Why aren't 914's worth more $$$? Options

[74porsche914]

Just been wondering why 914's aren't worth more moolah. In my opinion there a lot more practical then british sport cars and other sports cars from the period. Is it because there always in the shadow of the 911? Really I'm grateful there affordable or I would not own one!

[Scott S]

"Few, if any, aspired to a 914. If you lusted for a Porsche, it was a 911 you coveted. Cars that have skyrocketed were the ones people wanted but couldn't afford."

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

There is no market for these cars. I would be willing to be that the members of our webpage family make up 95% - maybe even 99% - of the market for these cars. And while there are definitely exceptions, for the most part we are looking for a deal. Everytime a nice car comes up for sale with a larger asking price, there is almost always a discussion pointing out what is wrong with the car and why it is over priced.

A GT with history will always sell fast and for big money. The sixes obviously do better, but personally (like what is quoted above) if given the option between concours 914-6 and a very nice 911 long nose driver, I would absolutely go for the long nose - and I love 914's.

The -4's will always be an also ran to most folks outside of this community.

I dont forsee the average values ever remotely reaching the levels of the 356 or the 911 until we (the 914 community) are willing to pay that kind of money for a car.

Yes, yes - I know - we have seen some cars sell for decent money. But that thought process is backwards. In the 911 and 356 circles the cars have consistantly strong selling prices - the odd balls are not the ones that go for big money, they are the ones that sell for cheap.

Love them for what they are. I sure do. I want a real GT - hopefully someday. I also really want a V8! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sawzall-smiley.gif)

[larryM]

Great discussion!

- I agree with the comment below - I fear we are our own market - and a small one at best - most of us have a need to sell the 914 we have before we can get the something else

I do see fellows who already own a 911 deciding to get a 914 for a father-son project, or as a time-trial car for themselves or a family member - 914's are acknowledged even by 911 guys as one of the best PCA track cars you can field - even if one is less than enamored of the styling - outside of PCA the 914's acceptance is a different matter

in that - the PORSCHE MYSTIQUE is a powerful factor - the Porsche Club is a superb social network that few other car clubs can rival - and fortunately PCA is large enuf to accomodate all kinds of events and diversity of interests

PCA comraderie and events opportunity is the main thing that has kept me from selling my own 914 (tho i've been caught saying i'd trade it in a heartbeat for a Tiptronic Boxster S) - owning anything PORSCHE means we get to be in the best car club there is - (at least for as long as the older 911 & 356 guys keep doing all the club work)


- at general "all-makes" vintage car shows and cruises I find my 914 is an attraction to little kids & to lots of folks who "had one in college"

- y'all will find that a night at a local cruise, or a week at Hot August Nights or other car events, will be filled with many admirers and long conversations about the 914 they once had,

(little kids think our 914s are cute - like toys, like they popped out of a crackerjack or happy meal box)


you'll also be regaled with stories about the one they have in the backyard or barn and are "gonna restore someday", or "put in a six"

or the 914-4 that the brother-in-law spent $10,000 on flares, paint & upholstery, but can't get it to run or pass SMOG or some such problem and it's not registred - - "and would you know anybody who wants to buy it????"

(the answer is "yes, but expect to get back only about 30% of the "investment"") -

(i have luckily gotten back as much as 50% of the cash i've sunk into a "restored car") ( on the other hand i have actually made money on 914/6's and 911's i have bought & parted out instead of fixing - you'd think i'd get the message)

(we can't talk about the contributed labor in the "investment" - tho i often see that as part of the value pitch on cars i look at)

- as the lady of the house points out - "that car is just a hobby - think of it as a trip to London, or a night at the slot machines - the money is gone" -

regarding the VW myth -

I meet lots of young guys at these local cruise events who have one of those non-running basketcase 914s in the backyard, usually inherited by abandonment

- they want to know about finding parts, engines, etc (I am always happy to freely give info on sources & prices, and I often offer to look at their projects and give help & advice, and I tout the benefits of PCA) - and they are generally delighted to learn they can find VW parts to get on the road, and of course make it fast, dreaming of how great a car they are going to have one day by the sweat of their labor and minimal cost -

- I hear only an occasional snide "VW" catcall from some teenager who loves flaming tailpipes low-riders and doesn't even own a car yet, who is nevertheless trying to amuse his entourage

There is no market for these cars. I would be willing to be that the members of our webpage family make up 95% - maybe even 99% - of the market for these cars. And while there are definitely exceptions, for the most part we are looking for a deal. Everytime a nice car comes up for sale with a larger asking price, there is almost always a discussion pointing out what is wrong with the car and why it is over priced.