50 Jahre Porsche 914

The Porsche 911's little brother... In 1969 a very special sports car was born. The 914 rose from a marriage of convenience of Volkswagen and Porsche, because both companies wanted a small, modern and affordable sports car in their product range, but for little cost. Thus, it was decided to combine the skills of both manufacturers. The result was a light mid-engine sports car with a lively road performance and even 50 years after its launch, it pleases the eye with a fresh design. Back then it was often ridiculed as a 'housewife Porsche' or 'Volks-Porsche', but now, the 914 has come out of the shadow of its big brother the 911 and has a huge fan base; today it lives on in the Boxster and Cayman models. This volume includes: the result of thorough research in the Porsche and VW archives; rich photography; all technical data; development, production, model history and racing appearances.

This budget paperback tells the complete history of the 'Cinderella' Porsches which have now become respected and established classics. Includes 914 and 914-6 in international motorsport and expert advice on buying and restoring. Period illustrations acquired with the assistance of Porsche.

The Porsche 914 was born into consistently confusing and troubled times at Porsche and Volkswagen, not least with the idea of a non-911 Porsche horrifiying many at the time. A Porsche with an engine that wasn't in the back was simply unthinkable. Richard Gooding examines the story of a car of mixed parentage, which against the odds became a success in its relatively short, six-and-a half year lifespan. Around 119,000 cars were sold from 1969 to 1975, outselling contemporary rivals such as the Opel GT, and meaning it was the first mid-engined car to achieve six-digit sales. As a present-day classic, although challenging to some, low-slung looks and bright colours make the 1970s 914 period-perfect. Combined with near-ideal weight distribution and a low centre of grativity, its mid-engine layout means the 914 can achieve cornering G-forces comparable to the contemporary 911. The 914 was seen as a car that could inject a shot of glamour into VW's slightly worthy and dependable range of air-cooled cars. This book covers the history, development and manufacture of the 914 through troubled times at Porsche and Volkswagen and studies the impact of its design upon its successors. Buying and owning a 914 today is covered, and the book is illustrated with 218 colour photographs.

Detailed study of a remarkable little car that, when it appeared in 1969, was considered a mish-mash of ideas, and not a ‘proper’ Porsche. It’s also the story of the ‘little’ guys … the privateers and dealer teams who did most of the development that turned the 914 into great little racer.

Launched in 1969, the 914 series went through many problems and changes before production came to an end in 1976. It was constantly improved during its short life, but time just ran out for the model. It is interesting to note that until the Boxster made its debut, it remained Porsche's only mid-engined production car, although the company's racing models had been built with this layout for some years. The 914 also had a fine competition history - something that is often overlooked or run down because it wasn't as brilliant as that of the 911. By normal standards, however, it was indeed a fine history. There were also a large number of specials built on the 914 chassis, and both of these aspects have been covered in detail. The 914 series has often been cited as the forgotten Porsche, but there is a growing band of enthusiasts who only have eyes for this model. The handling is of course a major factor contributing towards the enjoyment of the type, but many people like the styling, and the fact that for so many years this was the most affordable of all Porsches to own and run. Now times have changed and the model has appreciated, not only in value, but in terms of awareness as well. The 914-6 has become particularly desirable, and it is hoped that this book will go some way towards explaining the 914's various merits.

An information-packed portfolio of contemporary international reports from three continents covering the Porsche 914 and 914/6. Features road and comparison tests, new model introductions and updates, full specs, technical analysis, comprehensive owner survey driving impressions, performance data, and advice on acquiring a Porsche 914 today.