How To Honor The 914's VW Heritage Options

[Ansbacher]

I know this will rub the purists wrong, but I figured out a way to emblematically honor the 914's VW roots. I purchased a 914-VW-Porsche emblem in black and then carefully removed the 914 portion of the script. I did that for two reasons-
First, the original emblem is a bit of a lengthy and ungainly fit on the rear panel, and second, leaving it on would have resulted in redundant "914" scripts. This way I was able to retain the original scripts on the right side without redundancy.

As someone who has studied Porsche history in depth, and taught classes about it, I truly appreciate and understand that Porsche and VW are one in the same historically. Just because the factory chiefs decided to only badge European cars (and -6s ?) with the VW-Porsche emblem does not mean U.S. cars are not worthy of the honor (yes, I see it as praise and honor) unlike most.

Ok....flame on (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

Ansbacher

[orthobiz]

A great question. I would say by soldiering on and embracing the NARP spirit in all 914 owners. A letter to the editor this month (Sep 2021) of Sports Car Market highlights how much our cars bother owners of "legitimate" sports cars and how they deny us any Porsche heritage (abridged):

"The 914"
Notice I didn't say "Porsche" because it really isn't one. At least the 914/6 had Porsche power, but at heart, this clown car is a VW.

Goes on to say:
Save the big bucks you'll pay for a fancy exercise machine and buy a 914 instead because, unless it is fully sorted, you'll have leg muscles of iron and arms of steel. Or you can just park it on a hill.

Further:
The 914 is probably the most unreliable and least enjoyable car I have ever owned, and it is inexplicable to me how these have suddenly become collectible...Save your money and buy a REAL Porsche (emphasis mine, of course), not a poor man's imitation. Sorry 914 fans.

Reminds me of the junior high schooler who talks trash about the girl in his class but is actually secretly in love with her.

For me a major factor in my 914 ownership IS the VW heritage, the humble origins, the back(stabbing) story of the beleaguered little vehicle VW abandoned and which I have come to love so much. Subtle snubs abound, even at current day Porsche. Witness: the tire/wheel size guide Porsche published a couple of years ago (I can't seem to find it right now) listed only the 914/6 sizes. The 50th Anniversary mats only fit the early passenger side dimensions, like the 914/6. Etc., etc., and so on.

https://www.wheel-size.com/size/porsche/ doesn't even list the 914 in the "discontinued model" section.

Currently I'm down to three cars, all 4 cylinders. One even has a license plate ITZ A 4. Personally, and this is just me, I've never felt a compelling need to own a 6 just to satisfy my "real" Porsche desire. I'm happy where I am, I've owned 7 total on and off since 1975.

Luckily, thanks to all of us, this mighty VW lives on as I hereby honor its heritage!

Paul