How many 914 LE cars were built?, Porsche AG says 800 Options

[JeffBowlsby]

Until recently, the only 'official' record we had about the number of 914 LE cars built was the March 1974 dealer newsletter Parade introducing the car, announcing 1000 would be built for only the USA market.

But recently I was sent this letter below on Porsche AG letterhead, from 1988, indicating only about 800 914LEs were actually built. That they built less than the 1000 originally intended is no surprise given that the 914LEs, even though fully loaded with options and even some special 914LE-only equipment (front spoiler, side stripes and paint code) at a bargain price, were slow sellers.

We know from the catalog of the former Matsuda Museum in Japan that 20 914SL (Japan market LE's) shipped to Japan and George Hussey owns the only 914SL Bumblebee known to exist.

I know of a very few 914GTs (German market LEs) in Europe including a well documented 1.8L 914GT.

We have approximately 150 Bumblebees and 100 Creamsicles indicated as 'active' on the 914 LE Registry, but the actual status some of the cars on the Registry is uncertain - our information is incomplete becasue we don;t have owner contact info to verify some of the cars. Significantly fewer than 250 LEs are living and driving today. I have been thinkling for some time now about reduciung the LE Registry cars to only those we have a complete set of data and owner contact information on. What would you do with the 914LE Registry if you were me?

[NORD]

Jeff; I have come across three people in the last two monthes that did not even know of the 914 world. This number could grow as more people find us. I was also told of two cars sitting in the trees half way up the side of Mt. Baker. I will go by them next time I'm up and check condition as well as vin# (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[dlkawashima]

Jeff; I have come across three people in the last two monthes that did not even know of the 914 world.

Well 914World and the 914 LE Registry are two different websites, but your point about those that may own LE cars and not even know about the registry is a good one.

I agree with the others that all the LE cars should be included. Jeff, your site is so well done, I'm not sure I'd change anything. But if changes are made to help clarify which cars are fully documented, that sounds reasonable.

Regarding the total number of LE cars made, the point about Canada seems valid. After all, it is the limited edition "Can-Am" package that makes these cars special.