themselves agree!

Posted by: bkrantz Feb 2 2025, 10:02 PM

Let's see.

Only car I have owned 4 of (and almost at least 2 more).

Only car I have used to build separate street, autocross/time trial, and dedicated race cars.

Only car I have done a complete, bare shell, rotisserie restoration.

Only car I have spent FAR too much time on time researching, discussing, and documenting.

Only car that I will always stop to see.

Posted by: morehills Feb 3 2025, 06:01 AM

Perhaps it's the humble beginnings for this car (setting aside LeMans), but I think "attitude" that makes a 914 owner. Not to precious, Teeners accept all forms from bone stock to hot rods. Fours, sixes, Subies, LS, Ferrari and yes, even applauding that Dylan Newport mod. 914 owners just love 'em all, and respect the work, especially when done by the owner. I can't believe the lengths some of your go to bring them back from the rust heap. I imagine you worked in body shops during you careers, but no, many of you just started small and learned from others on this forum. A 914 owner is inquisitive, resilient and helpful. Perhaps a bit twisted. But in a good way.

Posted by: 914rrr Feb 3 2025, 10:50 AM

In the early 80's, I was driving my DD black 73 2.0 to work. I began a "race" with a new 928 in morning rush hour traffic in Louisville KY on the Watterson Expressway, back when it was only 2 lanes each way. He was much faster but I was more nimble shooting traffic gaps and stayed ahead until my exit a few miles later. He was FUMING!!

Same car, driving home with my roommate from a late night out and a few long island teas. Sitting at a traffic light next to a newer malaise era Vette. Rooomate says "...don't do it..." about the time the light turned green. Got the win on reaction time and was even with him when the "trouble bubbles" were in my rear view. Cop was 2 cars back and I didn't see him. I was my utmost repentant self and apologized profusely. Cop hands me back my license with a stern warning followed by "...you had him the first 2 gears..."

Posted by: ctc911ctc Feb 3 2025, 01:42 PM

In 1973 I was living as a 17 year old in Glenview IL. I went to the Kenilworth Porsche dealer in my mothers car to see the new 914s. I went with a few buddies.

In the show room there was a 2L 914 in metalic green. Prettiest car I have ever seen. Also, while we were there someone was in the middle of buying it - they rolled it out of the show room and started it - perhaps I was in a daze but is sounded smooth and powerful - no VW clanking sounds.......Loved it.

I was able to, the following year buy a beat up '70 1.7 - loved the car - had it for a couple of years... other than it not starting when it was below 10degrees......never figured that one out.

I am cleaning up my '70 914-6 right now, next car will be a green '74. Metalic, zero time all systems..........current dream......

My 70 1.7



70 914-6



My 74, all original, 24K miles - 3 years rebuilding - next to the 914-6

Posted by: gandalf_025 Feb 4 2025, 08:24 AM

I didn't want a 914.. I wanted a new 750 Honda.

I was 18 and my parents wouldn't co-sign for the bike.
They said.. Go buy a nice car instead...
I never thought they would go for the 914, but they did..

Guess I'm a victim of Circumstances..??

Posted by: ctc911ctc Feb 4 2025, 08:46 AM

And he still has it!

Posted by: 914rrr Feb 6 2025, 03:53 AM

Does owning around 4 dozen 914's count, and does the turbo'd 914 2.0 I owned twice count as 2?

Don't know if he borrowed this from somebody else. Back in the late 70's - early 80's, Russ Stein of Stein Automotive in Louisville, KY had a really nice 70(?) 914 1.7. Someone asked him "How fast does it go?". He responded, "Fast enough to get you arrested in all 50 states..."

Posted by: wonkipop Feb 6 2025, 04:20 AM

no way.

your parents forced/....agreed? to let you to buy a four wheel motorbike.
hell yeah.

------me. i am too old and too scared these days to have a motorbike but.........
the next best thing will do.

a motorbike is mid engined? with the engine squashed under you.
like the ultimate in mid engined? or maybe i am just senile. but .........

Posted by: gandalf_025 Feb 6 2025, 07:36 AM

Actually, I ended up buying a 750, 2 years later but traded it in on a car for my
soon to be wife. BUT, I made the mistake of driving past the Honda Dealership
in late 1978 and saw another bike I had to buy...

Posted by: anderssj Feb 6 2025, 09:53 AM

Keeping a second copy of the 914 Haynes manual on the nightstand

Posted by: ClayPerrine Feb 6 2025, 01:18 PM

Having six different repair manuals for the 914, not including the factory manual.

Having multiple copies of the Haynes manual.

Having the function of each fuse on the fuse box memorized.

The spare bedroom in you house is full of 914 parts for your wife's 914.

Posted by: anderssj Feb 6 2025, 01:47 PM