Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car, interesting observations on a 914 sale Options

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

In the latest issue of Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car (Nov 2011), they comment on the auction results of a 1974 914 that was sold at the Bonhams' sale.

1974 914, condition:Modified-#3- (#3 is considered average), selling price:$10500.

Comments: " Few people can leave a 914 alone-like a '32 Ford, it's the rare car that's been returned to stock form and, as with any hot rod, your vision and that of a buyer seldom match up well enough to recoup your investment. This car's work included a 2.0-liter Euro engine with a number of mods: exhaust, transmission, suspension, brakes, wheels and interior, including a harness bar visible here. A hole in the side of the engine bay right behind the driver looked like it was made with a shotgun-no idea what that was about. The home paintwork was adequate. The buyer purchased a large amount of work for cheap"

The photo shown depicts a red (or orange) narrow body with body painted rollbar and bumpers. The bumpers do not have the black "tits", the car has fog lights and a crest on the hood. I can't discern the type of wheels that are on the car.

I also do not know if the 2.0 engine they refer to is a /6 or a /4 w/carbs, as they call it a "Euro" engine. (That could also be the seller's description).

Anyway, as has been the subject on this forum before, I believe that modified cars, besides often being expensive to build, rarely, if ever, return the cost that was spent on its modification. That belief also applies to "clones", "knock-offs", "resto-mods", and "fakey-dos". That is true whether you are building a Hemi-Cuda, a Mustang GT-350, a 911 Carrera RS or a big-block C2 Corvette.
Authenticity counts for much in the upper price realms of desireable cars, which I think is proven by 914/6 values.

Paul

[orange914]

IMHO Tastefully done upgrades that bring a clean 914 to a very high drivable standard are the most enjoyable and cost effective. Unless it's very unique or a six, resto/mod appeal to most... again just my experiance and .02c