New Like ’72: Time warp 1972 Porsche 914

Found here on eBay is my very original 1972 Porsche 914.  I’ve been the caretaker of 914 #4722909726 for the last 10 years and we’ve been through our fair share of mountain roads and road trips. 914 09726 started life in Lander, Wyoming and then headed east to Dallas, Texas. I became its proud owner in 2007 and brought it to Athens, Georgia. The 914 still wears its original Light Ivory (L80E) paint that shows a nice patina. The original Pedrini wheels are shod with Bridgestone Potenza tires that have lots of life in them. The original black interior is in phenomenal shape considering the 44 years that it has seen.

 

When I bought the car it still wore its original fuel injection that will accompany the sale. I replaced it with a pair of Weber 40 IDF carburetors soon after for a bit more power. These carbs breathe into a 1.7l block that has been built out to 2.0l specs. 94mm pistons mated with 2.0l heads and a mild cam make this Type IV motor scream. The original heat exchanges are still present so it has perfectly functioning heat. At the back a new Bursch muffler lets everything exhale nicely.

 

914 09726 has recently benefited from an engine out service and reseal.  New piston rings, jug rings, pushrod tube seals, main seals and valve cover gaskets were installed. The valves have just been adjusted and fresh oil and filter added. This motor starts easily and pulls strongly. Triple digits on the highway are reached in a breeze yet it will still get 30mpg when driven conservatively.

 

The original tail shift 901 gearbox has been swapped for the newer, more precise side-shift unit. It shifts well into all five gears plus reverse and the clutch has plenty of life in it.

 

Rust can be a killer on these old Porsches. Due to its western origins this 914 shows very little car cancer. The floors, suspension mounts, rocker, and bottom of the firewall are all solid and don’t show any signs of rust. The beloved “hell-hole” underneath the battery tray has a 2.5” hole on the inner portion but the frame and engine support are all sound without rust. 914 09726 was originally fitted with dealer installed air conditioning. It has since been removed and the hole underneath the spare tire where the condenser resided has been patched.

 

The 356 and 911 craze of the last few years has put these cars out of reach for most enthusiasts. The 914 represent the last of the affordable  air-cooled Porsches. The mid-engine layout makes these cars handle like they’re on rails and its VW roots make it efficient and easy to work on. Feel free to email with questions or to arrange a time to come see 914 09726.

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