By Randy Foulds, republished with permission from the April 2015 issue of Fourteener Motoring Magazine

As we have all observed, pricing on any Porsche more than 25 years old has increased dramatically in the last few years.  With everyone chasing air-cooled 911s and 356s, the 914 market has enjoyed a rising tide, as well.

Collectors started looking at collectible 914s about 7 years ago.  The 914-6s were the obvious choice, with their limited numbers and racing history.  I sold a 914-6 for $15,000 eleven years ago.  That same car, with both a modified 2.7 liter and the original 2.0 liter engine, sold for $55,000 four years ago. Today, it would garner a price of nearly $100,000.

As with any collectible car, originality is the most desirable characteristic. The 914, seen as a cheap, fun car for most of its life, suffered through years of modifications, including: body modifications, bad engine repairs or V8 replacements, sanded targa tops, various “mag” wheels, poor rust repairs, etc. All of these things we attribute to the DAPO (dumbass previous owner).  It’s rare to find a 914 now with even the correct driver’s side view mirror. In many cases these modifications can be easily corrected. Sometimes, however, they are harder to reverse.

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As seen with the American muscle car bubble, rare cars increase quickly, clones follow closely behind, preserved cars become hard to find, and restorations come along fast and furious. The smart buyers are looking for a 914 with documented low miles, correct or even original paint, matching unmodified engines, and as much original equipment as possible.

The 1973 2.0 liter has become the most desirable for its higher HP 2.0, serviceable fuel injection, and small factory upgrades over prior versions. A clean, unrestored example with correct engine code and Fuch alloy wheels can bring as much as $25,000 -30,000 in today’s market. The 1974 2.0 is close behind by only a few dollars. Frankly I believe they are as good as the 1973 model, but some dislike the small bumperettes added to the front bumper.

The 1975-76 are the least desirable model years to collectors due to the addition of the heavy DOT bumpers in those years. Deemed unattractive and heavy, the bumpers are easily removed and can be replaced with earlier chrome bumpers or aftermarket replicas.  Most 1975-1976 models were equipped with the 1.8 motor and L-Jet Fuel injection.  Although it is a superior injection system compared to the D-Jet, if it is not maintained it can be very problematic and difficult to troubleshoot.    Good clean examples are priced around $15,000, with the 2.0 liter version adding another $2,000-3,000 to that value.

The 1970-72 are harder to find in good condition. With a 1.7 liter engine, they were thought to be the underpowered stepchild to the 914-6. Therefore, they were often sacrificed to poor repairs or the scrap yard in larger numbers than later cars.  Good examples still command $15,000-$20,000 and, again, low mileage, original cars bring the most dollars.

When any collector car starts to increase in value, the market becomes flooded with bad restorations. These include cars that have been quickly repainted, had rust patched over, and engines cleaned, but, not rebuilt. A close look at any 914 can easily reveal a hasty clean-up versus a proper restoration. Most collectors would rather have a car in its worn patina than one patched together.

As values continue to climb, the currently under-valued cars will rise even higher. The LE, or Can-Am edition, made for just one year and with only 1000 cars manufactured, is currently priced at or even below other 914’s of that year.  With its distinctive paint scheme and wheels, the Creamsicle and the Bumblebee should see a sharp increase soon. No one is sure how many of the Can-Ams are left in drivable condition, with some estimates placing it at less than 100.

Another type of 914 that is starting to receive significant attention is high-quality 914-6 conversion.  With a period correct Porsche engine, carburetors, and all the extra items such as heat exchangers, oil tank, etc. many collectors are seeing these as a clone or tribute car. Pricing for these cars are appropriately near the $30,000-$35,000 range.

Regardless of their condition, 914s are enjoying more collector attention than at any other point in their history. Clearly, clean original cars will see the most appreciation. But, just as the 914 has risen in value in part due to changes in the market for other air-cooled Porsches, original, well-restored, and even cars in rough condition will likely continue to increase in value in the coming years. With only seven years of original production, and many cars being lost to rust and accidents, the supply of 914s is just too small to keep up with increasing collector demand.

Many have suggested that as prices increase it forecloses the true enthusiasts from owning the car. Others are enjoying the appreciation in the value of the inconic mid-engine car from Stuttgart. What’s your expereince been in buying or selling a 914? 

What is your opinion on the increases in value?