914 stories Options

[Ace Le Count]

Does anyone have some crazy 914 stories that they'd like to share? Maybe your son/daughter was born in one? Maybe you drag raced someone that was getting cocky because they thought their riced out civic was faster? Maybe you used a 914 as a getaway car after you robbed a bank? How has your 914 saved the day?

[jhynesrockmtn]

I "tripped over" a 1970 914 last summer on FB. The ad was in the wrong section of marketplace but I recognized the dash in a photo. A friend and I went to see it thinking it was probably going to be a rusty POS. It wasn't. I'm no expert but I've been around 914's for a bit and have two others. A very original 1972 1.7 with 80k original miles but needing a bit of "light" rust repair and paint and then refresh the mechanicals. It's been stored in my shop for a few years. I also have a vintage race GT Tribute I'm getting ready for this season. I didn't need another car but couldn't pass this one up. It was so dry. About 125k original miles. All original books/records. The type of original owner that took notes of each service and dealership visit. It ran but not particularly well, barely stopped and it was impossible to find a gear. Only 3k on a rebuild of the 1.7. FI intact. It had just been sitting forever. I dug into a mechanical sorting with brakes, fuel lines, tank coating, new fuel pump, all new shifter bushings, new tires on some Fuchs I had stored, etc. It now runs well, stops, etc. It's been a fun project. Not sure if I'll keep it long term but it has a certain charm.

I work at a small private school part time. The car was parked in front of the building yesterday. At one point I saw a group looking at it and taking pics. Later that afternoon I get the following email. This from the original owners step daughter. Coincidentally I had written him and we have talked about getting together post covid. He sold the car to the gentleman I bought it from about 10 years ago.

Hello Jerry,

This is Jane Doe, Cataldo parent of Suzy and former student Johnny.

I was the crazy person taking pictures of your car after school today!

I was so surprised to see a 914,
and thought it might be my family’s old car!
Turns out, it is my stepdad’s old car, his name is John Doe.

What a small world, I was so excited to see the car and had no idea who it belonged to! Super cool!
I love that you’re driving it and hope you’ve been enjoying it!

Jane Doe