Patina, can a 914 "have" it, or isn't it old or valuable enough? Options

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

I see recently that a 1939 Talbot-Lago went for $4,847,000. Yes there were only a handful (less than 30) made, yes, the Talbot marque is much revered, yes, the car has racing history, and yes, it's a "survivor". But "no interior door trim", "leather seat stiff and cracked", "most instruments and controls fitted", "oxidized and chipped paint applied by brush in places" , and "there are crudely welded metal pieces..."

The reason for this preamble is to determine at what point a "survivor" needs to be restored and refinished, as opposed to leaving it alone and preseving its "patina", if a 914 can have such a thing.

It's been said that a car is original just once, and once it's redone, the direct link to its origins is lost forever, even if it's only a sympathetic repaint.

My '70/4, repainted by the only previous owner in 1973 after a disasterous hail storm, lost its originality staus then. Though the paint held up surprisingly well over the subsequent 30+ years, rust was becoming ever more evident on the lower extremities of the front fenders, around the door handles and the rollbar area. Not quite so evident to the casual observer, rust had also taken its toll in the usual 914 problem spots (hell hole, floor pan). No chance at preservation or patina with my car

I'd live with paint chips on the nose (proud evidence of road use), even door dings left by careless motorists (my blood runs hot at such wanton disregard), and moderately faded/scratched/crazed exterior paint would not, by itself, prompt me to repaint and restore. But blistering, rotting, eroding, corroding sheetmetal only hints at what evil deterioration lies beneath painted surfaces.

So, if it's rusted, I'd cut it out and refinish and repaint. If the metal was solid, straight and intact, I'd do all I could to keep the paint intact, preserving the originality and maintaining the "patina".

Finally, if anyone has a /4 or /6 with the aforementioned "patina", I'd like to see some photos and history. Thanks.


Paul

[Racer]

The whole idea of "restoration" vs "preservation" is the key and its a subject of great discussion among the serious collectors. Many a collector regrets over restoring a car. Yes, shiny and better than showroom appeal to some. To others, not so much.

Does a 914 with "patina" look nice now? subjective.. but to me it is the more interesting car, assuming it still works as it should. In another 20 years, yes, a truly "original" 914 with patina trumps an over restored, only the VIN plate was original example.

[Pat Garvey]

The whole idea of "restoration" vs "preservation" is the key and its a subject of great discussion among the serious collectors. Many a collector regrets over restoring a car. Yes, shiny and better than showroom appeal to some. To others, not so much.

Does a 914 with "patina" look nice now? subjective.. but to me it is the more interesting car, assuming it still works as it should. In another 20 years, yes, a truly "original" 914 with patina trumps an over restored, only the VIN plate was original example.

I agree with about "over restoring" a car - any car. But, the fact is - 40+ year old cars are going to need refurbishing. And, you CAN refurbish a 914 to it's original finish.

When I had mine redone (1979), I told the bodyshop owner to refinish the car to the correct level of orange peel that came on a 914. When he asked how, I told him NOT to repaint the engine lid, but to use it as a guide for the finish of the rest of the car. It came out perfect! 30 years later, the finish is somewhat slicker than it should be, after 30 years of polishing, but it all still matches. Great job & if anyone in the Cincy area wants to know who did he job PM me - he's still doing it!
Pat