What month in 73 did 74 model year production begin, What month in 73 did 74 model year production begin? Options

[Brisco914prc]

Is there any published information regarding what month in 1973 the 1974 model year production began? Brett Johnson's 914 Authenticity does not contain that information.

My understanding is that in that era, and earlier, Porsche typically began production of the new model year after the August vacation period. So that would mean that 1974 914 model year production began in late August / early September.

I'm interested because there is a 914 built in July 1973 that has a 1974 rear bumper on it (the style with the two rubber bumper guards). My assumption is that is not the original bumper to the car because a July 1973 car should be a 1973 model year 914.

The car does not appear to show any rear end accident damage or repair that would have caused the original bumper to be replaced. But of course I can't be sure of that.

thanks,

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

august was the build of the new year july was the build of the old year. Hence july 73 was a 72 model and aug 72 was a 73 model. for the rear guards go by serial number. If your car is 47429 then it should have rear guards. If it is 47329 then it should not.

[Brisco914prc]

George, thanks, it is a 473292xxxx car so it should not have the rear guards. That is what I thought. I questioned the seller (second owner for just a few weeks) about why it has a later bumper and he didn't know. I don't have access to the original owner. Overall the car is extremely original with only a few minor changes that are obviously aftermarket. The rear end shows no sign of being in an accident. It's odd that it has a '74 bumper.

Barry

august was the build of the new year july was the build of the old year. Hence july 73 was a 72 model and aug 72 was a 73 model. for the rear guards go by serial number. If your car is 47429 then it should have rear guards. If it is 47329 then it should not.

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

I would certainly change it back. some 74 owner would love to get those bumper guards as the left rear is no longer available and the rear guards were 74 only of course.
No 474 car by the way had bumper shocks and the big bumpers installed by the factory only the 475 and 476 cars. Also all early 473 models had chrome washer nozzles and not until 1973 year production were the 473 models changed to black nozzles. This coincided with the change from brushed sill and carpet strips to black ones

Nice to see that we are getting some originality threads in the garage!

George, thanks, it is a 473292xxxx car so it should not have the rear guards. That is what I thought. I questioned the seller (second owner for just a few weeks) about why it has a later bumper and he didn't know. I don't have access to the original owner. Overall the car is extremely original with only a few minor changes that are obviously aftermarket. The rear end shows no sign of being in an accident. It's odd that it has a '74 bumper.

Barry

august was the build of the new year july was the build of the old year. Hence july 73 was a 72 model and aug 72 was a 73 model. for the rear guards go by serial number. If your car is 47429 then it should have rear guards. If it is 47329 then it should not.