1974 Porsche 914 2.0 Roadster

The 914 changed the rules. For starters, you paid extra for chrome bumpers and vinyl-covered roof sections. Excuse me?

by Jim Schrager

Porsche introduced the 914 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1969, and it became available in the U.S. in the spring of 1970. Priced at just under $3,500 (for the 4-cylinder car), an extra $200 bought the “appearance group” option that included chrome bumpers as well as an aluminum-trimmed vinyl covering for the roof pillars. Oddly enough, buyers on the West Coast had to pay an additional $100 for the privilege of the chrome and vinyl option.

The car was built by long-time Porsche body builder Karmann and assembled with a VW engine. Initial public reaction was muted, but nevertheless sales were steady and reliable, which were attributes of the car itself. The removable fiberglass roof section promised open-air motoring in safe style. The flat-4 air-cooled powerplant, with fuel injection, provided reasonable performance and spirited touring, and the chassis was often praised because of its near neutral handling.

This beautifully presented Metallic...