Concours Candidate: 1971 Porsche 914 1.7 31K Survivor – NOW $57,700

November 19, 2023 Update – The seller replaced their expiring Craigslist ad with a fresh listing. While the excellent pictures and description carry over, the seller currently shaved $1,100 off their asking price to land at $27,700.

Entering a car into a Concours competition takes a lot of planning, hard work, and attention to detail.  Everything needs to be cleaned to like-new condition.  Serious competitors start months in advance of a national competition to prepare their cars.  What if you don’t have the time (or perhaps the patience) to bring a classic car to Concours-level cleanliness?  Short of paying a detailing shop a princely sum to prepare your car for you (many people with more money than time go this route), the next best alternative is to buy a car that’s essentially already prepared.

One candidate to consider is this Willow Green 1971 Porsche 914 1.7 for sale, first spotted on Craigslist in October 2023 in Franklin, Tennesee.  With only 30,905 documented original miles, this air-cooled Porsche makes a fine preservation class judging candidate.  The great news is that not only did the current caretaker thoroughly sort their 914 during their past two years of ownership, but they also detailed the car to what appears to be Concours-level standards.  Based on the excellent pictures provided, it is quite possible you could win at least a class award with this Porsche 914 for sale simply by driving it to an event.

Currently offered for $57,700 (the original ask was $58,800), Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask aligns with this guide’s six-month rolling results trend for similar Porsche 914/4 models produced between 1970 and 1976.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can get a sense of what comparable examples sold for recently:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask lands well above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $35,500. A third data point, the downloadable 2023 Old Cars Price Guide Big Book confirms the seller’s ask falls just above this guide’s more up-to-date  #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $55,000 for a completely stock example.  The premium requested here is for an extremely low mileage, highly detailed, survivor-quality example.

The 1971 Porsche 914 1.7 is a truly iconic sports car that embodies the spirit of the 1970s. It’s a mid-engined, targa-top two-seater that was a collaborative effort between Porsche and Volkswagen, resulting in a unique blend of German engineering and design. The 914 marked a departure from Porsche’s traditional rear-engine layout, providing an affordable entry point into the world of Porsche performance. Here, we’ll delve into the history, design, performance, and legacy of this automotive gem.

The Porsche 914 was produced from 1969 to 1976 and was available in a range of engine options. The 1971 model, featuring the 1.7-liter engine, holds a special place in the 914 lineup. In the late 1960s, Porsche and Volkswagen joined forces to develop a new sports car. The 914 was the result of this collaboration, sharing its platform with the Volkswagen Type 4 and using various VW components, which helped keep production costs in check.

The 914’s design blends classic Porsche elements and the aesthetic trends of the 1970s. It features a low, sleek silhouette with a removable targa top. The pop-up headlights and distinctive, wide, blacked-out bumpers give it a distinctive look. The mid-engine layout allowed for a well-balanced weight distribution, contributing to the car’s superb handling characteristics. The interior is driver-focused, with a clean and functional layout, comfortable bucket seats, and a sporty three-spoke steering wheel.

The 1971 Porsche 914 1.7 was powered by a 1.7-liter flat-four engine that produced around 80 horsepower. While this might not seem impressive by today’s standards, in the context of the 1970s, it provided spirited performance. The 914’s lightweight construction, weighing just over 2,000 pounds, allowed it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 12 seconds, and it had a top speed of around 112 mph. The 914’s true prowess, however, lay in its handling. The mid-engine configuration and precise steering made it a delight to drive on winding roads, offering excellent balance and responsiveness.

The Porsche 914’s legacy is one of mixed opinions. Some purists were initially disappointed by its collaboration with Volkswagen and the departure from the rear-engine layout. However, over the years, it has gained a dedicated fan base. It served as a stepping stone for many enthusiasts to enter the world of Porsche sports cars, offering an affordable alternative to models like the 911. The 914 has also been successful in various motorsport events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and various rally competitions.

Today, the 1971 Porsche 914 1.7 is a sought-after classic car. Its unique design, balanced handling, and the characteristic purr of its flat-four engine make it a favorite among vintage car collectors and enthusiasts. Restored and well-maintained examples can fetch a significant premium in the market, and their popularity continues to grow as a symbol of an era that celebrates driving pleasure, innovation, and distinctive design.

The 1971 Porsche 914 1.7 is a true icon of its time. It represents a fascinating chapter in the history of Porsche, blending innovation, affordability, and performance in a package that still turns heads and inspires admiration among automotive enthusiasts today. This classic sports car encapsulates the essence of the 1970s, and its legacy continues to thrive in the hearts of those who appreciate its unique character and driving experience.

The Big Car YouTube Channel provides a nice overview of the Porsche 914 story and its storied partnership with parent company Volkswagen:

If you always wanted a Porsche 914 when new but either could not afford one or were too young at the time, this 31K original mile, survivor-quality, Willow Green 1971 Porsche 914 for sale may be the car for you.  This sorted survivor is the next best alternative to building a time machine and traveling back to 1971 to buy one brand new.

If you are serious about buying this Concours caliber 914, you can start the conversation by using the contact information provided by the seller in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please mention that you saw their vintage air-cooled Porsche featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s excellently detailed description:

Show or go: what would you do with this 1971 Porsche 914 for sale? Please comment below and let us know!