Excellence Mag-August, Top 10 Undervalued Porsches to Buy Now Options

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August Issue of Excellence

http://www.excellence-mag.com/art1/art1p2.html

1973-74 914 2.0
Decent car, you stole it: $6,000-8,000
Nice car, decent money: $10,000-12,000
Insanely nice, high price: $17,000-22,000+
Watch out for: Rust, evidence of budget repairs, unspeakable and/or irreversible modifications, non-original engine, and trim-needy cars
Since there are a lot of these around, be sure to find an example in excellent condition, as the costs to restore a 914 are well ahead of its value, as is most always the case with the “undiscovered” Porsches. The big surprise here, should you be familiar with similar-year 911s, is how much fun a good 2.0 is to drive. You’ll be shocked and delighted at the broad powerband and pulling power of a good, stock 2.0, especially a 1973.
Stay away from cars without their original fuel injection, as there is a certain stigma associated with 914-4s converted to carburetors that implies previous owners were after a cheap and easy fix for fuel-injection woes. That said, there is a lively, but different, market for highly modified 914s with hot-rod four-cylinders and 911 engine conversions. When done well and tastefully, we suspect these modified 914s will hold their value. But as collectors have found for decades, most buyers will desire original cars.
Look very carefully for rust throughout the car and especially below the battery tray, rear trailing-arm mounts, jack points, and longitudinals (hiding behind the outer rocker covers). Chrome bumpers, factory alloy wheels, and period colors — such as one of several oranges, greens, or yellows —may add to the value. Any 914 you consider should have a clean interior, great brightwork, and good rubber seals. For a 914 especially, remember: condition, condition, condition. Find a 914 that’s as nice as possible — it will save you money in the long run.

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[Michael N]

I must say that it was nice to see a LE Creamcicle or Bumblebee in any form in Excellence. I can't remember any time in the past seeing a photo of one.