Volkswagen-Porsche 914 (1969-76)

COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.

The VW-Porsche 914, like many classic cars, has its share of common faults. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:

1. **Rust**: The 914 is particularly prone to rust, especially in the "hell hole" area under the battery tray and the passenger side trailing arm mount.
2. **Poor Shifting**: The original shifting mechanism can be problematic, leading to difficulty in finding gears.
3. **Fuel Injection Issues**: The D-Jetronic and L-Jetronic fuel injection systems can be tricky to tune and maintain.
4. **Electrical Problems**: Given the age of these cars, electrical issues are common, including problems with the wiring and connections.
5. **Engine Problems**: Issues such as poor power delivery, especially on inclines, and stalling can occur, often due to fuel system problems.

Despite these faults, many enthusiasts find the 914 to be a joy to drive and worth the effort to maintain.
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Generations/Trim Levels
Please Note: Generations and Trim Levels Across Countries
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products.

The VW-Porsche 914 went through three generations during its production run from 1969 to 1976.

### Generations:
1. **First Generation (1969-1972)**:
- Featured a mid-engine design.
- Powered by a range of engines, including four-cylinder units developed by Volkswagen and flat-six engines sourced from Porsche.
- Popular models included the Porsche 914/4 (1.7-liter engine) and the Porsche 914/6 (2.0-liter engine).

2. **Second Generation (1973-1974)**:
- Facelift with design revisions, including revised bumpers and impact-resistant safety features.
- Updated suspension components for improved ride quality and handling.

3. **Third Generation (1975-1976)**:
- Primarily cosmetic changes, including a distinctive black rear bumper with integrated rubber accordion elements to meet US crash safety standards.
- Minor updates to the interior, such as revised gauges and switches.

### Trim Levels:
- **914/4**: The most common trim level, featuring a four-cylinder engine.
- **914/6**: A rarer trim level with a six-cylinder engine, offering more power and performance.
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Engines
The VW-Porsche 914 was offered with a variety of engines during its production run:

### Four-Cylinder Engines:
1. **1.7-liter Flat-4**: Produced 80 horsepower.
2. **1.8-liter Flat-4**: Produced 85 horsepower.
3. **2.0-liter Flat-4**: Produced 95 horsepower.

### Six-Cylinder Engine:
1. **2.0-liter Flat-6**: Produced 110 horsepower.

These engines provided a range of performance options, making the 914 a versatile sports car for its time.
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Performance
The VW-Porsche 914 had varying performance specifications depending on the engine configuration:

### 1.7-liter Flat-4:
- **Horsepower**: 80 hp
- **Torque**: 94 lb-ft
- **0-60 mph (0-96 km/h)**: Approximately 13 seconds
- **Top Speed**: Around 110 mph (177 km/h)

### 1.8-liter Flat-4:
- **Horsepower**: 85 hp
- **Torque**: 100 lb-ft
- **0-60 mph (0-96 km/h)**: Approximately 12 seconds
- **Top Speed**: Around 110 mph (178 km/h)

### 2.0-liter Flat-4:
- **Horsepower**: 95 hp
- **Torque**: 108 lb-ft
- **0-60 mph (0-96 km/h)**: Approximately 10 seconds
- **Top Speed**: Around 115 mph (185 km/h)

### 2.0-liter Flat-6:
- **Horsepower**: 110 hp
- **Torque**: 116 lb-ft
- **0-60 mph (0-96 km/h)**: Approximately 8.7 seconds
- **Top Speed**: Around 125 mph (201 km/h)

These performance figures made the 914 a versatile and enjoyable sports car for its time.
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Designer/Dimensions
The VW-Porsche 914 was designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche and Heinrich Klie.

### Dimensions:
- **Wheelbase**: 2,450 mm (96.5 in)
- **Length**: 3,985 mm (156.9 in)
- **Width**: 1,650 mm (65.0 in)
- **Height**: 1,230 mm (48.4 in)
- **Curb Weight**: 940–995 kg (2,072–2,194 lb)
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Spares/Specialists
For locating spares for the VW-Porsche 914 in the UK and Ireland, you can check out the following suppliers:

1. **Eurospares Ltd**: They offer a wide range of genuine Porsche 914 parts, including body panels, exhausts, interiors, and service items. You can find more details on their [website](https://www.eurospares.co.uk/Porsche/914).
2. **Heritage Parts Centre**: They specialize in Porsche 914 parts and accessories, offering everything from body panels to engine components. You can explore their offerings on their [website](https://www.heritagepartscentre.com/uk/porsche/914.html).
3. **Porsche Spares UK**: They provide a variety of Porsche 914 engine parts and other components. You can visit their [website](https://porschesparesuk.com/collections/porsche-914-engine-parts/).

As for garage services in Northern Ireland, here are some options:

1. **Commons Brae Garage**: Located at 188 Saintfield Road, Belfast. They offer a range of car repair services. You can contact them at 028 9543 8739.
2. **Crossey's Garage**: Based in Lisburn, they have a great reputation for maintaining and repairing vehicles to high standards. You can reach them at 028 9266 0239.
3. **McCormick's Garage**: Located in Newtownards, they provide various garage services, including general repairs and servicing. You can contact them at 028 9181 0500.
4. **Auto Services**: Situated in Lisburn, they offer a comprehensive range of repairs for cars and light commercial vehicles. You can reach them at 028 9267 5322.

These garages should be able to help you maintain your VW-Porsche 914.
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Racing
The VW-Porsche 914 did compete in racing and had a notable presence in motorsports. It was particularly successful in the following areas:

1. **SCCA (Sports Car Club of America)**: The 914 was popular in SCCA racing events, especially in the E Production and F Production classes. It was known for its excellent handling and balance, making it a competitive choice.
2. **IMSA (International Motor Sports Association)**: The 914 also competed in IMSA events, where it was often modified and raced in various classes.
3. **European Rally Championships**: The 914 participated in rally events, showcasing its versatility and durability on different terrains.
4. **24 Hours of Le Mans**: The 914/6 GT variant competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, achieving class victories and demonstrating its endurance capabilities.

The 914's racing success helped solidify its reputation as a capable and versatile sports car.
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Valuation
The value of a VW-Porsche 914 in the UK today can vary based on its condition, originality, and specific model. Here are some general price ranges:

- **Fair Condition**: Around £10,000 to £15,000.
- **Good Condition**: Approximately £15,000 to £25,000.
- **Excellent Condition**: Can go up to £40,000 or more.

Special models, such as the 914/6, can fetch even higher prices, especially if they are in pristine condition or have a notable history.
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