Post a pic of the under-dash control & distribution unit.
All 914 AC units were dealer installed options - which may show on the original window sticker/sales receipt, but not usually on COA since that's factory installed options only (as far as I know). There were 2 versions back then installed by the USA dealers - VPC made by Volkswagen Products Company (in Dallas/Ft. Worth area then I believe); or the DPD unit, which used a round conical evaporator in the front trunk which the spare sat over & secured same; versus the squared VPC one which required additional tie-downs.
I agree that the top round vent doesn't look like a VPD condenser, but I don't have a pic of it handy, & it could also just be a variation over the AC units' production run.
I understand that both VPC & DPD units were designed by the same person, who has done a modern R134 unit sold at AA that is far more efficient & only robs the engine of 1.5 hp vs. 10+ on the old units; which you MAY be able to install the guts of into either the VPC or DPD units' dash consoles & condenser boxes - ask George or someone at AA on that.
The under dash grill & controls on the DPD unit is more symmetrical & the control dials are centered at the center console below & heater controls above, whereas VPC is offset to the right towards the passenger. See pix below:
VPC:Click to view attachmentDPD:Click to view attachmentHope this helps!