Search For a 914

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FRUNKenstein
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Search For a 914

Post by FRUNKenstein » Tue May 26, 2020 8:29 am

Well, yesterday I actually went to look at a 914 in person here in the KC area. So, I'm going to mark that as the official start of the search for a 914. That's the next candidate to add to the hooptie fleet. My 914 backstory: my first "Porsche experience" was with a 914. I was an 18-year old senior in high school, and I had saved up about $3,000 to buy a fancy car (mind you this was 1982). I focused in on a Porsche 914. I ultimately ended up with a '77 Fiat X1/9, which was a horrible car that I absolutely loved and hated at the same time (when it was good, it was oh so good, but when it was bad . . . ). Anyhow, I remember arriving at the 914 seller's home, being taken out back to a small carriage house, and the doors swinging open to reveal a baby blue 914 in all its glory. As the doors swung open, you could hear the choir of angels singing on high and ray of golden light appear out of the night sky and shone brightly upon the Porsche. I was hooked. Alas, twas not to be as the seller wanted more than my $3,000 to part with it. Hence, I settled for the X1/9 for the princely sum of $2,900 (to be sold 2 hard years later for $1,500).

So, back to the current search. The auto museum closes on the purchase of a new facility this Friday that will temporarily be used for classic car storage. So, despite the home garage overflowing with questionable-quality '80's iron, I have a place to shove another acquisition. Not sure that the wife will tolerate a purchase anytime soon. But, the search is half the fun, right? Plus, with the 914 (as with most Porsche models), there is a lot to learn about the various engines and options and years. And rust. There's just a lot to learn about rust. If you don't know what the terms "hellhole" and "longs" mean, then you aren't ready to buy a 914. The good news is that assuming I buy a car with a solid, rust-free (or mostly rust-free) body, the mechanicals are pretty straightforward. It doesn't appear that there's much to fear about an engine rebuild - it looks like a full rebuild is maybe $3,000-ish. Of course, like anything Porsche, you can spend more. Unlike the 356, parts don't seem to be crazy expensive. Since the interior is pretty spartan, a ripped seat or cracked dash is not that big of a deal.

Colorwise, I've decided I want a "Skittles" color car: green, blue, red (of course), orange, yellow. Thankfully, they made plenty of those. Not interested in a "classier" color like white, black, gray, silver. Although, there are the "creamsicle" white with orange trim cars that I'd go for. In fact, there's a creamsicle tribute on ebay right now that seems like a helluva deal at $18,500 asking with documentation of over $32k spent on it.

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OK, so the car I went to see yesterday was Sunburst Orange '71 model. The seller was the brother-in-law & sister of the deceased owner. The car had a solid body, but had not been started in 30 years (according to the seller). It was stored inside. It had clearly been resprayed at some point in its life, despite the seller's insistence that the paint was original (a previous potential buyer had supposedly checked all the panels with a meter). Frankly, I'd prefer a car that has been resprayed with a clearcoat as I'm too lazy to try to keep up with single-stage paint (in nearly 5 years of ownership, I've never actually "waxed" the 996tt). It was a 1.7 liter car with factory air conditioning. Air cleaner and other parts removed from the engine bay. Tires were all flat (and 30+ years old). Steering wheel and other interior bits were off the car. Rocker panel covers were off the car (which was actually a plus for me so I could check out the longs). They were asking $17,000. Sellers were nice folks, but absolutely clueless about the car. I was very, very nice and non-judgmental and non-confrontational about the car, but I did my best to give them my honest opinion of the car. That included telling them it was worth no where near $17,000. If it was in concours condition, then yes, it might bring $17,000. I told them it was going to take $10,000+ to get the car back in a decent condition. I told them that in its current condition, it is worth $6,000, maybe $7,000 at the highest. But, that was a lie. Thinking about it on the drive home, I wouldn't pay over $4,000 for it. Frankly, given the year and engine, it might be more like a $2,500 car. Here are a few pics:

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So, the search is on. This first car is definitely a no-go for multiple reasons (which makes it a great first car to go look at - no chance I'm buying it). I'd really like to get to drive one. I think it will be a better fit than the X1/9 I bought last spring.

At this point, I'm focusing on getting a '73 or '74 2.0 liter car in nice condition for sub-$20k. I'd prefer the fuel injection be intact, but wouldn't turn down a nice carb conversion. The dream color is Ravenna Green, but the other "Skittles" colors are in play. Cuda mentioned a couple of years ago that he might be willing to part with his blue 914, which fits the bill to a "t", but I suspect the value of his car has gone into the mid-$20k's by now. Anyway, I'm going to document the search in here. Feel free to ride along with me and make comments as we go. But fair warning, get comfortable - it might take a while.
www.kansascityautomuseum.com
Current:
2002 996TT X50, Guards Red
1987 928S4, Guards Red
1987 951, Guards Red
1973 914 2.0 Bahia Red

2006 955S, Lapis Blue
Other toys:
1988 BMW 325i Cabriolet, Alpin Weiss
1987 Bertone X1/9, Verde Chiaro
Gone but not forgotten: 1975 914 2.0, Laguna Blue; 1999 996 C4 Aerokit Black; 1990 964 C2 Guards Red; 2006 955S Arctic Silver

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32wildbilly
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Re: Search For a 914

Post by 32wildbilly » Tue May 26, 2020 9:05 am

Good choice on walking away from this one. That looks like a giant money pit for sure. Good luck with your search. Keep us updated.

They are interesting little cars. There's a dude around here that has a heavily tweeked 2.0 dark green one(not for sale) lowered, wheels, exhaust mods and God knows what else that is a quick little thing!
Never gonna make you cry...

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FRUNKenstein
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Re: Search For a 914

Post by FRUNKenstein » Tue May 26, 2020 10:22 am

32wildbilly wrote: Tue May 26, 2020 9:05 am Good choice on walking away from this one. That looks like a giant money pit for sure. Good luck with your search. Keep us updated.

They are interesting little cars. There's a dude around here that has a heavily tweeked 2.0 dark green one(not for sale) lowered, wheels, exhaust mods and God knows what else that is a quick little thing!
Thanks Billy! I was looking on ebay and 914 World, and if I was in serious "gotta have one right now" mode, there are at least 3 candidates. There is the creamsicle tribute I referenced above, then there is a '73 1.8 liter car in just outside of Vegas that's really nice for a $13,000 asking, and then there is a nice lightly modded Baltic blue metallic car in San Francisco for I think $13k asking. Plus a very nice Adriatic blue '74 with tons of recent work and a functioning AC that is offered by a 914 specialty shop in East Peoria, IL, but at a little-too-pricey-for me $24,600.

I'm thinking this fall would be a good time to get real serious. If something perfect (say a '73 or '74 2.0 Ravenna green in nice condition) at a very reasonable price (sub $20k) comes along in the meantime, I could pull the trigger on it, but I'm in no hurry. So, keep your eyes peeled!
www.kansascityautomuseum.com
Current:
2002 996TT X50, Guards Red
1987 928S4, Guards Red
1987 951, Guards Red
1973 914 2.0 Bahia Red

2006 955S, Lapis Blue
Other toys:
1988 BMW 325i Cabriolet, Alpin Weiss
1987 Bertone X1/9, Verde Chiaro
Gone but not forgotten: 1975 914 2.0, Laguna Blue; 1999 996 C4 Aerokit Black; 1990 964 C2 Guards Red; 2006 955S Arctic Silver

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32wildbilly
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Re: Search For a 914

Post by 32wildbilly » Tue May 26, 2020 11:09 am

PCA online Marketplace:

1974 914 2.0 (#44093)
Published: 05/13/2020
$10,000
A Porsche two door convertible. The car is in very good condition and runs well. It has been stored during the winter. Owned since 1982. Priced to sell.
Mileage: 80,000
Exterior Color: Orange
Interior Color: black
Wisconsin

1973 914 1.7 (#44076)
Published: 05/12/2020
$7,500
True barn / garage find! No joke! Originally purchased on march 7, 1973. Just one owner until I purchased in Nov. 14 2018. Have most if not all receipts since new. Original owner's manual maintenance record book too. Was off the road in a barn/ garage... since 1993. I've since done all brakes "complete". New weber IDF 40's and new tires. Runs great. Donovan 719-310-1924
Mileage: 29,611
Exterior Color: yellow
Interior Color: black
Colorado

1972 914 (#42737)
Published: 02/01/2020 Last Updated: 05/20/2020
$21,000
Later 2.0 engine, 2bbl Webber carb, electronic ignition. Side shift 5 speed. NO RUST anywhere. FRP: flares, GT trunk deck (remote release), front and rear bumpers. Straight body, hand rubbed enamel (no clear-coat). 5 lug Fuchs Wheels, BMW front brakes, F&R sway bars, sport suspension. Custom interior. Collapsible spare. Excellent top. email for photos, Leave voice mail.
Mileage: 75,000
Exterior Color: black
Interior Color: tan plaid
Florida

1975 914 2.0 (#41028)
Published: 02/29/2020 Last Updated: 05/09/2020
$8,000
Runs strong. I have owned this car since 1985. I am the third owner and this car was driven by my wife to work (1 mile) and back every day for 25 years. After that it was only driven on special occasions. Has been garaged since I have owned it. Has original fuel injection. Engine is original and was rebuilt just before I bought it. Was a Calif car before coming to Id.
Exterior Color: Black
Interior Color: Black
Idaho

1972 914 (#40474)
Published: 05/18/2020
$12,800
1972 Porsche 914 with 1.7L motor. Performed many updates over 4 years, New brakes, rotors, wheel bearings, pads, tires, alignment complete. The interior is in good shape, with minor tear on driver seat. The 1.7L motor is in great condition, very strong, serviced by Euro Motor Sport in Bensenville, IL. Great Daily driver for someone who enjoys vintage cars! Sebastian
Mileage: 34,964
Exterior Color: Yellow
Interior Color: Black
Illinois
Never gonna make you cry...

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gnat
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Re: Search For a 914

Post by gnat » Tue May 26, 2020 11:42 am

32wildbilly wrote: Tue May 26, 2020 11:09 am 1975 914 2.0 (#41028)
Published: 02/29/2020 Last Updated: 05/09/2020
$8,000
Runs strong.
Red alert!
I have owned this car since 1985. I am the third owner and this car was driven by my wife to work (1 mile) and back every day for 25 years. After that it was only driven on special occasions. Has been garaged since I have owned it.
He forgot to mention that she works at the church :lol:

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FRUNKenstein
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Re: Search For a 914

Post by FRUNKenstein » Tue May 26, 2020 1:49 pm

That orange one for $10,000 is a definite contender. It is a 2.0 model, same owner for 38 years. I might just reach out to him. From the pictures, it's clearly a driver. The hellhole tells all, though. If it is solid, it would be worth buying now and could upgrade if a better one came along later.
www.kansascityautomuseum.com
Current:
2002 996TT X50, Guards Red
1987 928S4, Guards Red
1987 951, Guards Red
1973 914 2.0 Bahia Red

2006 955S, Lapis Blue
Other toys:
1988 BMW 325i Cabriolet, Alpin Weiss
1987 Bertone X1/9, Verde Chiaro
Gone but not forgotten: 1975 914 2.0, Laguna Blue; 1999 996 C4 Aerokit Black; 1990 964 C2 Guards Red; 2006 955S Arctic Silver

User avatar
32wildbilly
Never gonna run around and desert you
Posts: 5758
Joined: Sat Jan 06, 2018 2:46 pm
Location: Kneebraska

Re: Search For a 914

Post by 32wildbilly » Tue May 26, 2020 1:53 pm

FRUNKenstein wrote: Tue May 26, 2020 1:49 pm That orange one for $10,000 is a definite contender. It is a 2.0 model, same owner for 38 years. I might just reach out to him. From the pictures, it's clearly a driver. The hellhole tells all, though. If it is solid, it would be worth buying now and could upgrade if a better one came along later.
I figured out longs what the hell is a hellhole?
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FRUNKenstein
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Re: Search For a 914

Post by FRUNKenstein » Tue May 26, 2020 2:08 pm

I just sent the orange '74 2.0 liter owner a message via the PCA website. It's in suburban Milwaukee. Easy fly-out/drive home for me. At $10,000, it wouldn't be crazy hard to convince the wife to let me get it. If I don't like it, I can always just flip it.
www.kansascityautomuseum.com
Current:
2002 996TT X50, Guards Red
1987 928S4, Guards Red
1987 951, Guards Red
1973 914 2.0 Bahia Red

2006 955S, Lapis Blue
Other toys:
1988 BMW 325i Cabriolet, Alpin Weiss
1987 Bertone X1/9, Verde Chiaro
Gone but not forgotten: 1975 914 2.0, Laguna Blue; 1999 996 C4 Aerokit Black; 1990 964 C2 Guards Red; 2006 955S Arctic Silver

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FRUNKenstein
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Re: Search For a 914

Post by FRUNKenstein » Tue May 26, 2020 7:47 pm

Well, the orange ‘74 2.0 car in Milwaukee was one of those “too good to be true” deals - at least sort of. I got an email response with several more pictures and apology stating that due to the response, he was raising his asking price from $10,000 to $15,000. I don’t really blame him as the $10,000 price was low - I would have just paid him full asking price for it. But, at $15,000, meh, it’s no rush. I can get that car at that price anytime. I might shoot him an offer of $11,000 and see what happens as that’s still a good deal. But, I will not lose any sleep missing out on that car.
Pics from the ad at PCA.org:

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Pics sent to me:

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www.kansascityautomuseum.com
Current:
2002 996TT X50, Guards Red
1987 928S4, Guards Red
1987 951, Guards Red
1973 914 2.0 Bahia Red

2006 955S, Lapis Blue
Other toys:
1988 BMW 325i Cabriolet, Alpin Weiss
1987 Bertone X1/9, Verde Chiaro
Gone but not forgotten: 1975 914 2.0, Laguna Blue; 1999 996 C4 Aerokit Black; 1990 964 C2 Guards Red; 2006 955S Arctic Silver

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32wildbilly
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Posts: 5758
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Location: Kneebraska

Re: Search For a 914

Post by 32wildbilly » Wed May 27, 2020 5:39 am

FRUNKenstein wrote: Tue May 26, 2020 7:47 pm Well, the orange ‘74 2.0 car in Milwaukee was one of those “too good to be true” deals - at least sort of. I got an email response with several more pictures and apology stating that due to the response, he was raising his asking price from $10,000 to $15,000. I don’t really blame him as the $10,000 price was low - I would have just paid him full asking price for it. But, at $15,000, meh, it’s no rush. I can get that car at that price anytime. I might shoot him an offer of $11,000 and see what happens as that’s still a good deal. But, I will not lose any sleep missing out on that car.
Pics from the ad at PCA.org:
I hate to be snarky, but...You post the car in PCA with a price and now because someone shows interest you jack the price $5K!? What's up with that? One would think that a club member would research his car for a proper price point prior to posting. I would walk based just on principal, but that's just me.

"It's not the cars it's the people..."
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