I simply don't get it..., The demise of the 914 was because why? |
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I simply don't get it..., The demise of the 914 was because why? |
Air_Cooled_Nut |
Mar 14 2004, 10:17 PM
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914 Ronin - 914 owner who lost his 914club.com Group: Members Posts: 1,748 Joined: 19-April 03 From: Beaverton, Oregon Member No.: 584 Region Association: None |
During my lunch break on Friday I stopped in a nearby tobacco shop for a Trinidad (the cigar, not my girlfriend (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) ) and the store had a BUNCH of magazines so I checked some out. One particular British rag, 911 & Porsche, had a sexy Martini 911 Turbo on the cover. I bought it. One thing I really like about the British rags is that they are liberal with their color photographs, unlike American ones.
First, there's a very cool article on Porsche tractors and now I want one (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) But, second, the below insert caught my eye. For a vehicle with continuous praise for handling and race-car features, was it written off simply because of drooping sales? Granted, the 4-banger engine was the only [in my mind] weak link but the six...oh, the six!...was what made the 914. And this rubbish from the affictiandos (which seem to comprise primarily of 356 & 911 owners) that the 914 wasn't a real Porsche -- why? Simply because of the 4-banger (then is the 912 considered a "Not A Real Porsche")? Because of the VW powerplant (356ers are more VW than Porsche, at least the early units)?. Honestly, what are their reasons? It didn't win [enough] races? I think they are simply envious (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) Attached thumbnail(s) |
Bleyseng |
Mar 15 2004, 10:04 AM
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Aircooled Baby! Group: Members Posts: 13,035 Joined: 27-December 02 From: Seattle, Washington (for now) Member No.: 24 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
I have always understood that Porsche was interested in a replacement for the 912, a low end Porsche. VW was looking for a replacement for the KarmannGhia. It was a joint effort with Porsche doing the design work. Thats why they formed the VW/Porsche company to sell these cars. Porsche had the 914/6 cars it wanted but the bodies from VW were too expensive and priced the six car too high in the market. Even I remember that!
VW management made the change to go with front wheel drive cars after Nordoff died and had no interest in the 914 other than they needed the production line at Karmann to build the Scirroco cars. Porsche bought VW's interests out in 74 and wanted to continue building the cars as they were still selling well (17-20k units) when Porsche needed Sales to help make money. They weren't making a killing on 911's then either with the high exchange rate. Yes, by 74 the 914 was a top of its segment sports car but people were buying them as they were buying 911's. VW killed the 914 since Porsche had no place to build it, they even considered moving building it to Zuffenhausen! Geoff (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mueba.gif) |
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