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Posted by: mel reckling Nov 28 2007, 11:06 AM

I had no idea there was a great place like this. Here's my story:

In 1982 I imported a couple of grey market cars from Europe, one was a yellow 1972 914-6 vin 9142430107. At the time I was in the middle of a 16 year career in the car biz and in 1985 was one of the top 50 Toyota salesmen in the U.S. and actually sold a Mazda Cosmo once. I always loved cars and had accumulated 9 of them, mostly imports and included:

A 1979 BMW 635CSI(grey market)

A 1972 914-4

A 1976 MGB

A 1976 VW SCIROCCO

A 1975 914-4

A 1977 Datsun 280z

A 1959 BMW R69 m/c

A 1974 Honda 550 m/c

A 1973 BMW Bavaria

It was a pretty cool 'stable' of toys. Besides that I got a demo from work to drive.

As the years went by I started getting tired of throwing money constantly at the BMWs and trying to keep the cars dry in the moist climate of the Great Lakes. I learned if any of them got wet they would dissolve like sugar. Not having the proper dry storage facilities to house more than a couple of them I started to off the most of them. I sold the 635 in 1989 when it was no longer economically feasible to do what it needed. The rest were gone by the mid 90s except for the Datsun and the 914-6.

Time passes so quickly that suddenly it's the late 2000s and I realize that 25 years had gone by since the Porsche had even been on the road. So there it has sat in a very dry garage alongside it's (also yellow stablemate) Datsun. The cars have not deteriorated a bit and 7 years ago I got the Z back on the road for 2 days until it developed a dry rot gas line leak that has not been repaired so it has sat again.

I don't know if I did much harm by sitting it so long, but by it being 'on ice' for 25 years has that added a bit of history to the car? I believe it could be one of the only 72s in the U.S. It's never had a bit of rust to this day.

I am glad this site is dedicated to a car that I've considered one of my 'children'. I look forward to all this site has to offer.

Posted by: SLITS Nov 28 2007, 11:10 AM

Now put it on jackstands and tear it apart. That would qualify you for a full membership.

Posted by: rick 918-S Nov 28 2007, 11:32 AM

A real VW/Porsche 6! Cool!

Posted by: KaptKaos Nov 28 2007, 12:00 PM

Posted by: Betty Nov 28 2007, 12:43 PM

Yep, what he said!!!

How about pictures of all the cars? Very nice taste in vehicles I might add.

Our two 914's are our "babies" too...

.... oh, and

Posted by: johannes Nov 28 2007, 12:44 PM

Hi

One more member. We come here from all over the world. For example I am ZE french guy

Posted by: SirAndy Nov 28 2007, 12:53 PM

and i'm the resident german



welcome! yes, the '72 914-6 are somewhat rare around here ...
Andy

PS:

Posted by: davep Nov 28 2007, 01:01 PM

And I am one of the resident Canucks, plus a 914 historian who is very interested in learning a bit more about that 72 914/6. I'm just across Lake Erie from you.

Dave

Posted by: purple Nov 28 2007, 01:12 PM

and I'm a resident Texan... spent all 9 months and the first year of my life in a 71 914.
Too bad it's not down here. bodies stay in great shape, it's the engines that are hammered down here!

OH, and welcome!

Posted by: Blood red 914-6gt Nov 28 2007, 01:19 PM

Oh, I see those very often where I am from Wow, that sounds like you have a very sweet little car. Restore that baby. Oh, and...

Posted by: markb Nov 28 2007, 01:57 PM

72 /6's are quite rare, so please take LOTS of pics of it as it sits now, then LOTS MORE as you restore it back to pristine condition.

Posted by: McMark Nov 28 2007, 03:24 PM

welcome, that's a great story. Looking forwards to pictures and if you are so inclined, there are some threads in the Originality forum that could really benefit from you experience.

:welcome:

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 28 2007, 03:27 PM

Thanks for the welcome everyone. Like I said I just found this place today. All my pics are from 20+ years ago when cameras used things called 'film'. Damn, I feel so old.

A friend is coming over tomorrow so if he remembers to bring his digital camera I should have some shots up by this weekend.

Posted by: angerosa Nov 28 2007, 03:46 PM

Yes yes yes - Welcome!

Posted by: Dr Evil Nov 28 2007, 04:04 PM

You fit right in here We seem to have some similar tastes.

Posted by: jd74914 Nov 28 2007, 04:07 PM

Welcome to the monkey house

I can't wait to see pictures of you car . . .

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 28 2007, 04:23 PM

Would be more than glad to lend a hand any way I could. Steer me in the direction of these threads you mentioned, there are quite a few in there.

Posted by: Headrage Nov 28 2007, 04:34 PM

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 28 2007, 04:35 PM

My brother lives just north of you on Lake Livingston. Actually the trick is to keep them dry. The way I look at it, if the Datsun sitting next to it hasn't dissolved by now it must be really, really dry.

The 914 is a totally unrestored original. I've read there is some value in that to some collectors, who knows?

Posted by: lotus_65 Nov 28 2007, 04:39 PM

not me, but i can hear the salivation from here!

welcome to the insanity!

Posted by: Trevorg7 Nov 28 2007, 04:42 PM

T

Posted by: jimtab Nov 28 2007, 04:45 PM

WOW, an original, unmolested 72 -6....the pics should be pure 914 porn...and we like that .....I am the club "displaced Alaskan"....FWIW....welcome...

Posted by: purple Nov 28 2007, 05:01 PM

this value you speak of....i found a low miles 914-6 in sealy, tx and the guy was asking$17,000 for it.

it was all original, and i bet he'd get it, just not from me, as i have no money, my 914 keeps taking it from me! it's like a bully with my lunch money

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 28 2007, 05:01 PM

Hey Andy, my BMW 635CSI was imported from Germany as a grey market vehicle in 1984. My God what a nightmare it was bringing it up to U.S. impact standards. You even have to hire a certified translator.

The car was way too much for the original owner, looked like he'd crashed it 3-4 times by my guess. It had been modified and misrepresented to me as an 'Alpina' vehicle, only to be found out not to be an official one after it was here. Damn, that car was fast with no top end. I had it up to 140 one night and had pedal left.

I had used up my one time EPA exemption on my Porsche and had to put the BMW in a friend's name who I split the cost with, with the idea we were going to make some serious cash selling it. Took us a year to get a U.S. title with all the B.S. involved. It was worse than joint custody of a child with this other guy having the yuppie brought out in him and me without a name on the title. Finally bought him out of his half way too late to make any money. A life lesson learned.

I am also of German descent, the city of Recklinghausen is in the Ruhr valley. I visited Munich in 1971 when the city was being prepared for the Olympics. It is a pleasure to make your aquaintance.

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 28 2007, 05:39 PM

Hello Johannes, France was the original home of my 914. Must have been from somewhere near the coast as both sets of lights are amber.

In the early 80s a tennis pro was travelling around Europe making a list of grey market cars. I bought it sight-unseen and you had to be lucky to get a good one. There were 150 cars on his list, all kinds of them. Everything from Lambos and Ferraris to a classic the rep in my area brought in and let me drive once, a 73 RSR.

A teacher used to own it, but it has been too long to remember his name.

Posted by: orange914 Nov 28 2007, 06:02 PM

there is a recent post were someone in ohio putting together a list of ohio cars. i'm sure he'd be interested in talking to you. maybe someone has the link, or do a search



mike

Posted by: Gint Nov 28 2007, 06:20 PM

Love to see some pics when you get the chance.

Posted by: Pat Garvey Nov 28 2007, 06:41 PM

Please, please, please post copious pictures to the Originality Forum. Did I mention, please?

And welcome to this sad state of affairs!
Pat

Posted by: johannes Nov 29 2007, 07:53 AM

That's funny because my 914 actually comes from California !!! It has been reimported in Germany in 1993. I bought it near Stuttgart three years ago ...

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Nov 29 2007, 08:32 AM

To be honest, I am as interested in the 240Z as I am the 914.

More interested actually. When I was growing up, I promised myself that a 240Z would be the car I had when I got old enough. I had the Hot Wheel, I knew it was a good car.

All you need in there is a BMW 2002, and you'd have my three favorite cars.

Zach

Posted by: nsr-jamie Nov 29 2007, 09:18 AM

Wow! Excellent! Would love to see some cool pictures! A rare car indeed!....also some other owners here have some really nice cars. I too am glad to find this site. Cheers

Posted by: Thomas J Bliznik Nov 29 2007, 09:59 AM

Welcome Mel.

I visit your area on business & would like to stop & say hello when in the area. You will get lots of help from our local MI/OH guys. There are lots of us around & your 1972 914-6 is a rare one.

Thanks for joining this forum.

Tom


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Posted by: DEC Nov 29 2007, 10:04 AM

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 29 2007, 12:23 PM

Here's a shot from 7years ago, still planning on doing a bunch more tonight. Looks like the file space is too large to do more than one at a time because I don't know how to make them smaller.

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 29 2007, 12:32 PM

This one from 1989 when the 635 was still around. I've got a roll of film that can't be developed locally that has a complete series on the 914 that has been sitting around here for quite some time.

It's an optical illusion of some sort that made the garage look crooked.

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 29 2007, 12:42 PM

The beast, complete with water buffalo seats. Driver's door and LF fender were only original parts(aside from roof) that didn't appear to have been damaged during its life. The repair work was of poor quality and the car really started deteriorating not long after this picture was taken. It was going to need exhaust, tires, rust repair, total repaint and brakes. Big bucks that were not going to do anything more than bring it back to good condition.

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 29 2007, 12:50 PM

1977 Datsun 280z I purchased in 1978 from a flight attendant who traded it in on a Chevy van. Has a 1978 Hawaii inspection sticker on it. Keeps the 914 company.

All of these shots were scanned from photos so I apologize for the quality. The one's tonight should be much better.

Posted by: mack914-6 Nov 29 2007, 04:46 PM

Was on the other site, finally got home. Will post pics of my 914-6 conversion soon. Mack

Posted by: jd74914 Nov 29 2007, 04:57 PM

Can't wait to see them

Posted by: SGB Nov 29 2007, 06:40 PM

Beautiful cars, Mel.
I went through the one-time exemption, gray-market process in 85 with an e21 BMW. I REALLY wanted a 3.0 CS but they were all dust and bondo and when I left Germany I had this 320 with a straight 6 engine that just sang on the autobahn, so I brought it home. As I recall, it was pretty complicated....
My Mom had a Z-car of about that vintage as well
Anyway, it is time to

start
that
car.


and
WELCOME TO THE 914WORLD!!

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 30 2007, 07:23 AM

It was as 'polar opposite' as it could have gotten, the difference between what it took to bring the 914 up to standards compared to the BMW. Because the impact standards for 1972 were so low(no big bumpers) it took about 10 minutes to do all the work on the Porsche. We had the 635's bumpers off, had to put steel beams in the doors and such a series of complications it was hardly worth it. That process took us a year. Didn't help that the guy who's shop it was in had someone break in only to be mauled by his German Shepard guard dog and ultimately got sued by the thief and lost. Sometimes there's no justice whatsoever.

If he'd only had a 'guard sheep' it may have turned out like this.

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 30 2007, 07:42 AM

Took some shots last night, but it may take some time to download them they are so huge. I have Windows 98 and the downsize links I found here requires a newer OS.

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 30 2007, 07:51 AM

Good, it's working. As part of the process of bringing it up to U.S. code they required an ID plate on the pillar. The one here we stamped out on some piece of tin, (not original).

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 30 2007, 07:54 AM

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 30 2007, 07:57 AM

too bad it was dark in the garage



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Posted by: mel reckling Nov 30 2007, 08:00 AM

hinge area is in good shape


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Posted by: mel reckling Nov 30 2007, 08:04 AM

cloth seats


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Posted by: rick 918-S Nov 30 2007, 08:06 AM

Nice score! Yellow is faster

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 30 2007, 08:06 AM

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Posted by: mel reckling Nov 30 2007, 08:12 AM

You really are making it hard for me to forget about this car for another 25 years.



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Posted by: KaptKaos Nov 30 2007, 05:55 PM

Wow! Very nice.

Posted by: dlo914 Nov 30 2007, 06:07 PM

Nice car! Did all /6 come w/ a combination Temp & Fuel gauge?

Oh yeah! For picture resizing you can just use-

Microsoft's Paint:

1. Open the program or view a picture with MS Paint.
2. Hold and type Ctrl+W
3. Now in the percentage boxes enter how ever size you want to resize the pictures. (i.e. half, 50% both Horizontal & Vertical)

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 30 2007, 08:20 PM

Not sure if they all had the same, but don't believe this was anything but stock.

I was able to downsize to 35% on the image hoopiejoob from original 1100k shots in the mailbox. That seemed to work. They still are pretty grainy quality, but hey it was dark.

Posted by: John Nov 30 2007, 08:27 PM

So your 72 has a movable passenger seat and a 4-cyl style steering column.

I thought they did.

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 30 2007, 08:38 PM

I've got a stack of Panoramas from the early 80s, I'll try to look through them to see if they say anything about it. Again, this car should be about as close to original as can be. The number I got on the production run from the mags was 246 72s originally built, enough to qualify to run in production class. From articles from various other mags writing about them, the numbers have varied widely to a low of 50.

Posted by: mel reckling Nov 30 2007, 09:06 PM

Yes, the complications start from the very beginning. The ship sets sail and stops all over the place before it even starts across the ocean. When it gets near it starts hopping down the east coast from Canada. You do get to choose where you want it dropped with undesirable choices from Boston, NYC, Newark and the like. I opted for Baltimore and am glad that was a choice just for getting in and out of.

When you get to the first office you have to go to you are given the distinct impression these people have never done this before and are totally clueless. From there you bring everything they gave you only to find when you reach the port, the pink piece of paper should have been a blue piece of paper. Round and round, all over the port you go, quite comical dodging the activities of a busy port.

Then, everything is in the original language so noone has any idea what things you need. You wind up having to hire a certified translator and spend money on every single word finding out half of the stuff you didn't need.

Luckily, the 1972 didn't require any modifications to pass. They only wanted side marker lights, which we stuck on, took pics of then took off. The list was short and painless. I'd never do it again on something like the 79 BMW.

Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn Dec 1 2007, 12:31 PM

Mel,
Nice, rare 914. Remember, it's original only once.

Is that a Sonauto dealer emblem on the tail? If it is, I'd keep it on there to tout the cars' provenance (although others would say a dealer insignia shouldn't be on the car).

You got a very desirable car there, I'm sure we all will be following your progress with it on this Forum. Good to have you aboard.

Paul

Posted by: mel reckling Dec 1 2007, 05:09 PM

Thanks, Paul. Yes it is a Sonauto emblem, just went out and checked. Where are they located and you mean that adds to the nostalgia? Sorry, I am unfamiliar with
the name, but that's not saying much.

Are you the person mentioned who is compiling an Ohio list? I'll have to try to find this guy I used to work with back in the 80s. He was a formula VEE racer and had a 70 914-4 with only 14,000 miles on it. His name is still in the phone book, but would really have to be getting up in age.

Posted by: mel reckling Dec 3 2007, 09:24 AM

So is it safe to assume the LeMans 77 sticker on the window also adds to the provenance? Almost scraped it off 25 years ago and was going to remove the Sonauto emblem too. Glad it didn't happen. During my time in the car biz I always hated dealers who'd drill holes for an 'ego massage'.

Posted by: davep Dec 3 2007, 09:38 AM

We know of 1972 914/6 going up to VIN 0260.
Sonauto was the French importer and was involved in racing. The Sonauto 914/6 GT finished sixth overall at LeMans in 1970. I'd keep those stickers. At one time they were eyesores, but now I'd say that in your particular case id does add provenance.

BTW, I do have an incomplete list of members that I can sort by state. I just pass that info along to anyone compiling a state registry.

Posted by: lotus_65 Dec 3 2007, 07:59 PM

i wonder is this the car you speak of davep?

http://www.pbase.com/9146gt/factory_9146gt_race_cars_sn9140430457_sonauto_121&page=all

quite the buildup on your car, mel! i'm looking to live somewhat vicariously through this these threads and enjoy its resurrection.
no pressure, though
paul

Posted by: mel reckling Dec 4 2007, 07:58 AM

Thanks Paul, that is one incredible link. I keep having these 'Oh yeah, now I remember moments' since I started posting here. Little things that 25 years ago I knew about the car, but had forgotten. I had no knowledge of Sonauto's prior history, but that 6th overall is quite an accomplishment.

Thanks again.

Posted by: davep Dec 4 2007, 08:56 AM

No, this one. There were several that ran under the Sonauto banner.

http://www.pbase.com/9146gt/factory_9146gt_race_cars_sn9140431020_sonauto40

Posted by: nein14 Dec 4 2007, 11:26 AM

Rare French tailight Lenses

Posted by: mel reckling Dec 5 2007, 08:49 AM

Was this done by Sonauto? The headlight's bulbs are amber too. Found that out the last day I drove the car in 82, coming home from a bar. Flipped on the lights and the world lit up yellow. Got out and looked, puzzled at the sight. I had followed the car all the way back from Baltimore and never realized it and had only driven the car during the day once back. Was kind of cool, but realizing the local police would probably stop me in a less-than-sober state, I hightailed it home, dusting a New Supra on the way. It was off the line, the first time I put my foot in it, how quick this little car was. I had a 1.7 at the time and truely marvelled at the differences between these two cousins.

What kind of conditions would dictate to having that kind of set-up? Was it for foggy climate or was it for racing?

Posted by: lotus_65 Dec 5 2007, 03:59 PM

Your yelo fogs look cool, are they hella's?
I was coming home the other day after dark and some guy had yellows for his main lamps... not fogs or auxiliary's, the main ones like the sonauto in the link.

I thought it was illegal, but i don't rightly know.

Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn Dec 5 2007, 04:18 PM

Mel,
Just based on your posts and photos that you've provided, it seems that your /6 is in compliance with regulations and standards in effect for 1972 vehicles.....in France (but we all knew that anyway). The French market tail light lenses, the "yellow" lights, the Sonauto emblem, and the lack of side marker lights all indicate a French Connection.

I'm sure that in some states, the BMV would make you replace those French yellow bulbs with sealed-beam items. I wonder what else your car is equipped with that makes it a France-spec import?


Paul

Posted by: mel reckling Dec 6 2007, 06:20 AM

Yes they are Hellas. Each state probably has its own rules, not sure of Ohio, but have never seen anyone around here. They would be great in upstate NY with all the dense fog they get.

I was quite impressed, during my two trips to Europe in the early 70s, of the effectiveness of the cat's eyes they had imbedded in the roads. Even in the densest fog the road was so well marked. The one's here don't seem to be as bright as the Euro ones.

Posted by: mel reckling Dec 6 2007, 06:34 AM

Oh no! I've seen those French Connection movies. Maybe I should check my spare for contraband.

From what I've encountered in France, it seems they like to all get together and drive around in big circles trying to trap unsuspecting tourists in the middle of the whirlpool. Maybe there's some special kind of NASCAR left-turn-only package.

I think back in the early 70s they were trying to have recessed headlights covered, but changed the law after it went into effect.

Posted by: Steve Thacker Dec 6 2007, 07:48 AM

Mel,
Welcome aboard to the non-club. Maybe it is time to pull out those cars and do some tinkering and get them back on the road? Wish you were just a wee bit closer. I'd come over and help out or you could trailer one car at a time to my place.
I have a three car garage just for restorations. I'm down here on the SE side of Columbus.


Anyways again welcome to the site. Take your shoes off and stay awhile. Someone get this boy a beer from the fridge.

Posted by: mel reckling Dec 6 2007, 11:12 AM

Thanks for the cold one. The Z is pretty close to being on the road. The car has always, always been serviced at a Nissan dealer(same mechanic 29 years). Everything done with genuine Datsun parts. Last time(2000) it sat up in the air for 2 weeks in its own little area in the shop and the spectators raved about it. There's these little 2" lines running into the injectors that dry-rotted and sprouted pinholes. Three of them did the same thing and the new one is in the front bank of injectors. They're in the wrong spot just above the exhaust manifolds to start it up. It purred like a kitten besides that.

Posted by: dempwolf@pctribe.com Oct 12 2008, 10:53 PM

Thanks for the link Paul, and yes I find it very intereting. Took me forever to try and find where I had seen this information and the link but found it again after searching for hours.
I have become painfully aware again that my car will never be as original as Mel's without the engine and transmission gone probably for ever, I do have the numbers the COA gave me and I do look, but the chances of me finding it are not as good as my chance of winning the lottory.
The interior of Mel's car explains the dash and the mission switch, my tail lights are identical to his. I hope Mel will not mind me copying his images and any others he plans on sending since I know of no other original '72 /6 to use as a reference.
Attached is the plate the car came with. Keep the pictures coming Mel, I will store them all greatfully and refer to them when I need to know what an original '72 /6 should look like. Karl

PS I have ordered one of the few remaining 914-6(VW)Porsche crests from AutoAtlanta, there are a few left at $175


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Posted by: computers4kids Oct 12 2008, 11:01 PM

Looking at your list of cars, I declare you're sick puppy...you'll fit right in.
Mark

Posted by: mel reckling Oct 15 2008, 07:58 PM

Actually, I'm a cat person in a 'Dawg' town(Cleveland).

Demp, go ahead use any of the pics you find helpful.

Here's a couple more recent ones.






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Posted by: Jeff Bowlsby Mar 19 2010, 01:35 PM

Looks like Mels former French 914/6 car is local to us in the Bay area now. The new owner is selling off the rear bumber...but I am just curious...did the 1972 cars have the early rear bumper or the later rounded style?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/pts/1650864451.html




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Posted by: SirAndy Mar 19 2010, 02:03 PM

I always thought the "sharp" bumpers came on both, the early /4 and early /6 ...


If so, my guess would be that the round bumper is correct for a '72 /6.
Andy