Is a 1975 1.8 worth keeping original Options

[apsoto]

I've got an opportunity to acquire a 1975 1.8L that's been sitting for ~15 years. Before I do anything drastic to it I'm wondering is it worth keeping stock or not? The value for a daily driver is around 8k from what I've researched. For me that's not very much to warrant keeping it stock if I plan to keep it since I'll need to drop quite a bit of money to get it back up and running.

Anyone have any thoughts on a good route to take with this car? I've liked 914 since I was a kid and look forward to a project car but I also don't want to hack up a car that deserves to be kept original.

[Sedonut]

Generally, stock cars bring the most money and have the widest market on resale. Depending on the mods you choose, it may limit the potential buyers, and if really unusual you may not get your money back.

I'm building a 1974, it is a 1.8, it's going to be a 2.0, 5 lug with Carbon Fiber hoods and not the original color. The car was stripped and close to being scrapped. I saved it and I am building what I want.

Follow your dream, make it what YOU want. My two cents.

[R_u_dd]

The 1.8 has the lowest horsepower. I made the decision to Suberize after posing the same question to the group. My journey has taken almost 2 years and $9k. But, I have a feeling that when I am done, it will be well worth it.

[914Sixer]

Make the car yours and drive it like you stole it!

[somd914]

Stock or modified? That's like talking religion and politics...

My two cents worth:

- 1.8, late model, big ugly bumpers are less desirable in the 914 arena.

- For me car ownership is about enjoyment not investment. Do with it what brings you pleasure, just keep in mind you can't please everyone, so please yourself. All three of our "collectables" are not stock and venture further away from it each year, but the smile factor keeps increasing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Jett]

What color is the 914?

I agree with the general sentiments... Do what makes you happy, but make sure you drive the heck out of it!

Personally, I like the challenge and opportunity to make each 914 as original as possible. We choose cars with interesting paint and one day hope to have a rainbow... We also drive the _hit out of them! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Btw. Just bought a 75 1.8, Palm Green Metallic that some horrible PO painted grayish blue (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Cheers

[jimkelly]

if you don't want to hack it up. a radiator engine will require some hacking. I say keep a type4 in it is your only option. a stock engine moves these things along pretty nicely. get a less pretty car to hack up for a suby or v8 build, if you find you need more power. if money is no object, you can get a pumped up type 4 engine from mcmark or raby but these start out at about $5k plus perriferrals (sp?).

[Coondog]

I just bought a #2 cond. 75 1.8 last week. I paid 12,000. On Wednesday I will pay a visit to Renegade Hybrids. I looked for a long time for a clean 914 as I didn't want surprises from Renegade when they get into it and I didn't want a car that needed paint or interior work. Exterior changes will be simple, bumpers replaced, pass side mirror install and larger rims and tires.

This is my 4th 914 in 30 years. While I appreciate a original 914 I just retired from 31 years in the Fire service, kids grown, wife is spoiled so now it's my time and I am going to V8 that puppy, spend lots of money I will never get back but who cares it's all about me now.

To answer your question build your dream my friend.

[Mark Henry]

My '74 1.8 could easily be put into concours condition, but it's my car I could give a crap about the value, so it's getting a new 3.0 twin plug. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[apsoto]

Thanks all for the comments. I haven't kept up on 914s in ~20 years so I didn't want to be 'that guy' that ruined a car that should have stayed original.