Did the 914 save Porsche ?, Rumors ... or true story Options

[914-8]

Porsche certainly wasn't in need of "saving" in the early 70s. They were doing quite well at the time. You can read about it in Ludvigsen's book "Excellence was Expected." They were so flush with cash, they pretty much let the engineers run wild. So they did "cost no object" type things like moving the oil tank forward on the '72 911 to get better balance.

Certainly, by '74 and '75, the exchange rate made it difficult for all foreign car makers, including Porsche. It caused the prices of all imports to go up much higher, which always makes it harder to sell.

The 914 probably helped a bit during those years. But it certainly wasn't much, or for long. By '76, the 914 was dead.

So, no, I don't think the 914 "saved" Porsche.

[Racer]

I believe the 924/44 series cars were produced in the highest numbers.
I beleive the 914 is definately top 3, but basically, how many models did Porsche produced for sale at any one time?

356 (1949-1965)
911 (1965-present, in various forms - 40+years!)
914 (1970-1975/6)
924/44 (1976-1995)
928 (1977-1995)
Boxster (1997-present)
Cayenne (??-present)

From this, it is easy to see that the "lower priced" cars during multiple models years SHOULD be the best sellers. Thus, 914,944 and Boxster successes!

As for "independant" as someone mentioned above.

Porsche has always been an independent manufacturer. It was not until the 1980's that they set up their OWN DEALER network. Previously, they contracted with VOLKSWAGEN to oversee their US sales. Volkswagen of America (VOA) was that entity.

In a recent reversal of Financial sucess, Porsche purchased 20% of VW to ensure Porsches survival. VW is a very important partner in Porsche's success. Look at the 914 and 924/44. Those cars were supposed to be VW's and became Porsche's best sellers!

[Bleyseng]

P

The 914 probably helped a bit during those years. But it certainly wasn't much, or for long. By '76, the 914 was dead.

So, no, I don't think the 914 "saved" Porsche.

VW killed the 914 as they took over the asssembly line at the Karmann plant for a Water cooled car.

I have a friend who says he was at that meeting when VW told Porsche they were going to use that assembly line. He said there was lots of yelling. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[lapuwali]

You're missing some models there. The 912 outsold the 911 for at least two model years ('66-'67).

Outside the 356 period, Porsche produced 2-3 models of road car at any given time, and currently make 4 (996, Boxster, Cayman, Cayenne). In the early 70s, this was the 914 and the 911. In the late 70s into the 1990s, this was the 924/944, 928, and 911. They were also busy making racing models during all of this time.

[Dave_Darling]

...Only ad back then that I ever saw was in Esquire magazine while sitting in a marriage counselor waiting room.

I can just picture it...

"No, Mr. Cooley. The best idea is to let Red hit you with whatever she wants."
"Now for you, Mrs. Cooley. Don't you think a Louisville Slugger would make a much better sound against Mike's head??"

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol2.gif)

--DD

[Rrrockhound]

I wonder if any 914 buyers in the 70s were pissed off to find out they had a VW engine. I'm old enough to remember there was a scandal when people found out that GM shared engines across model lines, i.e. Pontiac 455 V8s ending up in Oldsmobiles, etc. It was even a joke on "All in the Family". I still can't see what the big deal was.

[Bleyseng]

I think everyone knew the 1.7L engine was stolen from 411's. They loved the 30mpg with it.

The 2.0L four was a big upgrade.

[markb]

...Only ad back then that I ever saw was in Esquire magazine while sitting in a marriage counselor waiting room.

I can just picture it...

"No, Mr. Cooley. The best idea is to let Red hit you with whatever she wants."
"Now for you, Mrs. Cooley. Don't you think a Louisville Slugger would make a much better sound against Mike's head??"

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol2.gif)

--DD

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

[johannes]

Now facts ! ...

Porsche 356:
Years:16
Total production: 77 895
Average: 4 868
Source: http://www.356registry.org/tech/production.html

Porsche 912:
Years: 5+1
Total production: ~32 000
Average : 5 333
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_912

Porsche 914
Years:7
Total production: 118 992
Average : 16 998
Source: http://914world.com (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Porsche 924:
Years:13
Total Production: 152 081
Average : 11 698
Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_924

Porsche 944:
Years:10
Total Production: 163 192
Average : 16 319
Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_944

Porsche 928:
Years:18
Total Production: 61 056
Average : 3 392
Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_928

Porsche 911:
Years:43
Total production: 400 000 ?????? based on calculation bellow.
I have read the avarage of Porsche 911 was less than the 912 at the same period ... and It certainely was less than the 924 ... and more than the 928
In my opinion back in the seventies the 911 had an average of 4000 to 7000 ... but today is quite different ...
1995-2005 = 264 000
1995-2005 Average : 24 000
Source : http://www.autointell.com/sports_cars/pors...s/porsche22.htm (click on the chart)

Porsche Boxter:
Years : 10+
Total Production: 185 816 (96-05)
Average : 18 500
Source : http://www.autointell.com/sports_cars/pors...s/porsche22.htm (click on the chart)

Porsche Cayenne:
Years : 3 +
Total production: 107 373
Average : 35 791
Source : http://www.autointell.com/sports_cars/pors...s/porsche22.htm (click on the chart)

Conclusion 1 : Back in the seventies the 914 was a real success
Conclusion 2 : Porsche has become a SUV producer (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

NARP rules !!!! (914, 924-944, Cayenne...) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

What about this ?
Porsche Panamera
Average : 40 000 ? they predict 20 000
The chassis may also be shared with VW...

[Flat VW]

NARP rules !!!! (928 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) )

The chassis may also be shared with VW... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

[johannes]

If someone has the 911 red book, could you please tell me the quantities for 911 production in early years 1964 - 1995 !

(IMG:http://www.booksrevisited.com/booksrev/images/items/275x1000/0760307237.jpg)