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!

[Pat Garvey]

I haven't had a rant in a while......

Why are 914 values lower than they should be? Several reasons, but not what everyone would think.

When I bought my 72 it cost me nearly a half years' wage. It was boxy, underpowered, and not cheap. After driving the TR6, which roasted mt feet, and being in a 6 month wait line for a 240Z (which arrived in the wrong color!) I made the committment to the 914. It was serious fun, and still is. I still own it.

That being said, here are the reasons why I feel the 914 fails to appreciate. Many of you will not like what I have to say.

The value of vintage cars (any) is determined by the desire to own one, demographics (including age of the buyer), and the condition of the car and its originality. Buyers today consider them an investment (NOT INCLIDING THIS FORUM), and expect to reap a profit at some time.

Modifications, for the most part, are detrimental to the value of the car, unless specifically condoned or performed by the factory. Ex:, a factory applied M471 package, or the factory parts supplied to a dealer for installation is OK, so long as it is documented.

As I said earlier, many of you will not be happy with what I have to say here, but it partially explains the lack of appreciation of the 914. Some examples, in no particular order.....

Six conversions - does the VIN/COA support it?
Carbs on a four - is it a euro version, with VIN/COA to match?
Shaved front side markers - see above.
Suby motors? Why?
GT converted bodywork?

These are just a few of the irreversible changes that will destroy collectability of the 914.

Raby motor, Interior changes, wheels, stereo systems can all be reversed, but when you make changes that cannot be reversed you've destroyed the 914's collectablility, and its associated sale value.

I don't know what the numbers of survivors is, be I'd be that it isn't higher than 60% of the original numbers produced (sixes excluded). That leaves about 65,000 (at best) 914-4s in the world. Those are low production numbers, and should produce higher resale values. Except.....too many have been modified beyond redemption. A four with working/intact FI is potentially collectible. A four with carbs and the FI system long gone is not. A six with a 2.0, or even an upgrade to a 2.2/2.4 is collectible. A six with a 3.2/3.6 is lost.

So, before I end my rant, and arouse the wrath of others, here is why the value of 914's does not raise in my opinion - the car lends itself to modification. Not a bad thing to the modifier who could care less about value, but a detriment to the collectability. I, as an original owner of an unmodified 914 don't care. My values will continue to rise. I also applaud those who've spent the bucks to make what they want a 914 to be - just think you've missed an opportunity.

Rant over.
Pat

[unpolire]

"Why are 914 values lower than they should be? Several reasons, but not what everyone would think.

The value of vintage cars (any) is determined by the desire to own one, demographics (including age of the buyer), and the condition of the car and its originality. Buyers today consider them an investment (NOT INCLIDING THIS FORUM), and expect to reap a profit at some time."

Modifications, for the most part, are detrimental to the value of the car, unless specifically condoned or performed by the factory. Ex:, a factory applied M471 package, or the factory parts supplied to a dealer for installation is OK, so long as it is documented."
Pat

I tip my hand here, as a serious collector with more cars than I dare whisper (lest there be gasps of disbelief), by agreeing with Pat, on not just 914s in general, but ALL classic cars. I struggle with correcting every car I buy back to its original state when manufactured, unless there were important manufacturer upgrades or recalls. I am happy to see so many incredible engineers, designers, fabricators, and tinkerers doing amazing things to 914s, many of which would be lost to the crusher if not for this forum's incredible resourcefulness. So those happily saved personal masterpieces, every one, that have escaped the ravages of time, neglect, and rust, make me smile. I will keep original cars intact, as I could never be a dismantler, and have expended tens of thousands restoring cars that my professionals just shake their heads at, because preservation is my calling. IF I find a 914 missing its major components or with steel flares already attached, I will finish it as if the factory had continued production, rather than pass it by or see it crushed like so many in years past. I'm for the best of both worlds!